A wild-eyed German, armed with a rifle and bayonet, came to the rim of the crater and lunged at Bubb. The Cockney, elusive as an eel, slipped out of reach, seized his own rifle and fired at the man. The German fell forward, dead, the bullet had gone through his neck and pierced the jugular vein. "Funny bloke, that feller," said Bubb. "I think he had gone mad," said Bowdy, changing his position and getting clear of the prostrate form which had fallen into the crater. At this moment the artillery fire ceased ravaging the German front line, the range was lengthened and the guns devoted their attention to the enemy's support trenches. A whistle was blown.... The men went forward, Captain Thorley leading. The bandage on his hand was very dirty now.... The enemy trenches were very quiet, not a rifle spoke. Parties of Germans came out with their hands in air, muttering "Kamerad! Kamerad!" They were taken prisoners. "It's a damned tame endin'," said Bubb. "After all that strafing." "It's like a grand overture without a performance following," said Captain Thorley who overheard Bubb's remark. "Yes, sir," Bubb replied. "'Ave yer a match to spare, sir. I forgot mine. Left them in the last dug-out, sir." Every move augmented the number of prisoners, they rose from the ground and from shell-holes and gave themselves up. Now and again an apparently dead German was tickled with the point of a bayonet and he came to life with startling suddenness. Bubb discovered a helmet, put it on and put up his hands in imitation of the Germans who were surrendering.... Bowdy discovered a box of cigars somewhere and lit up, then he handed the box round. "Have a smoke, boys," said Captain Thorley. "Just to celebrate the taking of the High Wood...." At that moment a shrapnel shell burst over the captain's head and he fell to the ground mortally wounded. A bullet had hit him on the temple. A few men rushed in to his assistance, Bubb leading. But nothing could be done. His brains were oozing out.... Consciousness was lost, death would come in a few moments. A stretcher-bearer appeared, then another, and they carried the captain away. He died before reaching the dressing-station. The London Irish now set about consolidating their position and spent long hours of spade-work on the job. Next night the men were relieved. CHAPTER XX BACK FROM BATTLE And as we left the trench to-night, Each weary 'neath his load, Grey silent ghosts as light as air Came with us down the road. And as we sat us down to drink, They sat beside us too, And drank red wine at Nouex les Mines, As once they used to do. (_From "Soldier Songs."_)