The First Hundred Thousand by Ian Hay
page 88 of 303 (29%)
page 88 of 303 (29%)
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ask some one else.
However, here we are face to face with General Freeman. Immediate action is called for. Captain Blaikie flings an order over his shoulder to the subaltern in command of the leading platoon-- "Pass back word that this road is under shell fire. Move!" --and rides forward to meet the General. In ten seconds the road behind him is absolutely clear, and the men are streaming out to right and left in half-platoons. Waddell's platoon has the hardest time, for they were passing a quickset hedge when the order came. However, they hurl themselves blasphemously through, and double on, scratched and panting. "Good morning, sir!" says Captain Blaikie, saluting. "Good morning!" says General Freeman. "What was that last movement?" "The men are taking 'artillery' formation, sir. I have just passed the word down that the road is under shell fire." "Quite so. But don't you think you ought to keep some of your company in rear, as a supporting line? I see you have got them all up on one front." By this time A Company is advancing in its original direction, but split up into eight half-platoons in single file--four on each side of the road, at intervals of thirty yards. The movement has been quite |
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