Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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I... - _ 'J\ "Over the fop" By An Americin Soldier Who Went ARTHUR GUY EMPEY Machtn Canntr Serving tn Franc "SYNOPSIS." Chapter I?Fired by the news of the sinking of the Lusitania by a German submarine, Arthur Guy Ehipey, an American, leaves his office in Jersey City and goes to England Tfhere he enlists in the British army. Chapter II?After a period of training, jMiipey vuiuuteeis ivi immediate service, and soon finds himself in rest billets "somewhere in France," where he first makes the acquaintance of the ever-present "cooties." Chapter III?Empey attends his first church services at the front while a German Fokker circles over the congregation. Chapter IV?Empey's command goes into the front-line trenches and is under fire for the first time. Chapter V?Empey learns to adopt the motto of the British Tommy, "If you are going to get it, you'll get, so never worry." Chapter VI?Back in*the rest billets, Empey gets his first experience as a mess orderly. ChaDter VII?Empey learns how the British soldiers are fed. Chapter VIII?Back in the frontline trench, Empey sees his first friend of the trenches "go West." Chapter IX?Empey makes his . first visit to a dugout in "Suicide Ditch." Chapter X?.Empey learns what constitutes a "day's work" in. the tront-line trench. Chapter XI?Empey goes "over the top" for the first time in a charge on the German trenches and is wounded by a bayonet thrust. Chapter XII?Empey joins the "suicide club" as the bombing squad is called. Chapter XIII?Each Tommy gets an official bath. Chapter XIV?Empey helps dig an advanced trench under German fire. Chapter XV?On "listening post" in No Man's Land. against the barbed wire stakes, which 1 ? ?? TMalrlnflr o nnfaa arc Ul UVU| CUiU luaaiug tt uv.wv I which may wam the inmates of the |trench that someone Is getting fresh In their front yard. There Is only one way to cut a barbed wire without noise and through costly experience Tommy has become an expert in doing this. You must grasp the wire about two inches from the stake in your right hand and cut between the stake and iyour hand. If you cut a wire Improperly, a loud twang will ring out on the night air like the snapping of a banjo string. Perhaps this noise can be heard only for fifty or seventy-five yards, but^n Tommy's mind It makes a loud noise in Berlin. We had cut a lane about halfway through the wire when, down the center of our line, twang! went an imDroDerly cut wire. We crouched down, H Receiving First Aid. ra cursing tinder our breath, trembling all H over, our knees lacerated from the .strands of the cut barbed wire on the ti HI i'l AMOKM 501,Wffi 10 WENT - ? IlKilTOEY zmmjrnimiwct"-?1917 BY ARTHUR tUYEWEY was rne one wrnr Ea<r sr.eezed about half an hour previously. What we wished him would never make his new year a happy one. * The officer, In my opinion, at the ' noise of the wire should have given the four-tap signal, which meant, "On your j ow:i, get back to your trenches as J quickly as possible," but again he must [ have relied on the spiel that Old Pepper had given us In the dugout, "Personally I believe that that part of the Geiman trench Is unoccupied." Anyway, we got careless, but not so careless that we sang patriotic songs or made any unnecessary nblse. Emring the Intervals of falling star shells we carried on with our wire cutring until at last we succeeded in getting through the German barbed wire. At this point we were only ten feet frnin tho fiormon frannhaa Tf too WPN a , discovered, we were like rats In a trap, i 1 Our way was cut off unless we ran j, along the wire to the narrow lane we 0 had cut through. With our hearts in 6 j our mouths we waited for the three- s i tap signal to rush the German trench, t {Three taps had gotten about halfway f ; down the line when suddenly about ten J to twenty German star shells were ^ fired all along the trench and landed in the barbed wire In rear of us, turn- j lng night Into day and silhouetting us * against the wall of light made by the j flares. In the glaring light we were t confronted by the following unpleasant scene. | All along the German trench, at t about three-foot Intervals, stood a big ^ Prussian guardsman with his rifle at T the aim, and then we found out why j we had not been challenged when the ^ man sneezed and the barbed wire had ^ been Improperly cut About three feet t In front of the trench they had con- j stnicted a single fence of barbed wire and we knew our. chances were one thousand to one of returning alive. We could not rush their trench on account of this second defense. Then in ;!ront of me the challenge, "Halt," given In English rang out, and one of the finest things I have ever heard on the western front took place. From the middle of our line some Torimy answered the challenge with, "Aw, go to h?1." It must have been the man who had sneezed or who had improperly cut the barbed wire; he wanted to show Fritz that he could die game. Then came the volley. Machine guns were turned loose and several bombs were thrown in our rear. The Boche In front of me was looking down his sight. This fellow might have, under ordinary circumstances, been handsome, but when I viewed him from the front of his rifle he had the goblins of childhood imagination relegated to the shade. Then came a flash in front of me, the flare of his rifle?^and my head seemed to burst. A bullet had hit me on the j left- side of my face about half an ! inch from mv eve. smashlner the cheek ! bones. I put my hand to my face and I fell forward, biting the ground and J kicking my feet. I thought I was dying, but, do yon know, my past life did not unfold before me the way it does In novels. The blood was streaming down my tunic, and the pain was awful. When I came to I said to myself, "Einp, old boy, you belong In Jersey City, and you'd better get back there as quickly as .possible." The bullets were cracking overhead. I crawled a few feet back to the Ger- j man barbed wire, and in a stooping po-1 sitlon, guiding myself by the wire, I went down the line looking for the lane we had cut through. Before reaching this lane I came to a limp form which seemed like a bag "of oats hanging over the wire. In the dim light I could see that its hands were I blackened, and knew it was the body j of one of my mates. I put my hand I on his head, the top of which had been I blown off by a bomb. My fingers sank Into the hole. I pulled my hand back full of blood and brains, then I went crazy with fear and horror and rushed along the wire until I came to our lane. I had just turned down this lane . when something Inside of me seemed j to say, "Look around." I did so; a bul-! let caught me on the left shoulder. It j did not hurt much, just felt as if some- ! one had punched me In the back, and then my left side went numb. My arm " was dangling like a rag. I fell forward in a sitting position. But all the fear had left me and.,1 was consumed witn ' rage and cursed the German trenches, c With my right hand I felt in ray tunic . for my first-aid or shell dressing. In feeling over my tunic my hand came r in contact with one of the bombs which I carried. Gripping it, I pulled the pin i out with my teeth and blindly threw it r towards the German trench. I must t have been out of my head, because I , I was only ten feet from the trench and ! took a chance of being mangled. If 1 | the bomtf had failed to go Into the i trench I would have been blown to 1 loniS, which luckily landed In their rench, I saw one big Boche throw up lis arms and fall backwards, while his Ifle flew Into the air. Another one lilted and fell forward across the landbags?then blackness. Realizing what a foolhardy and risky blng I had done, I was again seized vlth a horrible fear. I dragged myself 0 my feet and ran madly down the ane through the barbed wire, stumping over cut "wires, tearing toy uniorm, and lacerating my hancjs and egs. Just as I was about to reach fo Man's Land again, thnj same voice leemed to say, "Turn around." I did 10, when, "crack," another bullet taught me, this time In the left shouller about one-half Inch away from the ither wound. Then It was taps for me. The lights went out. When I came to I was crouching in 1 hole in No Man's Land. This shell iole was about three feet deep, so that t brought my head a few inches below he level of the ground. How I reached bis hole I will never know. German 'typewriters" were traversing back ind forth In No Man's Land, the bulets biting the edge of my shell hole ind throwing curt an over me. Overhead shrapnel, was bursting. [ could hear the fragments slap the jround. Then I went out once more. iVhen I came to everything was silence md darkness in No Man's Land. I vas soaked with blood and a big flap !rom the wound In my cheek was hangng over my mouth. The blood running from tiys flap choked me. Out of Jie corner of my mouth I would try md blow it back, but it would not uove. I reached for my shell dressing md tried, with one hand, to bandage my face to prevent the flow. I had in awful horror of bleeding to death nd was getting very faint. Yoa would lave laughed if you had seen my adicrous attempts at bandaging with ne hand. The pains in my wounded houlder were awful and I was getting ick at the stomach. I gave up the iandaging stunt as a bad job, and theta alnted. When I came to, hell was let loose. Ln Intense bombardment was on, and >n the whole my position was decided 7 unpleasant, xnen, suuuewy, uui mirage ceased. The silence almost iurt, but not for long, because Fritz urned loose with shrapnel, machine runs, and rifle fire. Then all along our Ine came a cheer and our boys came >ver the top In a charge. The first rave was composed of "Jocks." They vere a magnificent sight, kilts, flapping n the wind, bare knees showing, and heir bayonets glistening. In the first rave that passed my shell hole, one of he "Jocks," an immense fellow, about ilx feet two Inches in height jumped lght over me. On the right and left >f me several soldiers in colored krits vere huddled.on the ground, then ovey :aq?e the second wave, also "Jocks." )ne young Scottie, when he came ibreast of my shell hole, leaped into he air, his rifle scooting out of his j mnds, landing about six feet i:n front I >f him, bayonet first, and stuck in the J fround, the butt trembling. This lm>ressed me greatly. Right now I can see the butt of that nm trembling. The Scottie made a complete turn in .the air, hit the pround, rolling over tw:lcep each time :lawlng at the earth, and then renalned still, about four feet from me, n a sort of sitting position. I called to lim, "Are you hurt badly, Jock?" but 10 answer. He was dead. A dark red imudge was coming through his tunic lght under the heart. The blood ran lown his bare knees, making a horrible light. On his right side he carried his vater bottle. I was crazy for a drink tnd tried' to reach this, but for the life >f me could not negotiate that four eet Then I became unconscious. iVhen I woke up I was in an advanced lrst-ald post. _ I asked the doctor If ?e had taken f!he trench. "We took he trench and the wood beyond, all lght," he said, "and you fellows did rour bit; but, my lad, that wasi thlrtylix hours ago. You were lying In No Han's Land in that bally hole for a day md a half. It's a wonder you are al}ve." also told me that out of the twenty hat were in the raiding party, seven:een were killed. The officer died of vounds in crawling back to our trench md I was severely wounded, but one ellow returned without a scratch, with>ut any prisoners. No doubt this chap vas the one who had sneezed and im- j properly cut the barbed wire. In the official communique our trench I raid was described as follows: "All quiet on the western front, ex- [ :eptlng in the neighborhood of Gomxiecourt woodK where one of otir raiding parties penetrated into the German lines." . It is needless to say that we had ao use for oqr persuaders or come-alongs, as we brought back no prisoners, and until I die Old Pepper's words, "Personally I don't believe that that part sf the German trench Is occupied," will always come to me when I hear some i fellow trying to get away with a fishy statement. I will judge it accordingly, j - (TO BE CONTINUED.) i - I Dr. F. N. Parker, of Emory Uni-j rersity, elected Wednesday to the :ollege of bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church South Thursday norning took the floor of the confer:nce and anounced that he could lot accept the office. Cries of pro;est against his resignation came from all sides of the hall, but he ipparently had made his final decison and could not be persuaded to econBider. j NEWPERF] Be Patr Save coal Cook Sto inexpensi and ashe perfect cc flame, of t cur&tely a 3,000,000 fortable a: American d . 1 Why not Made in 1 and oven. Ask your d Heater. Use Aladd :: Clear, Peachy SRin ij! i: Awaits Anyone Who i ' :: Drinks Hot Water::! jI ;; < O <' l ;' Says an Inside bath, before break- < J ;; fast helps ue look and fyel \ | . elaan. iwMt froth. T ' j Sparkling and vivacious?merry, bright, E.lert?a good, clear skin and a. natunil, rosy, healthy complexion < are assured only by pure blood. If only every man and woman could be Induced to adopt the morning inside bath, what a gratifying change would take place. Instead of the thousands of sickly, anaemic-looking men, women and girls, with pasty or muddy complexions; Instead of the multitudes of "nerve wrecks," "rundowns," "brain fags" and pessimists we should see a virile^ optimistic throng of rosy-cheeked people everywhere. An Inside bath Is had by drinking each morning, before breakfast, a glass of real hot water with a teaspoonful of. limestone phosphate in it trt moh fmm tho ntnmnrh llrcr. kid neys and tten yards of bowels the pre* vious day's Indigestible waste, sour fermentations and poisons, thus cleansing, sweetening and freshening the entire alimentary canal before! putting more food into the stomach. Those subject to sick headache, biliousness, nasty breath, rheumatism, colds; aid partlculary those who have a pallid, sallow complexion and who are constipated very often, are urged to obtain a quarter pound of limestone phosphate at the drug store which will cost but a trifle, but Is sufficient to demonstrate the quick and remarkable change in both health and appearance, awaiting those who practice internal sanitation. We must remember that Inside cleunllness is more important lhan outside, because the skin doeB .no: absorb impurities to contaminate the blood while the pores in the thirty feet of bowels do. \ > V DIAMOND HILL. V V V Diamond Hill, May 18.?Mrs. Mattie Taylor, Mrs. *W. C. Prince and baby John, and Louise Bradberry were guests of Miss Minnie Hodge of Lowndesville Saturday and Sunday and attended the Chil-* dren's Day at the Methodist church Sunday. This community was shocked to learn of Mr. Willie Daniel attempt-! ing to commit suicide Saturday: night. He shot himself twice with a: pistol near the heart, one bullet j came out while the other is inside.) He is not dead but is in a critical condition. Mr. and Mrs. Adger Hodge, Mes- j dames Sue Campbell, Georgia and | May Lewis were shopping in Abbe- j ville Tuesday. Mr. Mason Ferguson has returned from Columbia, where he went to MMMMH gCT|ON^ iotic and Com and wood by using a New Pe ve and kerosene oil?always a< ve. Escape the work and dirt ol s and soot Have a cool kitcl >oking of all kinds?-for the cl he New Perfection can be insta djusted?like gas?and it stays New Perfections are keeping kil nd saving coal, money and lab women. i for you ? -2-3-4 burner sizes, with or withou * lealer about the New Perfection Kei in Security Oil?Always available, >ARD OIL CO. (NEW Baltimore, Md. D. C. Richmond, Va. * Ch. Charlotte, N. C. Chi srisit his brother, Private Joe Ferguson. There he saw lots of boys in khaki, more than he had ever seen before. Mrs. Harriette T. Donelon from Charleston visited Mrs. J. H. Ferguson Tuesday, and both went to Carswell in interest of the Woodmen Circle there. Mrs. Mary Martin spent from Friday until Monday with Mrs. W. D. Bell. She made numerous -visits while on this side. Mr. Martin attended a conference in Atlanta last v / week also. / Miss Annie Lewis spent Tuesday with Lydia Ferguson "paper doll playing" were the amusements. Mrs. Jane Ferguson and son, Mason, visited Mrs. Walter Ellis near Penney Creek Monday. He is very sick with the mumps. The Abbeville County Singing Convention Ayill meet at Midway church Saturday and Sunday. Every one is invited to come and bring filled baskets. The Diamond Hill Domestic Club will meet next Tuesday at the home of Mrs. Meta Salley's. Every member is urged not to miss a meeting and bring new members every time. The Sunday School of Bell's church celebrated "Mothers Day" last Sunday. Each wore a red rose for their living mother and a white rose for their dead mother. SALTS FINE FOR?' ACHINGJdDNEYS We eat too mnch meat, which clogi Kidneys, then Back hurts and Bladder bothers you. Most folks forget that the kidneys, like the bowels, get sluggish and clogged and need a flushing occasionally, else we have backache and dull misery in the HHnAr reoion. severe headaches, rhen znatic twinges, torpid liver, acid stomach, sleeplessness and all sorts of bladder disorders. ' You simply must keep your kidneya active and clean, and the moment you feel an ache or pain in the kidney region, get about four ounces of Jad Salts from any good drug store here, take a tablespoonful in a glass of water before breakfast for a few days and your kidneys will then act fine. This famous salts is made from the acid of grapes and lemon juice, combined with fithia, and is harmless to flush clogged kidneys and stimulate them to normal activity. It also neutralizes the acids in the urine so it no longer irritates, thus ending bladder disorders 1 Jad 6alts is harmless; inexpensive; makes a delightful effervescent lithia water drink which everybody sbouia taue now and then to keep their kidneys clean, ft&us avoiding serious complications. A well-known local druggist says he eella lots of Jad Salts to folks who believs in overcoming kidaf^. trouble (whiie.iLia only trouMv _ fortable ^ :rfection Oil -:* mailable and F coal, wood len and do ean, intense vJk ntly and ac- /\'^S tchens com- , . or for other v it cabinet top -osene Watar I , in expansive., JERSEY)jSL arleaton, W. Va. "lc"on-s-c SMTYOa J ttUtMK * V BETHIA NEWS. V Bethia, May 16.?Showers con- tinue to fall. The land is too wet to plow most of the time. Many far- ^ mers have not finished planting cotton. Grain is flourishing and gar- gj dens are fine. Mrs. D. J. Jenkins spent the week-end at Troy visiting friendi and relatives. ,/ *.;' Born?To Mr. and Mrs. Will Mor- .? row. May the 10th, a daughter. ^ Mrs. W. M. Hall is confined to her I bed with lagrippe. Hope she -will bt , J j up and out again soon. Mr. ?1. Li. r oriescue ui ruri, juuui- i;.^ trie, has been visiting his sister, ^ Mrs. A. K. Woodhurst, for a few tlM days. From his appearance he ' 'y$$g doesn't seem to mind the camp life. vv$| That's right boys, be jolly. Bethia will have her entertain- ^ ment Friday night. We hppe to have a large crowd and hope that every' '"Sj body will enjoy it. ' Mr. and Mrs. Luther Link was in ,$1 town for a short while Tuesday. , Js Mrs. M. E. Beauford was up town | I yesterday on business and shopping ' Mr. and Mrs. Williams of Greenwopd, spent the Sabbath night with her mother, Mrs. John Hall. Miss Maggie Link's school is out and she is with home folks for a Eugene Beauford and Kennedy 'S^Jj Woodhurst went up to ADDevm* yesterday afternoon. The German Government is now claiming access to the Austro-Hungarian port of Trieste and the right Cq to establish a naval school there in order to prevent the port from be coming a Slav trade center. TriesU is on the Adriatic Sea and has ex tensive commerce. Director General McAdoo has pro- ;.|j| tested to the Department of Labor, aptinn nf Government contrac- vr JH | tors in disorganizing the labor supj ply by unfair competition with the j railroad administration. The departI ment has been informed that while 'ibl J the railroads are now hiring their -.'Js labor through the Government agencies, certain contractors, especially Vfig m the South, have refused to co- V operate with the Federal labor service, and are hiring workers by carrying on extensive advertising cam- :i% paigns, much to the detriment of || both the railroads and the farms,