Though they
had stood at the small windows and fired at whatever German forms came
within view, they had had little work to do, the men were beginning to
murmur among themselves.
"We're not needed down here," said one. "We should be upstairs where the
fighting is being done. No Germans will seek to come in here."
"That's right," said another, "we might do some good above. Here we are
doing nothing at all. Why, we have hardly seen a German. I don't believe
any of the enemy have spotted this opening yet, either."
"Nor I; wish they had let me stay upstairs."
"What's all this?" demanded Chester, suddenly. "You men have been in the
ranks long enough to know better than to question your officers' orders.
You have been posted here and here you shall remain until I get orders to
the contrary."
"But, sir," said one of the men, "we would like--"
"Silence!" said Chester. "Back to your places."
The men obeyed, though they continued to murmur. Chester softened a few
minutes later and again addressed his men.
"I have no doubt you fellows will have all the fighting you want before
this thing is over," he said quietly. "As nearly as I can make out from
here the men upstairs must be about done for.
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