There was a cage of carrier pigeons that the detachment had brought with them, beautiful, soft-eyed creatures that had been thoroughly trained.  It seemed a pity that things so gentle should have to serve the harsh purposes of war.  But human lives were at stake, and one of the birds was quickly selected, and a message tied on it securely. Then it was thrown up in the air.  It circled about for a moment to get its direction, and then straight as an arrow to its mark made for division headquarters.