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206 General Otis for relief. They say they can't stand it much longer."

So the talk went on, both Ben and Gilbert saying but little. Presently Major Morris poked his nose into the opening.

"I think you boys had better come out of there," he said shortly.

"Why, major—" began several.

"Are we to advance?" asked others.

"No, we are not going to advance, unless it's skyward," continued the major. "Either come out of that, or else put out that fire, and be mighty careful about it."

"The fire ain't doing no harm," grumbled a private, under his breath.

"I don't believe the enemy can see the smoke in this rain," suggested another, thinking that this was the cause of their being disturbed.

"I'm not thinking of the enemy, boys, I'm thinking of you. Better come out, and then we'll put out that fire as carefully as we can."

Seeing that something unusual was in the wind, one after another of the officers and privates came forth from the hollow, Stummer giving the fire a kick as he passed. As soon as they were