"Yes; go right ahead there," he pointed, "and keep well down off the
hills--you'll see the beach when you've gone for a mile or so--"

"How far is it?"

"'Bout four miles;" and then, "Got a match?"

"Yes--but it's dangerous to light up."

"Must 'ave a smoke--nothink to eat or drink."

"Well, here you are; light up inside my helmet."

He did; this hid the lighted match from any sniper's eye. The other
seven men came crawling out of the bushes to light up their
"woodbines" and fag-ends.

"Well, I'm off," said I, and once more went forward in the direction
pointed out by the corporal and his lost squad.

"So long, mate--good luck!" he shouted.

"Same to you!" I called back.

And now came sleep upon me. Even as I walked an awful weariness fell
upon every limb. My legs became heavy and slow. That short rest had
stiffened me, and my eyelids closed as I trudged on. I lifted them
with an effort and dragged one foot after the other. I knew I must get
back to my unit, and that here it was very dangerous. I wanted to lie