A strange, shrivelled creature had taken possession of it.

He raised his head and peered about him.

He and three soldiers--youngsters, like himself, who had never before been under fire--appeared to be utterly alone in that hell.

They were the end men of the regiment, and the configuration of the ground completely hid them from their comrades.
"They glanced at each other, these four, and read one another's thoughts.
Leaving their rifles lying on the grass, they commenced to crawl stealthily upon their bellies, the lieutenant leading, the other three following.
"Some few hundred yards in front of them rose a small, steep hill.

If they could reach this it would shut them out of sight.