About the Author
Tom Douglas, an award-winning journalist and author, lives in Oakville, Ontario with his wife Gail, also an author in the Amazing Stories series. Tom is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, worked as a Communications Advisor for Veterans Affairs Canada, and has written speeches for the Minister of National Defence.
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The Prussian officer refused the goodwill gesture with a disdainful wave of his hand. "I understand Canadian cigarettes are made of cattle dung," he said, his clipped English accent hinting at a pre-war British education.His captors didn't respond, although one of them made an involuntary move with his right hand toward the pistol holstered at his waist. The German smirked at the reaction. "I have also heard Canadians are a collection of drunken cowboys who would shoot an unarmed man without a second thought." The man's gaze never wavered as he stared at the Canadian officer in charge. "Well, you had better save your ammunition because you will need it. The attack you are planning is the worst-kept secret of the war. It is also the biggest joke the Kaiser has heard in a long time."The three Canadians in the dimly lit dugout kept silent, not even flinching when another artillery shell shook the foundations, cascading debris down from the rafters. The soldiers appeared content to let their prisoner keep talking. After all, he might blurt out some kernel of information that could save a few lives in the days ahead."Your British and French friends tried the same thing and lost over a hundred thousand men," the German continued. "What makes you think a ragtag collection of farmers and fishermen from your country can do any better?"The Canadian officer in charge made a dismissive sideways gesture with his head, and his two companions grabbed the enemy oYcer by the arms, preparing to lead him away. He shook oV their grasp, pulled his greatcoat tightly around his shoulders, and sneered at his adversary."Maybe, just maybe, your men will reach the top of Vimy Ridge," he hissed. "But they will be able to ship the survivors home to Canada in a rowboat."