rs went swiftly and smoothly on.

At length there was a pause in the rush of calls upon the general's
attention.

"Come in this way," he said to Barry, and led him to a smaller room at
the back of the dug-out.

"Very comfortable quarters these. They seem to have done themselves
quite well, haven't they? It is most convenient, for we certainly should
not have taken pains to construct such elaborate dug-outs as these
we have fallen heir to. Find a seat, Dunbar. I have got the latest
reports." His voice was very gentle and very kindly. "Yes," he
continued, "we have had a bad night's work. Uncut wire and an enfilade
from a redoubt which should have been blown up. The casualties are very
heavy."

"What are they?" Barry asked.

"Quite heavy, Dunbar, I'm afraid. Only some fifty have reported so far."

"Fifty!" cried Barry. "Out of five hundred!"

"There will doubtless some more drop in," added the general, "but we
must be prepared for a heavy loss, far heavier, both in officers and
men, than we can afford. The Battalion Headquarters was terribly wrecked
by a succession of direct hits. Only a few of the staff escaped unhurt.
Colonel Leighton was a fine officer. I had a great admiration, indeed,
affection, for him. I know how you felt towards him, and he to you."

The steadiness in his voice brought quiet, but the kindness in it
brought strength, and comfort. Barry became suddenly aware of the
crushing load of responsibility upon this gentle-voiced man. He was
eager to help.

"I wish I could help you, sir," he said. "I am sure we are all ready to
do our best."

"I know that, Dunbar, and all are needed. Major Duff has gone out badly
injured. The only officers remaining unhurt in the front line are Major
Bayne and Captain Fraser, both of whom are splendidly carrying on. And
you, too, have given great help to-day. Colonel James assures me that
your initiative and resourcefulness were of the greatest service to him.
Oh, by the way, a message came through in a letter the other day, that I
should have sent you, but other things put it out of my mind, I am sorry
to say." He touched a bell. "You see I had to tell your wife, Dunbar,
of your determination to stay by us," he added with a smile. "Get me my
private post-bag, please," he said to the orderly. He selected a letter
from a packet, opened it, and pointed to a page. Barry recognised the
handwriting as his wife's. He read:

"I need not assure you it was none of my fami