The Conscript: Here's an extra first-aid packet--better stop the bleeding. The naked man moves closer, but refuses the proffered packet. The Naked Man: Thank you, brother, but it would do me no good. The Marine: I guess you're right there. Bayonet, hey? Jabbed up an' got you. The Naked Man: I've come from inside the German lines. The Conscript: Captured and got away, eh? Stripped off your uniform-- The Marine: What's your division? I bet Liggett's corp's been catchin' hell! The Naked Man: I am unattached. The Marine, feebly tossing out his mask: Take this; it can't help me, but there's gas around. The Naked Man: Thanks, brother, but I hardly think it would help me, either. The naked man moves, to show them his wounded feet. He opens his hands; and the conscript breaks into a bitter cry. The Conscript: By God! Crucified you, like they did to the Canucks! The Marine, pityingly: Aw, hell! The German soldier opens his eyes, staring about in vacant wonder. The German: To whom are you talking? There is no one here. Ach, the Valkyr song! It is drawing nearer-- The naked man throws him a glance of stern pity. Then he turns and extends his hand to the conscript. The Naked Man: Come! I'll help you-- The Conscript, smiling: No use, pard! You chase along--we're here for keeps. The Naked Man: Take my hand and get up! I've come to take you home. The Marine, laughing harshly: Home! With a faint shrug, the conscript touches the extended hand, grips it, and rises. In his face dawns amazed incredulity. The Conscript: Good lord! I believe I can walk after all! The naked man turns and holds out his hand to the marine in silent command. The Marine, roughly: Aw, don't be a fool--can't you see I only got one foot? You guys chase along-- The Naked Man: I tell you, come! Put an arm around my neck; we'll do very well. Take my hand and get up! Compelled, the marine obeys. Into his bronzed face leaps surprise as he rises. After getting one arm about his helper's neck, he pauses suddenly. The Marine: Look here, you ain't in no shape to stand us both-- The Naked Man: Be quiet, brother! We are going home, and you need not doubt my strength. Come, let us go. They start away, the marine moving by awkward hops, but moving. The conscript holds to the arm of the naked man, throwing him sidelong glances of frightened surmise--and at length checks himself abruptly. The Conscript: I don't know if I'm out of my head--no, no! It's an impossibility. I'm afraid even to think of it-- The naked man smiles. Behind them the German once more opens his eyes and looks about in wonder. The German: Where are they gone? No one is here--they were talking, yet I see no one. I can see no one! The naked man casts over his shoulder a look of ineffable sorrow. From him comes a murmur. The Naked Man: No, you can see no one. You cannot even see ME! And that, as you shall come to know, is hell. LES DEUX CORTEGES