ick and wounded in our
hospital. We are expected to keep all minor cases of wounds, and cases
of sickness likely to return to duty in a few days, while the more
severe cases we send to the hospital ships for the various bases. We
saw besides about fifty walking cases, all belonging to our 86th
Brigade.

_August 20th._--Last night was very chilly, and for the first time for
weeks we had to put on our tunics and unroll our shirt sleeves. But
the weather has again changed and to-day is uncomfortably warm.

On landing on the 17th a man I chanced to speak to told me that a
rumour is afloat that the Kaiser was suing for peace through the Pope.
This I give no heed to, but to-day we have it on better authority, and
it is said he is prepared to give up Belgium, Poland, and
Alsace-Lorraine. He will have to give these up and a great deal more,
nothing but unconditional surrender will be listened to, with
partition of his fleet among the Allies. The Emperor of Austria is
also said to have declared that he will not allow his people to endure
another winter campaign.

7 p.m.--The bearers of our Ambulance have been ordered to proceed to
the foot of a hill 3 miles off, beside the Salt Lake, and to take up
their position before dawn. I for one will have to go too. I know the
spot well in the distance, and know it is a favourite dumping ground
for Turkish shells. At present it is pitch dark at night, and we have
no idea what we have to encounter on the way.

_August 21st._--Last night we were all busy preparing for our start at
3 a.m. We got off punctually at that hour, and marched in the dark for
nearly 3 miles, by an unknown road, which was only a rough twisting
track with many off-shoots. We were bound for "Chocolate Hill," east
of the Salt Lake, but we have not got there yet. We floundered, and
squabbled about what should be done so that daylight was on us before
we passed the bar between the bay and the lake, where the main
Clearing Station is, also three or four Ambulances. One of these took
pity on us, and gave us breakfast, and the use of their ground until
we should hear from the A.D.M.S. to whom we have sent a message for
instructions. The A.D.M.S. Lt.-Col. J.G. Bell, appeared about 10, and
we were planted by him in the middle of the bar, facing the bay, where
we can get no shelter from the sun or shells, the bank behind us
rising after much digging to less than 5 feet. Our orders are to form
an Aid Post here, catching