On the contrary there was nothing to be seen save the trench itself.

Dick had heard that often the German first-line trenches are deserted during parts of quiet nights on the front.
A slight sense of motion caused Prescott to look around.

He was in time to see the French private wriggling backward.

The sergeant withdrew his head to a point below the outer edge of the parapet, seeing which the American captain followed suit.
Minutes passed before the departed soldier returned with Lieutenant De Verne and the remainder of the patrol.

Only a glance did the French lieutenant take down into the trench.