There seemed to be no movement of any kind in the trench before him, which ran through the ruined building.

The light of the burning was dying, and he could just make out the mound of earth a yard in front.

He began to feel hungry, and got out his packet of food and had a swig at the brandy flask.

That comforted him, and he felt a master of his fate again.

But the next step was not so easy.