.

At the same time that these challenging noises were accumulating to the front, our men could almost feel the vast silence of the abyss in their rear, which seemed even more menacing, reminding them that the brink of the cliff lay only a few feet behind them, leaving no room for retreat or escape. This was to be a death-grapple in the sternest sense of the words.

Had our men been inexperienced or excitable, they would have opened fire on the "phantom targets" which these noises raised. That is always the way by which jittery troops relieve their overwrought nerves. But had they given way to their nerves here , the waste of ammunition would have cost them their lives. Fortunately they had gained from the discipline of combat experience that chilled-steel temper which gives top-grade soldiers such firm steadiness. Even the replacements, who served with the older men, had acquired some of their coolness, if not their confidence; and like their seniors, they grimly held their fire until precise targets were offered.