It revived painful memories of France in wartime, but he accepted the hardtack and began biting it off in large chunks.

Hippy did not concern himself about how long the mysterious friend remained away so long as the biscuit held out, unpalatable as it was.
"I shall be listening for shells to burst first thing I know.

Army food! How did I ever eat it for nearly two years and live ?" It was full two hours later when the welcome whistle signal sounded somewhere down stream, which Lieutenant Wingate answered as directed.
"Come! We will head for your camp now," announced the man a few moments later, as he stepped up before Hippy.
"Did you learn anything on your little excursion ?" questioned Hippy thickly, for his mouth was well filled with hardtack.
"Yes, Lieutenant.

I learned a great deal.

I was there when the crowd came in to put you on the rack.