Gaulte had, in fact, supposed that Noyez was back of the lines on over-night leave, for which he had applied.
"The business looks bad!" cried Captain Cartier, with troubled face.
"Quite!" agreed Captain Gaulte more calmly.
"I must telephone for instructions," Cartier continued.

"It may require a long wait.

Gentlemen, you will find seats." First Cartier called up his regimental commander and reported the matter.
"It will be passed on to division headquarters," reported Captain Cartier, turning from the telephone instrument.
By and by the telephone bell tinkled softly.

Orders came over the wire that the arresting party should take the prisoners to division headquarters.
"These are your instructions, then, Lieutenant De Verne.

Of course it is expected that Captain Prescott will accompany you as complaining witness." In the darkness of the night it was a toilsome march back through the communication trenches.