Steve McGill Online

The Cave
Chapter I

THE GREAT WAR
Arthur and Pete

    Arthur Pratt marched along with three British soldiers, Tommys, as they were called, occupying the front line of a large group of fellow soldiers.  Arthur was an American in the British army.  He believed that America would eventually find herself involved, but President Wilson had somehow kept her out.  Arthur believed strongly that the war would eventually find America, and he wanted to be a part of it.  His problem was that he had a mild asthmatic condition that would more than likely keep him out.  So he, like so many other anxious young American boys, traveled to England and joined up with the “Tommys.” 

Developing friendships was something that had not come easily with the territory, but Pete Walling was a light-spirited and encouraging young chap who had befriended Arthur.  They marched together on the front line, Pete laughing and joking throughout, not realizing that his joviality would soon and quickly be abbreviated.

The night sky was dotted with stars.  The men talked of its beauty and the wonderment of the unknown.  They shared experiences of nights back home and how they had never seen this many stars, and how could that be, and what was the reason for the difference?

    Just behind Pete, a soldier tripped over a wire and fell.  He landed on a large rock and let out a yell.  Pete turned to aid his fellow soldier, and as he rushed toward him, a bullet cracked in the air.  Arthur ducked when he heard the sound, but Pete was in its path and was hit.  Arthur turned, rushed to Pete, and dropped on the ground next to him.  Pete’s hand covered his chest as blood slowly poured out. 

    Arthur put his hand on Pete’s face, “Pete! Pete! Can you hear me?”  At first Pete said nothing; then his eyes opened.  He looked at Arthur for a brief moment but quickly lost control of every bodily function.  His hands began to quiver, and he kicked uncontrollably for a short time.  Arthur grabbed his legs, trying to stop him from further injury.  Within a minute the spasms had ceased.  He lay in his own pool of blood, eyes wide open.

    Finally, Pete managed to speak, “Well, Yankee.” A slow blink, “They’ve done me in.“  Now he closed his eyes, and his words were broken and weak. “I can feel … floating.”

    Intensely, Arthur said, “Stay with me, friend.  Stay with me.  Don’t leave.  I’ll carry you out.  You’ll be taken care of if you stay here with us.”  And now, Arthur began to cry, “Stay here with us!” He repeated. “I’ll take care of you, Pete.  Pete!” 

    Pete’s last words came slowly. “My mother … my girl … please tell them it’s not so … not so bad …” With that, Pete was gone.

    Arthur stared at Pete’s pale but peaceful face. Raising his fist, he stood and cursed the German enemy.  Then he dropped to the dirt and began to sob.  “My only friend on the front is gone.  My only friend … Oh, God.  Where are you?”