Chapter XVII Summary

Henry's regiment was marching out to relieve another that had been lying too long in low wet trenches. As they assumed their positions, they could see the long stretch of cleared woods and see the flashes of rifle shots coming from the woods behind. The guns increased their activity with no let up and it began to rattle the men's nerves. They began to grouse and complain until they were silenced by an officer who told them to save their strength for the fighting coming up.

As they waited in line in the forest, a gust of the battle came sweeping over them where they lay. The front line shifted a little and then they waited in silence as you do in the moments before a storm. Then a single rifle shot rang out and others followed in rapid succession. The...