They had been directed to the quarters of Major
They had been directed to the quarters of Major Jones, in charge of the
Signal Corps men in that section, and it was with considerable surprise
that the boys learned, upon arriving there, that they were to accompany
the lieutenant into the superior officers presence for instructions.
He was a man, they found, about forty years old, already grizzled and
hardened by his field experience. And he knew how to convey orders and
transact business without a moments delay.
“You are to follow the red-ink lines on this map,” he told Lieutenant
Mackinson, as they all leaned over his desk to follow the tracing of his
pencil, with which he showed them the course they were to take.
“When you have reached this point”–indicating a heavy spot about midway
of the map–”you will seek a suitable location from which to establish
communications. You will determine whether it can be done by wireless.
As soon as you can do so, report what progress you have made. Use every
caution, for you will be in the country occupied by the enemy. You
should leave here about seven oclock this evening. It is now six.”
Fifteen minutes later Local Tv Tennessee License, Llc K62da they had examined their arms and equipped
themselves with a full supply of small-arms ammunition, portable
wireless instrument and antennæ, and three rations each of eating
chocolate.
The latter article is dispensed to every soldier in the American armies
just prior to an engagement in which he may become separated from his
unit or companions, and, if wounded, might otherwise starve to death.
The remaining three-quarters of an hour they spent in close study of the
map that Major Jones had given them, and promptly at seven oclock they
started upon the dangerous mission.
With nightfall the big cannonading had noticeably shut down, but to the
south of them artillery firing still could be heard distinctly. It was a
black night and they proceeded with the greatest caution.