you will see...." Somewhere the soldiers were singing, and then all sounds ceased.

We were standing, many of us, in the dark, the great oak and many other giant trees were about us and the utter silence was like a sudden plunge into deep water on a hot day.

We were waiting, ready for the Creature, breathless with suspense.
"Now!" some one cried, and instantly there was such a roar that I seemed to be lifted by it far into the sky, held, rocked, then dropped gently.

I woke to find myself standing up in the trench, my hands to my ears.

I was aware first that the sky had changed from blue into a muddy grey, then that dust and an ugly smell were in my eyes, my mouth, my nose.