They knew he was a German —
They thought he was a spy —
Toujours they “covered” him and said,
“We'll catch him by-and-by.”
They tried to find, by word or act,
In front-line trench or rear,
Some circumstance that would betray
His treacherous dealings clear.
They scanned his face when hostile flares
Set No Man's Land alight —
They watched him when the Hun barrage
Tore craters left and right.
They noted every move he made,
With ever wakeful eye,
Reiterating o'er and o'er,
“We'll catch him by-and-by.”