A shell bursting almost overhead put all such thoughts out of his mind for the present.  A hot piece of metal shooting downward struck on the bottom of the trench and lay there hissing.  John stepped over it and passed on.

The cannonade was at its height, and he noticed that it was heavier than usual.  Perhaps the increase of volume was due to the presence of some great dignitary, the Kaiser himself maybe, or the Crown Prince, or the Chief of the General Staff.  But it was only a flitting thought.  The subject did not interest him much.

The sky was turning darker and the heavy flakes of snow fell faster.  John looked up apprehensively.  Snow now troubled him more than guns.  It was no welcome visitor in the trenches where it flooded some of them so badly as it melted that the men were compelled to move.

As he walked along he was hailed by many friendly voices.  He was well known in that part of the gigantic burrow, and the adaptable young American had become a great favorite, not only with the Strangers, but with his French comrades.  Fleury, coming out of a transverse cut, greeted him.  The Savoyard had escaped during the fighting on the Aisne, and had rejoined the command of General Vaugirard, wounded in the arm, but now recovered.

“Duty?” he said to John.

“Yes.  Captain Colton has sent for me, but I don’t know what he wants.”

“Don’t get yourself captured again.  Twice is enough.”

“I won’t.  There isn’t much taking of prisoners while both sides keep to their holes.”

Fleury disappeared in one of the earthy aisles, and John went on, turning a little later into an aisle also, and arriving at Captain Cotton’s post.

Daniel Colton had for his own use a wooden bench three feet long, set in an alcove dug in the clay.  Some boards and the arch of the earth formed an uncertain shelter.  An extra uniform hung against the wall of earth, and he also had a tiny looking-glass and shaving materials.  He was as thin and dry as ever, addicted to the use of words of one syllable, and sparing even with them.

John saluted.  He had a great respect and liking for his captain.

“Sit down,” said Captain Colton, making room on the bench.

John sat.

“Know well a man named Weber?”

“Yes,” replied John in surprise.  He had not thought of the Alsatian in days, and yet they had been together in some memorable moments.

“Thought you’d say so.  Been here an hour.  Asks for you.  Must see you, he says.”

“I’ll be glad to meet him again, sir.  I’ve a regard for him.  We’ve shared some great dangers.  You’ve heard that he was in the armored automobile with Carstairs, Wharton and myself that time we ran it into the river?”

Captain Colton nodded.

“Then we were captured and both escaped during the fighting along the Marne.  Lannes took me away in his aeroplane, but we missed Weber.  I thought, though, that he’d get back to us, and I’m glad, very glad that he’s here.”