into the shell hole, the man groaned.

Lucia could feel that his forehead was wet with great drops of
perspiration. She found his water bottle and gave him a drink.

"What's happened?" he asked, speaking close to her ear.

Lucia told him as much as she knew.

"Then the bridge has gone?" There was hope in his voice.

"Gone for good. They can never cross it, and our men are just over
there."

"How can I get you back?" she asked. "The convent is so far away."

The soldier shook his head. "You can't. We are caught here between
the two fires, it would be certain death to move. What made you come
back?"

"To find you," Lucia replied. "I could not come sooner, there was so
much to do. I even forgot you, but when I remembered, I ran all the
way and now I am helpless."

"Don't give up," the Italian replied. "You must have courage for both
of us, for I am useless. My leg has been badly injured by a piece of
shell, and I cannot even crawl."

"Then there is nothing to do but wait for the light," Lucia was
trembling all over. "Oh, what a long day it has been!"