The sentinel is on duty at the extremity of the embankment of sandbags,
which protects the pier from shells that are coming over fast.
It is almost midnight and the brave Territorial looks continually at
the sea which splashes at his feet.
Suddenly the man hears an unusual sound in the water in front of him.
He is all attention and cries out:
"Halt, there! Who goes?"
The night is clear and soon he sees two dripping arms stuck high in the
air.
"What are you doing there--this is not the time to go in
swimming--advance with the countersign--it's a boche!"
"Kamarad! Kamarad!..."
"Listen here, I regret it, but I can't accompany you, you understand--I
can't leave my post. You see that bridge? Take it! You will go to
that house just over there, it is Marine Headquarters, and ask for the
commanding officer. Is that clear? Now get along--good-night."