n took to the trenches at the crossing of the Pozieres Road,
and so effective was the counter-battery work that they were able to
settle down into their battle positions without casualties. The R. A. P.
was in a deep German dug-out thirty feet below the surface, with double
entrances and heavily timbered. It had been most elaborately prepared,
planked on sides and floor, and fitted with electric lights. There were
two main rooms, with a connecting corridor, leading to each entrance.
They found an Australian medical officer in charge.

"These chaps were regular settlers, weren't they?" said Barry, after
they had exchanged greetings.

"Yes, sir, they intended to sty, apparently," said the Australian, in
his slow drawl. "We found some letters on a wounded officer indicating
their intention to remyn for the durytion, but we wanted the
plyce--couldn't carry on without it in fact. It's quite a good plyce,
too," he added with a cheerful grin.

"Why, it's just bully," said the M. O. "I am only sorry that we can't
promise you as good in The Salient."

"I hear it is rather rotten, eh, sir?" said the Australian.

"Not as bad as Gallipoli, though," said Barry. "By Jove! You Australian
chaps did magnificently down there. Must have been a perfect hell."

"Oh, yes, quite hot for a while, but I fancy you Canydians didn't have
any afternoon tea party in The Sylient, eh? My word, there was some
fighting there. Oh, there it comes," he added.

As he spoke a muffled explosion was heard, and the dug-out rocked, and
the candles flickered.

"Can they get you down here?" inquired the M. O.

"I fancy a direct hit from a really big H. E. would disturb our little
home, but nothing else would. Of course, a shell in the door wye would
be a bit awkward, you knaow," replied the Australian.

The night, however, passed quietly, and except for a few slightly
wounded walking cases, there was little work to do. The Canadians
decided that in coming to the Somme, they had made a most happy
exchange.

A quiet day followed the night, but the whole battalion was keyed up
with intense expectation for the attack which they knew was fixed for
the night following. With expectation mingled curiosity. They knew all
about raiding; that was their own specialty, but they were curious as
to the new style of fighting which they knew to be awaiting them, the
capturing, holding and consolidating of a line of enemy trenches.

Nightfall brought the opportunity t