to take away the fear of the gas
from the men. This particular gas has no effect upon the lungs, but
sends a stinging pain through the eyes, so that one weeps blindly for
some minutes and could not possibly see to shoot or to defend himself.

We are now ready to return to another lecture with more understanding.
No wonder these tired boys under the heavy, hot steel helmets, which
absorb the heat of the scorching sun, are listening with all their
ears, yet one or two fall asleep for very weariness and may again be
caught napping by the enemy's poison gas up the line. The instructor
is in dead earnest, for the life of every man during the coming
conflict may depend upon his message. His words are still in my ears,
for they were strangely like a sermon:

"Men, I am going to tell you the truth about this deadly gas and you
must believe it, for your life will depend upon it. It can kill and no
doubt about it. But for every poison of the enemy there's an antidote
and we have found it. Your helmet is perfect and you simply must
believe in it, you must trust to it. We have made full provision for
your safety. If you go under it will be your own fault from one of
four causes--unbelief, disobedience, carelessness, or fear. If you
carelessly go without your helmet it means death. During an attack,
after putting on the respirator, just stand and wait. There is nothing
you can do for yourself except to keep your helmet on. Your skill,
your strength are nothing. Now if you are caught in an attack unawares
remember if you're still alive at all, there's hope. Don't lose
courage. If your confidence goes, you lose ninety per cent of your
defense, for the sole hope of the enemy in gas is surprise and panic.
If you are gassed, don't move. Keep still, keep warm, don't worry, and
wait. To move or try to save yourself will be fatal.

"The enemy will put over three or four waves with a break between. The
gas may come for some hours. To remove your helmet before the attack
is over will be fatal. Within a quarter of an hour after the gas has
ceased, the charge of the enemy will come and you must never let him
get past your barbed wired entanglements. After exposure to gas, all
food, water, and wells are poisonous. The heavy gas must be expelled
from the trenches by fans before the charge comes. Only remember, you
must believe what I say, keep your helmet on in time of danger and you
are perfectly safe."

There is a va