One Officer, One Man

Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce was an American short story writer of the 19th century. It is a story about Captain Graffenreid, who has the rare advantage of a military education. Over a long period of time he is serving in the regiment. Death has been busy in his distant regiment, and every man in those miles of men knew that he and death were face to face. Therefore, finally he is ordered to the front. To him this is opportunity--for the result cares nothing. Victory or defeat; in one or in the other he should prove himself a soldier and a hero; he should vindicate his right to the respect to his men and the companionship of his brother officers--to the consideration of his superiors. When he hears a deep, jarring explosion, for a while he cannot come to his sense, he is puzzled how to act...