Cpl. Bertrand

The aloof commander of a reserve squad in the second line, Bertrand is erect and silent, with a strong, handsome face and forthright gaze. Few details are offered about him other than that he has a famous knife with a horn handle and is a former factory foreman. He hates drunkenness, considering it a fatal poison, and his squad behaves soberly when others drink before moving to the front. Notable nearly every one of his men has won the Croix de Guerre for heroism. They are on call at night to build emergency earthworks at the front, but during the day have nothing to do. Bertrand reminds them they need only know that the "Boches "(Germans) are dug in ahead and must be put out soon. Duty and danger are equivalent when defending justice and liberty. It ought to be the common duty of all. When his...