it wandered
through the meadows, there was a plentiful supply of water-cress,
which looked exquisitely green against the pebbles at the bottom. How
one did long for the war to end, so that we might be able to lie down
in the grass, free from anxiety, and enjoy the drenching sunlight and
the spring song of the birds.

CHAPTER XXVII. (p. 248)

IN FRONT OF ARRAS.

_April, 1918._

Etrun was a convenient place for a headquarters. My hut was
comfortable, and the tree that grew beside it stretched its
thickly-leaved boughs over it, as though wishing to protect it from
the sight of enemy planes. Visitors were always welcome. In the garden
were many other huts, and a path led to the churchyard in which stood
the old church. It was strongly built, but very crudely furnished, and
spoke of many generations of humble worshippers to whom it was the
gate of heaven. On one side of the garden was a stream, which turned a
quaint mill-wheel, and an island in the stream, connected with the
banks by a bridge, made a pleasant resort. A little nest of beauty,
such as Etrun was, in the midst of the war, most restful to the soul,
especially after a visit to the line. Of course, we had to be careful
about screening all lights, for a shell landed one night in a hut
opposite mine. Luckily the shell was a "dud". Had it not been, my
sergeant, groom, and batman would have been no more, for it burrowed
its way into the ground under the floor of their abode, as they were
having supper.

On one occasion about one in the morning, we were awakened from sleep
by three terrific explosions. They sounded close, so I thought that
some of our men might have been hit. I got up and went off to see
where the shells had landed. The quaint old hamlet lay silent in the
moonlight, and not a soul was stirring. I went down one of the narrow
streets, and met a tall figure in black coming towards me. It was the
Cure, who was bent on a similar mission, fearing that some of his
people had been wounded. We went round the place together until we met
a man coming up the road, who told us that a bomb had struck the
railway bridge and exploded two mines which we had in readiness in
case the Germans were to make an advance. The bridge had been
completely shattered, but luckily our sentries there had escaped. The
Cure and I then parted and went back to our beds.

It was a great treat for our men who were billeted