. I have just had a visit from an artillery officer; he and
I have concerted a plan of operations together. As his shells are very
heavy, things ought to be bad for the Germans. How I hate this
business of killing people who never wanted the war, and would go home
if it were possible! Now, if I could have an innings at those who
actually made the war and murdered the women and children, I would
have quite a different tale to tell, but these poor creatures are set
in a groove and are helpless to escape out of it.

IN BILLETS.
_February 13th, 1915._

We got away quietly from our trenches on the night of the 12th, I am
thankful to say. It was so dark that I could not see the man in front
of me, though I could touch him with my hand. I "came," as the Irish
say, a great sprawl over a bridge across a ditch, the chief difficulty
being to find my uniform cap in the darkness and mud, as, of course,
one did not wish to give away where we were by even a flash from one's
electric torch. However, here we are in billets once again, with the
rain pouring down and guns roaring now all round us. I cannot quite
make out whether any shells from the enemy are falling or not. Since
we came they have blown down a small building on the other side of the
road from where I am sitting, and sent a shell into the medical
inspection room. This gives some idea of how powerful even one of
their medium-sized shells is, for it went through five thick brick
walls before it exploded. I hope I may get leave again presently, but
there appears to be some trouble about a second lot. I shall, however,
put a brave face on and demand it in the ordinary course, and see what
I can do. I am told that Colonels who have finished their command are
kept on commanding their regiments out here during the war, as they
are badly needed just at present, so I do not know that I shall get a
Brigade when my time is up, as it will be ere long. Of course,
everything is at sixes and sevens. I hope you have already sent Col.
Anderson the copy of my History which he asked for. I am glad that
Colonel Farmar has done so well with Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien, as he
is such a good fellow, and in all probability he will have a good
career before him. I must be off.

IN BILLETS.
_February 14th, 1915._