It did not take the Sammies long, working feverishly as they did, to
raise a protecting mound of earth between them and the Huns. And then,
for some reason or other, the savage fire of the Germans slacked at
the particular section of the line where our heroes were stationed.

"Are you all right, Rodge?" called Jimmy to the chum on his left.

"So far, yes. How about you?"

"Oh, I was nicked in one ear--just a scratch. It's hardly bleeding.
Can you see Bob?"

"Yes, he's got a swell place--in a shell hole, and Franz is with him.
See anything of Iggy?"

"No," answered Jimmy. "I'm afraid he's done for. If I get a chance,
I'm going back to see. Looks as if Fritz had had enough at this
sector."

"Aren't we going forward?" some one called to the lieutenant in
charge. "Come on! Lead us to the Boches!"

"Have to wait for orders," was the grim answer. "We were told to halt
here. Can't go on without orders!"

There were murmurs of disapproval at this, but the discipline was
strict.

"Anybody badly wounded?" asked the lieutenant. "If there is, now's