A starving man suffers more from hunger if pleasant food is placed within sight, but beyond his reach.
However, we were to go to the front at last, and we rejoiced at the prospect of being really useful to our country.
The following day, Decoration Day, dawned pleasantly, both wind and weather being all that could be desired.
Directly after dinner we were sent to quarters for target practice.

The target was dropped astern, and the ship steamed ahead to the required distance.

Word was given to the marines manning the six-pounders to prove their skill.
The port forecastle six-pounder, using a shell containing cordite, a powerful English explosive, was in charge of a marine corporal named J.J.Murray, who acted as captain of the gun.

After firing several rounds with marked success, Murray saw that the gun was loaded for another trial.
Standing at the breech, he steadied the gun with his left arm and shoulder, seized the pistol-grip, placed his finger on the trigger, and then slowly and carefully brought the target within the sighting line in readiness to fire.
The other members of the gun's crew were at their proper stations.
Numbers 2 and 3, respectively second captain and first loader and shellman, were directly behind the corporal.

They saw him steady the piece again, take another careful aim, then noted that his finger gave a quick tug at the trigger.
The result was a dull click but no explosion.
The corporal stepped back from his place in vexation.