,,! ,,r$ ,,v9ey>d ,illu/ration3 ,,rev4 ,b4 ,j4 ,,murdo* ,,! ,,r$ ,,v9ey>d ,,by ,,rev4 ,b4 ,j4 ,,murdo* ,,late ,,*apla9 ,,to ,,canadian ,,exp$ition>y ,,=ces ,illu/ration ,,! ,,tor* ,,press ,,c$> ,,rapids ,,i[a #aibc ,copyright #aibc by ,flora ,w>r5 ,seym\r ,,done ,,by ,,! ,,bookfell[s ,,at ,,! ,,tor* ,,press ,,c$> ,,rapids ,,i[a ,illu/ration ,,! ,,r$ ,,v9ey>d ,to ! memory ( all ^? m5 ,) :om ,i walk$ up & d[n ,! ways ( ,! ,r$ ,v9ey>d2 ,b especially to ! memory ( ^? ,:o /opp$ 9 ! j\rney1 & n[ ,re/ s(tly 9 _! little gre5 biv\acs ,9 ! %ad[ ( ! small :ite crosses1 ,?is book is affectionately d$icat$ by _! ,fri5d & ,comrade ,! ,au?or ,illu/ration ,,cont5ts ,,*apt] ,i--,a ,,little ,,speculation #aa ,,*apt] ,,ii--,,! ,,bi%op ,,writes #ac ,,*apt] ,,iii--,a ,,little ,,adju/+ #af ,,*apt] ,,iv--,,! ,,portable ,,alt> #ai ,,*apt] ,v--,,9 ,,tra9+ ,,camp #ba ,,*apt] ,,vi--,,mass ,,out ,,( ,,doors #bd ,,*apt] ,,vii--,a ,,little ,,indignation #bf ,,*apt] ,,viii--,,we ,,break ,,camp #bh ,,*apt] ,,ix--,,! ,,panel ,,( ,,silk #cb ,,*apt] ,x--,,movem5t ,,ord]s #cc ,,*apt] ,,xi--,,! ,,high ,,seas #ce ,,*apt] ,,xii--,,by ,,irel& #cg ,,*apt] ,,xiii--,,engl& #ch ,,*apt] ,,xiv--,,9 ,,camp #ci ,,*apt] ,,xv--,,! ,,c5acle #da ,,*apt] ,,xvi--,,! ,,battalion ,,is ,,brok5 ,,up #dd ,,*apt] ,,xvii--,,! ,,little ,,spani>d #df ,,*apt] ,,xviii--,,! ,,g>rison ,,*ur* ,,hut #dh ,,*apt] ,,xix--,,! ,,new ,,sacrifice #ej ,,*apt] ,,xx--,,?r\gh ,,engli% ,,lanes #ed ,,*apt] ,,xxi--,,at ,,p>km9/] #ef ,,*apt] ,,xxii--,,ord]s ,,= ,,france #fj ,,*apt] ,,xxiii--,,at ,,no4 #b ,,canadian ,,infantry ,,base ,,depot #fb ,,*apt] ,,xxiv--,,! ,,new ,,zeal&]s #fe ,,*apt] ,,xxv--,,! ,,work]s #fg ,,*apt] ,,xxvi--,,ord]s ,,aga9 #fi ,,*apt] ,,xxvii--,,hospitals ,,& ,,tra9s #gj ,,*apt] ,,xxviii--,d ,i',s ,,& ,s ,i',s #ge ,,*apt] ,,xxix--,,d[n ,,! ,,hospital ,,aisle #gg ,,*apt] ,,xxx--,,! ,,two ,,bro!rs #hj ,,*apt] ,,xxxi--,,an ,,unexpect$ ,,turn+ #hb ,,*apt] ,,xxxii--,,private ,,belair #hf ,,*apt] ,,xxxiii--,a ,,little ,,nons5se #hi ,,*apt] ,,xxxiv--,,transfusion #ic ,,*apt] ,,xxxv--,,! ,,m9i/]+ ,,angels #ie ,,*apt] ,,xxxvi--,,m ,,ord]s #ig ,,*apt] ,,xxxvii--,,held ,,= ,,ord]s #ajj ,,*apt] ,,xxxviii--,,! ,,front ,,at ,,la/ #ajc ,,*apt] ,,xxxix--,a ,,/rafe ,,& ,a ,,qu>tet #ajf ,,*apt] ,,xl--,,! ,,valley ,,( ,,! ,,dead #aaj ,,*apt] ,,xli--,,new ,,fri5ds #aae ,,*apt] ,,xlii--,a ,,little ,,burlap ,,room #aah ,,*apt] ,,xliii--,,*ri/mas ,,at ,,! ,,front #abj ,,*apt] ,,xliv--,,back ,,to ,,re/ #abc ,,*apt] ,,xlv--,,bruay #abi ,,*apt] ,,xlvi--,,fosse-,,dix #acb ,,*apt] ,,xlvii--,,! ,,little ,,cur ,,( ,,fosse-,,dix #acf ,,*apt] ,,xlviii--,,into ,,! ,,l9e #aci ,,*apt] ,,xlix--,,call$ ,,up #adb ,,*apt] ,l--,,bully ,,les ,,m9es #add ,,*apt] ,,li--,,! ,,"o ,,t ,,0 ,,lo/ #adf ,,*apt] ,,lii--,a ,,vague ,,unre/ #aea ,,*apt] ,,liii--,,! ,,great ,,(f5sive #aec ,,*apt] ,,liv--,,agnez-,,lez-,,duisans #aeh ,,*apt] ,,lv--,,! ,,refugees #afb ,,*apt] ,,lvi--,,arras #afd ,,*apt] ,,lvii--,,ea/] ,,sunday #aff ,,*apt] ,,lviii--,,! ,,ronville ,,caves #afh ,,*apt] ,,lix--,,! ,,banquet ,,hall #aga ,,*apt] ,,lx--,,! ,,%eehans #agh ,,*apt] ,,lxi--,,ecoivres #aha ,,*apt] ,,lxii--,,ecurie ,,wood #ahh ,,*apt] ,,lxiii--,,! ,,diff]5t ,,disp5s]s #aib ,,*apt] ,,lxiv--,,incapacitat$ #aie ,,*apt] ,,lxv--,,anz9 ,,& ,,mon*y ,,breton #aig ,,*apt] ,,lxvi--,a ,,new ,,%eep #bjj ,,*apt] ,,lxvii--,,notre ,,dame ,d',,ard5nes #bjc ,,*apt] ,,lxviii--,,! ,,procession #bjg ,,*apt] ,,lxix--,,on ,,leave #baa ,,*apt] ,,lxx--,,/4 ,,mi*ael',s ,,club #bab ,,*apt] ,,lxxi--,,p>km9/] ,,aga9 #bae ,,*apt] ,,lxxii--,,ano!r ,,surprise #bag ,,*apt] ,,lxxiii--,,back ,,to ,,! ,,battalion #bai ,,*apt] ,,lxxiv--,,no ,,man',s ,,l& ,,aga9 #bbb ,,*apt] ,,lxxv--,,no ,,man',s ,,l& #bbg ,,*apt] ,,lxxvi--,,cambligneul #bbi ,,*apt] ,,lxxvii--,a ,,new ,,front #bcb ,,*apt] ,,lxxviii--,,boves #bcg ,,*apt] ,,lxxix--,,! ,,battle ,,( ,,ami5s #bdb ,,*apt] ,,lxxx--,,at ,,! ,,wayside #bdd ,,*apt] ,,lxxxi--,,9 ,,an ,,apple ,,or*>d #bdf ,,*apt] ,,lxxxii--,a ,,/range ,,int]ruption #bdi ,,*apt] ,,lxxxiii--,,boves ,,aga9 #beb ,,*apt] ,,lxxxiv--,,! ,,battle ,,( ,,arras #beh ,,*apt] ,,lxxxv--,,b]neville ,,aga9 #bfc ,,*apt] ,,lxxxvi--,,lett]s ,,( ,,sympa?y #bff ,,*apt] ,,lxxxvii--,a ,,little ,,bit ,,( ,,%amrock #bfi ,,*apt] ,,lxxxviii--,,left ,,beh9d #bgg ,,*apt] ,,lxxxix--,,) ,,! ,,f\rte5? #bhj ,,*apt] ,,xc--,,telegraph ,,hill #bhb ,,*apt] ,,xci--,,canal ,,du ,,nord #bhc ,,*apt] ,,xcii--,,! ,,mo/ ,,t]rible ,,day #bhg ,,*apt] ,,xciii--,,9 ,,res]ve #bic ,,*apt] ,,xciv--,,frequ5t ,,moves #bie ,,*apt] ,,xcv--,,soma9e #big ,,*apt] ,,xcvi--,,! ,,end ,,draws ,,ne> #cjj ,,*apt] ,,xcvii--,,novemb] ,,elev5? #cjc ,,*apt] ,,xcviii--,,?r\gh ,,belgium #cje ,,*apt] ,,xcix--,,?r\gh ,,! ,,rh9el& #cji ,,*apt] ,c--,l',,envoi #cab ,,! ,,r$ ,,v9ey>d ,*apt] ,i ,a ,,little ,,speculation 8,i'll give y j ?ree nights 9 ! front l9e tr5* be=e y\r hair w turn grey10 said a br[n hair$ prie/1 look+ at me ) a slightly aggressive air4 ,i rema9$ quiet4 8,y'll n be v long 9 ! army till y'll wi% y\rself out ( x aga910 0 ! n v enc\rag+ ass]tion ( a tall1 ?9 prie/ :o suff]$ int]mitt5tly f dyspeptic tr\bles4 ,/ill ,i did n speak4 ,ano!r prie/1 ^: "w 0 (t5] among old tomes ?an among m51 said sl[ly &1 z 0 8 wont1 some:at s]i\sly1 t x surpris$ him v mu* to note my eag]ness to g to w>4 ,he did n consid] x 9 keep+ ) ! dignity ( ! prie/ to be s bellig]5tly incl9$4 ,did ,i n recall t ,i 0 an ambassador ( ! meek & l[ly ,*ri/--! ,pr9ce ( ,peace8 ,_h ,i obey$ ! fir/ impulse1 ,i ?9k my reply w\ld h be5 color$ ) a little asp]ity2 b z ,i 0 weigh+ my words1 a g5tle :ite-hair$ old prie/1 /\t & ) r$ *eeks1 said to me z he smil$ k9dly2 8,ah1 ,fa!r1 y are to be envi$4 ,?9k ( all ! good y w be able to d = our poor boys6 ,?9k ( ! s\ls y w u%] up to ! gates ( heav560 ,he %ook 8 head sl[ly f side to side two or ?ree times1 & ! smile on 8 k9d old face gave place to a look ( long+ z he cont9u$1 some:at regretfully3 8,ah1 if ,i 7 a y\ng] man ,i'd be ) y1 ,fa!r4 ,all we old] m5 c d n[ is to pray1 & y may re/ assur$ ,i %all rememb] y (t5--y & y\r m540 ,i look$ at ! old prie/ gratefully4 8,?ank y1 ,fa!r10 ,i said1 & ,i ?\ght ( ,moses ( old1 ) arms out/ret*$4 ,none ( ! o!r prie/s spoke = a :ile1 & ,i gaz$ into ! fire ( dry h>dwood t murmur$ & purr$ s com=tably 9 ! l>ge op5 fire-place1 built ( small field /ones4 ,i 0 ?9k+ e>ne/ly & :5 ! conv]sation 0 aga9 resum$ ,i took no "p 9 x4 ,9 fact1 ,i did n foll[ x at all1 = ,i 0 wond]+1 among o!r ?+s1 if my hair w\ld really turn grey aft] a few nights 9 ! front l9e tr5*es4 ,h[ev]1 ,i did n worry2 = ,i conclud$ x w\ld be wis] to wait until ,i %\ld arrive at ! tr5*es1 :]e ,i might h ! evid5ce ( my s5ses4 ,i gave b a pass+ ?\ght to ! words ( ! good prie/ :o 0 a little dyspeptic4 ,he _h nev] be5 9 ! ,army1 & :]e 0 8 reason = assum+ t ,i %\ld n l ! life8 ,( c\rse1 ,i did n m9d :at ! old prie/1 ^: "w 0 s (t5 among old books1 _h said ab\t my be+ an ambassador ( ! ,pr9ce ( ,peace4 ,i felt t ?is prie/ _h got 8 ideas a little mix$4 ,n v long be=e ,i _h he>d him v5t 8 outrag$ feel+s :5 ! ,fr5* gov]nm5t _h call$ ! prie/s ( ,france to fight = ! ,colors4 ,he _h be5 horrifi$4 ,s ,i surmis$ t he imag9$ ,i _h volunt>ily (f]$ my s]vices z a combatant4 ,i _h n4 ,! conv]sation cont9u$1 b ,i he$$ x n4 ,i 0 busy m$itat+ on ! words ( ! sa9tly old prie/ ) ! r$ *eeks4 ,h[ well he und]/ood1 ,i ?\ght4 ,& ! flames ( ! fire %ot 9 & out among ! wood1 purr+ pleasantly ! :ile4 ,*apt] ,,ii ,,! ,,bi%op ,,writes ,up to ?is "t ,i did n h ! ,bi%op's cons5t4 ,9 fact1 ,i _c rememb] hav+ m5tion$ 9 8 pres5ce my desire to g to ! front ) ! soldi]s z *apla92 b ,i _h talk$ x ov] frequ5tly ) prie/s1 & x nev] occurr$ to me t ! ,bi%op _h n he>d ( my wi%1 nor t he w\ld n be 9 accord ) x4 ,b "o morn+ ,i receiv$ a lett] f ! ,bi%op tell+ me pla9ly & firmly t he wi%$ me to keep quiet1 & n to talk s mu* ab\t go+ to ! front until ,i %\ld "k :e!r or n ,i w\ld be p]mitt$ to g4 ,he m5tion$ a recruit+ meet+ ( a few nights previ\s1 at :i* ,i _h (f]$ my s]vices z *apla9 to ! battalion t 0 !n be+ recruit$ 9 ! diocese4 ,p]haps ,i _h be5 a little too outspok5 at ! meet+1 b ,i _h consid]$ myself q ju/ifi$ 9 break+ sil5ce1 s9ce x _h already come to pass t ?ree m9i/]s ( diff]5t ,prote/ant d5om9ations _h (f]$ !mselves z *apla9s to ! battalion :i*1 ?\gh /ill 9 r an embryonic /ate1 gave promise ( be+ complete 9 a few mon?s4 ,i =esaw t x w\ld be m ?an half ,ca?olic1 z ! population ( ! di/rict f :i* x 0 be+ recruit$ 0 ?ree-f\r?s ,ca?olic4 ,s ,i (f]$ myself g5]\sly1 n wi%+ to be outdone by ! m9i/]s1 & !n _h sat d[n feel+ t ,i _h done well4 ,! foll[+ morn+1 h[ev]1 ,i 0 n q s sure1 = :5 ,i read my words pr9t$ 9 ! daily pap] ,i felt j a little p]turb$4 ,:at w\ld ! ,bi%op ?9k8 ,i wond]$4 ,i _h n long to wait be=e ,i knew exactly :at ,8 ,lord%ip ?\ght4 ,8 lett] told me q pla9ly4 ,i kept quiet4 ,keep+ quiet1 h[ev]1 did n prev5t me f foll[+ ) int]e/ ! activities ( o!rs4 ,almo/ e ev5+ recruit+ meet+s 7 held 9 diff]5t places ?r\gh\t ! diocese1 at :i* old m5 spoke & or*e/ras play$1 & sometimes a "y boy w\ld /ep dance4 ,b1 mo/ important ( all1 _m "y m5 enli/$4 ,!y came 9 great numb]s1 ! ,ca?olics f> 9 ! majority4 ,!n1 "o morn+ e>ly 9 ! spr+1 ! pap] ann\nc$ t ! battalion _h be5 recruit$ to full /r5g?4 ,! diff]5t companies w\ld /ay 9 ! t[n till ! foll[+ ,june1 :5 ! battalion w\ld g into camp to tra9 z a unit4 ,t ev5+ a lett] came f ! (fic] 9 comm&1 say+ t z eighty p] c5t ( 8 m5 7 ,ca?olics he _h decid$ to take a ,roman ,ca?olic *apla91 & t he int5d$ go+ to see ! ,bi%op t ev5+4 ,a few days lat] ano!r lett] came f ! ,bi%op say+ t he _h be5 ask$ = a ,ca?olic *apla91 & z he rememb]$ t ,i _h seem$ v eag] to g ) ! m51 he 0 glad to say t he 0 giv+ me p]mission to g4 ,he _h decid$ ?is1 he add$1 on ! ,fea/ ( ! ,sev5 ,dolors ( ,our ,lady4 8,! ,sev5 ,dolors10 ,i said to myself quietly1 two or ?ree times4 ,!n ,i fell to wi%+ t ! ,bi%op _h made 8 decision on "s o!r fea/ ( ,our ,lady4 ,i rememb] n[1 z ,i /ood 9 ! quiet little room ) ! lett] 9 my h&1 recall+ ! words ( ! prie/--t he w\ld n give me ?ree nights 9 ! front l9e tr5*es be=e my hair w\ld turn grey4 ,b ?is ?\ght did n bo!r me v long1 = ,i began to ?9k ( some?+ else1 & z ,i did ! lett] trembl$ a little ) ! h& t held x4 8,p]haps ,i am n com+ back10 ,i said to myself4 ,!n ,i repeat$3 8,! ,fea/ ( ! ,sev5 ,dolors6 ,! ,fea/ ( ! ,sev5 ,dolors60 ,*apt] ,,iii ,a ,,little ,,adju/+ ,dur+ ! next sev5 or eight days f all sides ,i he>d "o "q ask$ by "y & old3 8,:5 are y go+ to put on ! uni=m1 ,fa!r80 ,little *ildr5 to :om ,i _h taught cate*ism ru%$ ar\nd corn]s or pant$ up n>r[ /reets ( ! little t[n :]e ,i 0 /ation$ & smil+ly ask$ me4 ,_! fa!rs & mo!rs1 aft] say+ good-morn+1 rem>k$ pleasantly1 z an aft]?\ght3 8,i suppose we'll soon be see+ y 9 ! khaki1 ,fa!r80 ,!y seem$ to anticipate real pleasure 9 see+ me deck$ 9 full regim5tals4 ,b ! m ,i _h evid5ce ( ?is seem+ly pleasant anticipation1 ! less incl9$ ,i felt to appe> publicly 9 my *apla9's uni=m4 ,:5 ! "t came = a la/ fitt+ at ! tailor's1 ,i f\nd o!r duties to claim my att5tion1 until a polite little note f ! proprietor ( ! e/abli%m5t in=m$ me t my pres5ce 0 reque/$ = a la/ fitt+ ( my uni=m4 ,!n "o morn+1 :5 ! spr+ birds t _h return$ 7 s++ m]rily among ! trees ) n ! slighte/ ?\ght z to _! raim5t1 & :5 bur/+ buds 7 mak+ ! trees beautiful 9 _! eag]ness to drape !m ) bright gre5 robes1 ,i appe>$ on ! public /reets ( ! quiet little t[n clad 9 full regim5tals4 ,i _h *os5 an e>ly h\r = my public appe>ance1 ?9k+ t my ordeal w\ld n be s try+4 ,s9ce t morn+ ,i h _h _m excit+ exp]i5ces1 up & d[n ! ways ( w>2 ,i h witness$ _m impressive sc5es1 beautiful1 t]rible1 & horrible1 b ^! ev5ts h by no means oblit]at$ f ! tablets ( my memory ! ev5ts ( t morn+4 ,no?+ p>ticul> happ5$ until ,i _h desc5d$ ! hill & turn$ ! fir/ corn] to ! "r 9 ! direction ( ! t[n po/-(fice4 ,a horse 0 com+ at a leisurely gait d[n ! quiet /reet1 driv5 by a "y fell[ ( ab\t sixte51 :o sat on ! seat ( a high express wagon ) a fri5d4 ,bo? lads seem$ to see me at once1 & />t$ p]ceptibly4 ,9 8 excitem5t1 ! driv] pull$ on ! l9es & ! />tl$ horse j]k$ 8 head quickly1 z if he1 too1 0 /ruck by my unwont$ appe>ance4 ,on ! opposite side ( ! road a b>b]1 :o 0 op]at+ on an e>ly cu/om]1 /opp$ sudd5ly & came to ! w9d[1 ! razor /ill 9 8 h&1 :ile 8 pati5t1 almo/ envelop$ 9 ! great :ite apron t 0 tuck$ ab\t 8 neck1 sat up quickly 9 ! *air & turn$ a face half-cov]$ ) ?ick1 creamy la!r t[>ds ! w9d[4 ,all along ! way p /opp$1 look$1 smil$ pleasantly1 & !n pass$ on4 ,i _h almo/ ent]$ ! po/-(fice :5 ! rattl+ ( an express wagon1 t mu/ h pass$ ! w9t] uncov]$1 z e spoke 9 ! :eels seem$ loose1 came noisily to my e>s4 ,! horse 0 re9$ up opposite me1 & z ,i turn$ my head side-wise ,i 0 greet$ by ! two "y fell[s :o _h pass$ me b a few m9utes be=e1 only ?is "t ?ree o!r lads1 ) smil+ faces1 7 /&+ beh9d !m 9 ! wagon1 hold+ to ! seat4 ,aft] ,i got my mail f ! box1 ,i decid$ n to return by ! same r\te along :i* ,i _h come4 ,!re 0 a m seclud$ way4 ,x 0 ) a feel+ ( great relief t ,i f\nd no "o com+ 9 my direction4 ,i took out my new khaki h&k]*ief1 unfold$ x & wip$ my br[4 ,b1 alas1 = my relief6 ,i _h n gone v f> till ,i cross$ a /reet runn+ at "r angles to my c\rse4 ,a numb] ( s*ool *ildr5 7 com+ along ?is4 ,i quick5$ my pace4 ,!y saw me1 & imm$iately a great bubbl+ ( excit$ talk 0 borne to my e>s4 ,!n1 z ,i disappe>$ f _! view1 ,i he>d ! s\nd ( _m eag] feet patt]+ up ! sidewalk4 ,x ceas$ sudd5ly & ,i knew t aga9 !y 7 reg>d+ me int5tly4 ,!re 0 a complete sil5ce = a second or two1 !n ,i he>d q cle>ly ! voice ( a little girl1 :o 9 ! la/ ye>'s confirmation class _h giv5 me m tr\ble ?an any o!r ( ! c&idates1 call almo/ l\d] ?an 0 necess>y = h] companions to he>3 8,oh6 doesn't he look lovely80 ,a man j com+ f 8 h\se on 8 way to 8 (fice smil$ pleasantly & int]e/$ly z he he>d ! small voice4 ,!n he rais$ 8 hat4 ,i salut$4 ,z ,i walk$ up "u ! trees clo!d 9 _! beautiful spr+ g>m5ts1 & li/5$ to ! birds t sang s bli!ly ?is bright cool spr+ morn+1 ) nev] a ?\ght z to _! raim5t1 ,i wip$ my br[ aga94 8,^! milit>y clo!s are w>m10 ,i said to myself--yet ,i knew t ?is 0 n ! reason4 ,*apt] ,,iv ,,! ,,portable ,,alt> ,aft] a few days a box ab\t "o foot & a half long1 "o foot high & n9e in*es wide1 arriv$4 ,x 0 made ( wood cov]$ ) a k9d ( grey clo?1 ) /rips ( black lea!r ab\t ! edges & small pieces ( brass at e corn]4 ,!re 7 lea!r grips on x s t x c\ld be c>ri$ z a sat*el4 ,x 0 my little portable alt>1 conta9+ ev]y?+ necess>y = say+ ,mass4 ,"o half op5$ & /ood upright f ! "p conta9+ ! table ( ! alt>1 :i* :5 op5$ out 0 ?ree feet long4 ,fitt$ into ! oak table 0 ! little m>ble alt>-/one1 )\t :i* "o may n say ,mass4 ,9 ! top ( ! upright "p 0 a squ>e hole 9 :i* ! crucifix fitt$ to /& above ! alt>2 on ei!r side 7 hold]s to atta* ! c&le/icks4 ,f ! wall t =m$ a comp>tm5t 9 ! upright portion1 :]e ! ve/m5ts 7 kept1 ! alt> c>ds unfold$2 ^! 7 kept 9 place by small brass clips atta*$ to ! upright4 ,*alice1 ciborium1 missal & /&1 cruets1 w9e1 alt>-breads1 bell1 l95s1 etc41 7 9 comp>tm5ts b5ea? ! alt> table4 ,! :ole 0 wond]fully compact & c\ld be c>ri$ ) "o h&4 ,z ,i write ^! words x /&s ne>by1 sadly w>-worn aft] its voyage across ! ocean1 & its travels ?r\gh ,engl&1 ,france1 ,belgium & ! ,rh9el& ( ,g]many4 ,i h said ,mass on x on ?is side ( ! ocean2 on ! high seas2 9 camp 9 ,engl&2 9 tr5*es2 on battlefields2 9 t5ts1 camps1 & billets ?r\gh ! w>-sc>r$ areas ( ,france4 ,i (f]$ ! ,holy ,sacrifice on x plac$ on a l[1 wide w9d[-sill 9 a ,g]man billet on our way ?r\gh ! ,rh9el&4 ,x 0 c>ri$ across ! ,rh9e ,decemb] #ac?1 #aiah1 9 ! great triumphal m>*4 ,n[ x is home aga94 ,9 _m places ! clo? cov]+ is scrap$ & torn2 "o ( ! brass corn]s is miss+4 ,x is v soil$ f ! mud ( ,france & rifle oil /a9s1 etc42 ! lea!r edg+ is *ipp$ & peel$4 ,! table has be5 brok5 & repair$ aga91 s has ! little book-/&4 ,! silv] *alice & pat5 are slightly d5t$ 9 _m places4 ,! little bell has lo/ "p ( its h&le1 b its tone is /ill sweet4 ,"o alb has be5 burn$1 b ,i h ano!r4 ,! c9cture has be5 brok5 & knott$4 ,i gaze at x n[ & ?9k ( ! ?\s&s ( great-he>t$ lads :o knelt be=e x1 (t5 on ra9-soak$ fields1 or /ood among piles ( ru9s & he>d ! sweet notes ( ! little bell w>n+ !m ( ! ,ma/]'s approa*1 s t !y might b[ rev]5tly :5 ,he came2 ( ! ?\s&s on field1 on hillside1 9 caves & huts :o knelt to eat ( ! ,bread ( ,life1 _m ( !m go+ almo/ imm$iately ) ?is pl$ge ( et]nal life1 be=e ,god to be judg$1--z ,i ?9k ( all ?is1 !re comes into my eyes a mi/1 & ! little portable alt> gr[s dim4 ,*apt] ,v ,,9 ,,tra9+ ,,camp ,9 a few weeks we left = tra9+-camp1 travell+ all night & arriv+ at our de/9ation e>ly 9 ! morn+4 ,we detra9$ & ! :ole battalion fell 91 ! b& m>*+ at ! head ( ! column4 ,our camp 0 9 a wide gre5 valley1 z level z a floor1 fleck$ ) hundr$s ( :ite bell t5ts2 & 9 ! di/ance on e side slop$ g5tly upw>ds high solemn m\nta9s t kept sil5t gu>d ov] ! pla9 bel[4 ,?r\gh ! :ole l5g? ( ! valley ran a long grey asphalt road1 ov] :i* pass$ all ! traffic ( ! camp4 ,all summ] long battalions ( new soldi]s came up ?is road & took ov] l9es t _h be5 assign$ !m4 ,all summ] long1 & well on into ! autumn1 battalions ( tra9$ soldi]s m>*$ d[n ! road to entra9 = ! port ( emb>kation = ov]seas4 ,we m>*$ up ! smoo? road1 ! b& play+ ! regim5tal m>*1 pass$ l9e aft] l9e ( ! diff]5t battalions qu>t]$ on ei!r side4 ,soldi]s f diff]5t units l9$ ! way & voic$ fri5dly criticism z to our appe>ance1 etc4 ,_m wagons f ! f>ml&s beyond ! hills 7 drawn up on ea* side ( ! road2 gr\p$ ab\t !m 7 _m khaki-clad lads buy+ milk1 little pats ( butt]1 buns & a numb] ( o!r articles4 ,we m>*$ ab\t two miles till we came to a great squ>e ( unoccupi$ bell t5ts4 ,"h we halt$ & took ov] our l9es4 ,9 a few days we 7 9 ! ord9>y r\t9e ( camp life1 & ,i ?9k mo/ ( ! m5 lik$ ! new ord]4 ,liv+ 9 a t5t seem$ to give "o a cont9ual feel+ ( fre%ness & buoyancy4 ,e morn+1 v e>ly1 f> away at g5]al headqu>t]s1 a flag w\ld run up ! tall flag-pole2 !n f all p>ts ( ! camp w\ld s\nd ! reveille1 break+ 9 on ! peaceful repose ( hone/ sleep]s1 & :5 ! la/ s\nd ( ! bugles _h di$ away !re w\ld be he>d a quick rattle ( sn>e-drums & a few great booms f ! bass drum1 !n ! exhil>at+ /ra9s ( a milit>y m>* w\ld break on ! morn+ air4 ,i _h li/5$ to ! pleasant m>tial /ra9s = p]haps a week or two1 & naturally associat$ ) !m ! idea ( ord]ly m>*+ b&sm51 fully equipp$1 poli%$ & %9+ f head to foot1 till "o morn+ ,i unti$ ! flap ( my t5t & look$ out4 ,m ?an half ! b&sm5 7 9 _! %irt sleeves2 five or six 7 9 _! b>e feet1 & n[ & aga9 !y jump$ spasmodically1 z !y walk$ on a pebble or /ruck a hidd5 t5t-peg2 "s :o wore boots did n we> socks or puttees1 & ! tr\s]s f ! knee d[n 7 tight & mu* wr9kl$1 yet !re 0 no lack ( h>mony 9 ! /ately1 m>*+ music4 ,all day long till f\r o'clock ! m5 drill$ or took diff]5t ex]cises1 :ile ! sun sl[ly %ift$ sc5]y on ! great sil5t hills4 ,up & d[n ! long grey road huge-hood$ khaki motor lorries rumbl$ ) _! loads ( supplies = field & t5t4 ,9 ! ev5+ t[>ds sunset1 aft] ! m5 _h wa%$ & re/$ a little1 ! flag t _h be5 fly+ at headqu>t]s all ?r\gh ! day w\ld drop sl[ly d[n ! pole4 ,!n two bugl]s w\ld s\nd retreat1 aft] :i* ! gu>d w\ld be inspect$ :ile ! b& play$ "s sl[ waltz or m9uet4 ,to me ?is seem$ ! happie/ h\r ( ! daily milit>y r\t9e4 ,! day 0 done & f all p>ts ( ! camp c\ld be he>d l[1 pleasant talk1 z ! b& play$ s(t music1 ! m5 /&+ ab\t 9 little gr\ps or mov+ f t5t to t5t1 visit+ neighbors4 ,x always br\ght to my m9d ! idea ( re/fulness & peace4 ,aft] retreat ! long grey road w\ld become alive ) ! cont9u\s movem5t ( soldi]s go+ & com+4 ,! (fic]s did n c>e to walk along ?is road1 z x meant = !m "o cont9ual return ( salutes4 ,sometimes an op5-air mov+-picture %[ w\ld be 9 progress4 ,!re 7 also two halls :]e mov+ pictures 7 %[n on ra9y nights4 ,9 ! e>ly days x 0 a treat to ! lads to visit ^! places4 ,z !re 7 nev] any ladies pres5t1 smok+ 0 p]mitt$4 ,sometimes ! smoke rose 9 su* d5sity t x obscur$ ! pictures on ! scre54 ,at t5 o'clock la/ po/ w\ld s\nd & we>y m5 w\ld roll !mselves 9 _! blankets on ! h>d gr\nd & dispose !mselves to sleep4 ,*apt] ,,vi ,,mass ,,out ,,( ,,doors ,on ,sundays ,i w\ld set up ! portable alt> on two rifle boxes plac$ "o above ! o!r1 on a great gre5 pla9 ne> ! end ( ! camp4 ,ne>ly always an awn+ w\ld be erect$ above ! alt>1 & :5ev] ! w9d blew canvas 0 drap$ ab\t po/s z a w9d%ield1 s t ! c&les might n be ext+ui%$4 ,x 0 a wond]ful sight to see ! m5 draw up on ! grass1 e "o ( !m rev]5t & quiet be=e ! little alt> z ,i ve/$ = ,mass4 ,(t5 ?ree ?\s& 7 drawn up on ! gre5 pla9 z level z a floor4 ,sometimes a numb] w\ld wait till ?is late ,mass--:i* 0 always said at t5 o'clock--to g to ,holy ,communion1 ?\gh ,i always said an e>ly ,mass = ^? :o wi%$ to receive4 ,s9ce ! w>1 diff]5t m5 :o 7 pres5t at ^? op5-air ,masses h told me t nev] be=e _h !y assi/$ at ! ,holy ,sacrifice ) su* devotion4 ,all ?+s seem$ to praise ,god2 ! great solemn m\nta9s /ood sil5t1 ! cl\ds mov$ s\ndlessly across ! blue ( ! sky4 ,n a s\nd c\ld be he>d1 save :5 a man c\gh$ s(tly1 or :5 ! little bell t9kl$4 ,on acc\nt ( :at happ5$1 ,i recall "o ( ^? ,sunday morn+s 9 p>ticul>4 ,i _h notic$1 /&+ among ! (fic]s ( "o ( ! battalions drawn up 9 ! *ur* p>ade1 an eld]ly man we>+ ord9>y blue civilian tr\s]s & a milit>y khaki %irt & helmet4 ,he wore a lea!r belt b no coat4 ,i no soon] saw him ?an ,i said to myself3 8,an old soldi]60 ,& z ,i ve/$ = ! ,holy ,sacrifice ! "q came fla%+ across my m9d aga9 & aga93 ,:o c he be8 ,:at w> 0 he 98 ,:5 ,i turn$ aft] ! ,communion to address ! m51 !re he 0 /&+1 well 9 front ) ! (fic]s4 ,he li/5$ v att5tively to my s]mon1 :i* 0 on ! text1 8,son1 give me ?y he>t40 ,t[>ds ! end ,i said a few words ab\t ,our ,lady1 because x 0 ! ,sunday )9 ! octave ( ! ,assumption4 ,i told ! lads to run to _! ,"m 9 all _! trials2 to be ,knights ( ,our ,lady1 to ?9k ( h] especially dur+ _! long h\rs ( s5try duty at night1 & nev] to let a day g by )\t say+ h] beads4 ,!n1 aft] ,i _h giv5 my bless+ & _h turn$ to unve/ be=e my little portable alt>1 my 8old soldi]0 came =w>d & introduc$ himself4 ,he 0 a judge f my home prov9ce1 & he w\ld be glad if ,i w\ld p]mit him to say a few words to ! m54 ,i 0 v pleas$ t he %\ld d s4 ,a ^w 0 said to ! (fic]s 9 *>ge & ! m5 7 call$ to att5tion4 ,! judge /ood up on ! rifle box t ,i _h j vacat$1 & !re 9 ,god's beautiful out ( doors1 ) ! great gre5 m\nta9s look+ up to _! ,creator 9 sil5t humility1 ?is old ,ca?olic g5tleman spoke to ! lads 9 a wond]fully cle> voice ( _! ,"m & 8 ,"m4 ,x 0 v edify+ to he> ?is educat$ ,ca?olic layman speak s4 ,he conclud$ ) a few words ab\t ! ,mass4 8,i h assi/$ at ,mass10 he said1 89 _m l>ge ca!drals 9 diff]5t c\ntries2 b1 ,i ?9k1 nev] ) su* devotion z ,i h ?is morn+ "h 9 ! op5 air be=e y\r little alt> plac$ on ! rifle boxes1 & ,god's beautiful sky & sunlight above u4 ,aft] all1 g5tlem51 x is ! ,mass t c\nts2 ! *ang+ ( ! bread & w9e into ! ,body & ,blood ( ,*ri/4 ,god c\ld d x & ,god did d x40 ,:5 ! old man f9i%$ ,i c\ld n b say gratefully3 8,god bless y1 judge10 = ,i felt t 8 words w\ld d v mu* good4 ,*apt] ,,vii ,a ,,little ,,indignation ,! "t pass$ quickly = me1 ?\gh ,i ?9k = mo/ ( ! m5 x w5t sl[ly2 !y seem$ always re/less1 always long+ to get to ! front4 ,!y us$ to come to me (t5 ) _! little grievances4 ,!y seem$ to ?9k t _! tr\bles w\ld disappe> once !y rea*$ tra9+-camp ov]seas4 ,i rememb] "o ,sunday1 aft] ,i _h f9i%$ ,mass & ! la/ company _h m>*$ (f ! field1 two soldi]s came =w>d f some:]e & salut$4 ,"o ( !m1 ! tall] ( ! two1 act$ z *ief spokesman4 8,fa!r10 he said1 8we h n he>d ,mass today4 ,we 7 ord]$ to g to ! ,prote/ant s]vice40 ,excitem5t fla%$ 9 8 eyes4 8,! s]vice is j ov]1 ,fa!r1 & we slipp$ ov] "h to tell y40 ,x 0 /rictly aga9/ ,k4 ,r4 ,o4 to ord] ,ca?olics to a non-,ca?olic s]vice4 ,! lads did n belong to my battalion1 b to a con/ruction battalion t _h b lately come to camp4 ,headqu>t]s ( ?is battalion 7 n f> away1 s ,i did n wait = my breakfa/1 b obey$ ! fir/ impulse & w5t imm$iately to ! tra9+ squ>e ( ! ,no4 -- ,con/ruction ,co4 ,! *ur* p>ade 0 ov] & ! *apla9 _h j f9i%$ pack+ 8 books & 0 prep>+ to leave ! field ) ! adjutant4 ,i ask$ ! *apla9 if ! ,ca?olics _h be5 ord]$ to att5d ! s]vice4 8,yes10 he said1 & !n w5t on to expla9 t x 0 a univ]sal *ur* s]vice & t all ! m5 _h be5 ord]$ to att5d4 ,i ask$ him to look up a book entitl$ ,k4 ,r4 ,o4 ,i told him t x 0 a s]i\s (f5se t _h be5 committ$2 t my m5 _h a "r to att5d _! own s]vice2 t !re 0 no su* ?+ kn[n 9 ! army z a univ]sal *ur* p>ade4 ,:5 !y saw !y _h made a mi/ake bo? *apla9 & adjutant 7 v apologetic4 ,%ortly aft] ?is1 :5 ! battalion 0 to leave = ov]seas1 ! *apla9 wrote me a note ask+ me to he> ! confessions ( ! ,ca?olics4 ,i ?9k !y came to a man2 two o!r *apla9s came to help me4 ,?is con/ruction battalion 0 compos$ mo/ly ( m5 :o _h mov$ q a lot ov] diff]5t p>ts ( ! _w1 & _h gr[n a little slack 9 ! obs]vance ( _! religi\s duties4 ,big ?+s 7 done = ,our ,"l t night4 ,p]haps _m w\ld h pass$ ! summ] )\t ev5 com+ to ,mass _h n ?is great indignity be5 (f]$ !m4 ,s ! days pass$ quickly1 & !n "o ev5+ ^w came t we 7 to leave--b only = ano!r camp4 ,!re 0 great rejoic+ at fir/1 = ! lads ?\ght t ord]s = 8,ov]seas0 _h come4 ,*apt] ,,viii ,,we ,,break ,,camp ,x 0 ,sunday1 ,octob] #a/4 ,x 0 ! mo/ beautiful day ,i h ev] se54 ,!re _h be5 a heavy fro/ dur+ ! night1 & 9 ! morn+ ! hills1 :i* _h be5 gre5 all summ]1 b _h lately begun to put on _! autumn t9ts1 7 glori\s 9 bright sc>let1 yell[ & russet1 ) /ill "h & !re a d>k-gre5 pat* ( spruce4 ,! :ite fro/ 0 on ! gr\nd & a cov]+ ( ice "o-eigh? ( an in* ?ick 0 =m$ on ! bas9 ( wat] 9 my t5t4 ,! air 0 cold1 cle> & invigorat+4 ,! m5 7 all 9 excell5t spirits4 ,i said ,mass = my own m51 & !n walk$ ab\t two miles t[>ds ! entrance to ! camp to say ,mass = ! o!r soldi]s :o /ill rema9$ 9 ! diff]5t areas4 ,! ,sabba?-day /illness seem$ m int5se ?an ev]4 ,p]haps x 0 on acc\nt ( ! v small numb] left 9 ! camp4 ,:5 ,i turn$ ar\nd aft] ,i _h said ,mass1 ,i c\ld n b pause 9 admiration ( ! wond]ful beauty ( ,god's works4 ,i took = ! text ( my s]mon3 8,o ,"l1 ,our ,"l1 h[ admirable is ,?y "n 9 ! :ole _w40 ,i told ! lads t z ,our ,"l _h made all ?+s beautiful we ought to keep our s\ls beautiful 9 ,8 sight1 & t "o ( ! sure/ means ( do+ s 0 to come to ,holy ,communion4 ,!n ,i prea*$ on ! ,bless$ ,eu*>i/4 ,:5 ,i rea*$ our own l9es aft] ,mass ne>ly all ! t5ts _h be5 tak5 d[n & roll$ up4 ,i _h breakfa/ at "o ( ! m5's cook /oves4 ,we 7 to break camp at twelve o'clock4 ,i ?9k ,i 0 ! only "o :o 0 sorry to leave4 ,?+s _h gone v well dur+ ! summ]2 !re _h be5 _m consolations 9 ! m9i/ry4 ,_m m5 :o _h pass$ long ye>s away f ! sacram5ts _h come into ! :ite bell t5t pit*$ 9 ! op5 space 9 ! valley &1 kneel+ !re1 _h be5 reconcil$ aft] _m ye>s' e/rangem5t f ,god4 ,i _h wat*$ ! m5 9 ! ev5+ & _h notic$ h[ *e]ful !y 71 h[ mu* l boys !y 7 9 ! tricks !y play$ on ea* o!r4 ,"o ev5+1 %ortly be=e we 7 to leave1 a great bonfire _h be5 light$4 ,all ?r\gh ! day ! m5 _h work$ at ! base ( ! slopes cutt+ d[n dry trees & c>ry+ !m out4 ,! fire 0 built 9 ! squ>e :]e ! m5 drill$ & took _! physical ex]cises 9 ! morn+s4 ,x 0 a ?rill+ sight to wat* ! little tongues ( fire d>t+ 9 & out among ! pile ( dry twigs1 increas+ 9 size & spe$ till !y develop$ into "o great wav+ pill> ( flame t tore its way upw>d ?r\gh ! gigantic pile ( dry old trees1 hiss+1 crackl+ & ro>+ z x w5t4 ,! flames mu/ h rea*$ =ty feet 9 height1 & at times ! sp>ks sw>m$ d[n on ! t5ts l bees to a hive1 & ! soldi]s _h to beat !m out4 ,! b& m>*$ ar\nd ! flam+ pill> & play$1 keep+ always )9 ! circle ( light made by ! fire4 ,_m soldi]s foll[$ 9 procession1 "s ( !m p]=m+ comical acrobatic feats z !y w5t4 ,!re 0 an almo/ new t5t floor up ne> ! colonel's t5t :i* "s ( ! lads ?\ght w\ld make excell5t fuel = ! fire4 ,pres5tly ab\t eight ( !m 7 c>ry+ x t[>ds ! flames4 ,! qu>t]ma/]1 :o _h *>ge ( ! movables ( ! camp1 saw !m approa*+ & imm$iately advanc$ f 8 place ne> ! fire1 angrily %\t+ ord]s to !m to put d[n ! t5t floor4 ,!y did1 ?\gh n till ! indignant qu>t]ma/] 0 v ne> !m4 ,!n !y turn$ & ran quickly away4 ,! qu>t]ma/]1 :o 0 a heavy man1 did n pursue !m4 ,he turn$ t[>ds ! fire1 b only to f9d t a numb] ( r\gh tables & *airs _h gone to satisfy ! hungry flames6 ,he 0 v angry4 ,! lads _h become l little *ildr51 & ,i ?9k _! s\ls _h become l ! s\ls ( little *ildr54 ,& n[ we 7 go+ back to civilization6 ,our j\rney 0 "o ( ab\t f\r hundr$ miles ?r\gh _m small t[ns & cities to a camp ne> ! seabo>d1 :]e we 7 to wait a few weeks be=e emb>k+4 ,we left ,valc>ti] at ! "t appo9t$1 & all t day & mo/ ( ! ev5+ our r\te lay along ! noble ,/4 ,lawr5ce4 ,9 ! morn+ we came into our own ,prov9ce ( ,new ,brunswick1 f ! nor!rn "p ( :i* our battalion _h be5 recruit$4 ,9 _m t[ns at :i* we /opp$ liquor 0 procur$1 & soon !re 7 evid5ces t _m ( ! m5 _h tak5 too mu*4 ,& :5 we drew ne> ! t[n f ! environs ( :i* ! majority ( ! lads _h be5 recruit$ a great numb] gave signs ( almo/ complete intoxication1 s t p>5ts :o /ood among ! great cr[d :i* _h ga!r$ to see ! lads z !y pass$ ?r\gh 7 greatly humiliat$4 ,i felt sick at he>t1 = a public holiday _h be5 proclaim$ & p _h come f ! :ole surr\nd+ c\ntryside to see ! battalion = ! la/ "t be=e go+ ov]seas4 ,x 0 a gala-day4 ,!y _h wait$ all morn+1 & !n _m ( ! m5 :o arriv$ 7 9 e /age ( intoxication6 ,x 0 v humiliat+ to ! poor p>5ts & ! m5 _h be5 s good all summ]6 ,:5 ! tra9 pull$ out1 ,i w5t back to my seat 9 ! ,pullman4 ,two ?\ghts 7 work+ 9 my m9d1 s t my head felt a little daz$ & ,i did n he> ! (fic]s talk+ ar\nd me4 ,nei!r did ,i p]ceive :5 !y spoke to me4 ,"o ?\ght 0 a v human "o4 ,i felt t]ribly di%e>t5$1 & ,i wond]$ if ! p ?\ght t ! m5 _h be5 dr9k+ s dur+ ! summ]1 & ,i fell to wi%+ t !y c\ld only "k all ab\t ! m5 9 camp4 ,! o!r ?\ght 0 t ,i 0 grateful to ,god = hav+ *os5 me to m9i/] to !m4 ,= surely !y ne$$ a prie/6 ,*apt] ,,ix ,,! ,,panel ,,( ,,silk ,! foll[+ ,sunday1 :5 all my ,ca?olic soldi]s 7 assembl$ at ,mass 9 ! *ur* ( ! t[n :]e we 7 encamp$1 ,i spoke ( :at _h transpir$ dur+ our j\rney f ,valc>ti]4 ,dur+ ! week ,i _h ?\ght out a plan1 & ,i _h b\ght a few packages ( blank visit+ c>ds & a numb] ( lead p5cils4 ,i _h cut ! p5cils 9 two & _h put a "p 9 e pew1 also a blank c>d = e p]son t w\ld sit 9 ! pew4 ,9 ! c\rse ( my little talk ,i spoke ( h[ f9e a ?+ x w\ld be if !y c\ld take ! pl$ge1 giv5 9 su* a way1 h[ev]1 t !y might be free to take ! rum s]v$ 9 ! tr5*es1 :i*1 "u ^? circum/ances1 c\ld be consid]$ m$ic9e4 ,^? :o w\ld take ! pl$ge w\ld write _! names on ! blank c>ds2 ! c>ds w\ld be ga!r$ up aft] ,mass2 ! names w\ld be typewritt5 on a panel ( silk2 ! silk1 be>+ ! names1 w\ld be us$ z a l9+ = my little portable alt>1 & :5ev] ,mass w\ld be said1 a special remembrance w\ld be made = ! lads :o _h tak5 ! pl$ge4 ,:5 we ga!r$ up ! c>ds aft] ,mass !y numb]$ almo/ two hundr$4 ,!y 7 typ$ on ! panel ( silk1 & ! panel ( silk1 ) ! names1 /ill re/s 9 ! little alt>4 ,all ?r\gh ! w> !y h be5 rememb]$4 ,_m ( ^? names appe> else:]e on small :ite crosses 8:]e poppies gr[10 s t n[ !y are no long] m5tion$ 9 ! mem5to ( ! liv+2 b !re is ano!r "p ( ! ,mass :5 !y are rememb]$--) 8^? :o h gone be=e u1 sign$ ) ! sign ( fai?1 & :o re/ 9 ! sleep ( peace40 ,*apt] ,x ,,movem5t ,,ord]s ,we did n /ay v long 9 our new camp+ gr\nd4 ,= a few days ! m5 seem$ q cont5t4 ,ev]y?+ 0 new to !m2 b soon !y began to wond] h[ long x w\ld be be=e we w\ld leave4 ,! nights (t5 7 v cold 9 ! t5ts1 = x 0 n[ late 9 ,octob]4 ,we began to feel sure t ord]s = dep>t+ mu/ come soon z no prep>ations 7 be+ made = go+ into w9t] qu>t]s4 ,on ,sunday ,i _h ann\nc$ confessions = ! foll[+ ,w$nesday4 ,on ! day set1 f\r prie/s came to help me1 b j z ! m5 7 be+ =m$ up to g to ! *ur*1 ^w came t we 7 to leave t ev5+ = ov]seas4 ,! m5 7 dismiss$ & soon !re 0 a sc5e ( g5]al disord]2 b on all sides 7 happy faces4 ,all seem$ glad to g4 ,!y _h be5 look+ =w>d to x = s long a "t4 ,i 0 oblig$ to tell ! prie/s :o _h come s f> t !re w\ld be no confessions4 ,i kept ! ho/s t ! ,si/]s 9 a ne>by t[n _h made = me1 z ,i hop$ to he> ! m5's confessions on ! boat on ! way across ! ocean4 ,all night long we /ood ar\nd1 wait+ = ! tra9 to come to take u1 b !re _h be5 "s delay1 & s x 0 n till e>ly 9 ! morn+ t we left4 ,our j\rney 0 n a v long "o1 b we 7 oblig$ to wait at _m diff]5t /ations till tra9s pass$ u4 ,z ! movem5t ord] _h call$ = a night trip1 no d9+-c> or buffet _h be5 atta*$4 ,! m5 w5t hungry all day4 ,! la/ trip _h be5 "o ( ov]-indulg5ce4 ,?is 0 "o ( ab/95ce4 ,we _h no breakfa/ & no d9n]1 yet ! m5 seem$ q cont5t1 & jok$ pleasantly ov] ! fact t !y 7 hungry4 ,at "o c\ntry /ation :]e we 7 side-track$ ! bugl] jump$ out on ! plat=m & blew ! call3 8,come to ! cook-h\se door1 boys60 ,b z !re 0 no cook-h\se door to g to1 & no 8,mulligan batt]y0--! "n giv5 to ! field-kit*51 ) its /eam+ odors ( ,iri% /ew--!y greet$ ! call ( ! smil+ bugl] ) d]isive laught]4 ,at f\r o'clock we 7 all abo>d ! ,s4 ,s4 ,corsican1 & at five we pull$ out f ! dock1 ! b& on ! upp] deck play+ 8,auld ,lang ,syne40 ,_m relatives ( ! lads1 :o _h arriv$ 9 ! little seaport t[n1 wav$ _! good-byes f ! dock z ! boat swung cle> f its moor+s & /eam$ sl[ly d[n ! bay4 ,! boys sw>m$ up ! rope ladd]s & *e]$2 _m little tugs f> d[n on ! wat] d>t$ ab\t1 %riek+ %rilly _! f>ewells4 ,we 7 (f to ! w>6 ,*apt] ,,xi ,,! ,,high ,,seas ,! doctor & ,i _h be5 allot$ a /at]oom toge!r1 b ,i 0 subsequ5tly giv5 "o d[n bel[1 :]e ,i said ,mass ! fir/ morn+ & he>d confessions e ev5+4 ,! *ief /ew>d 0 a ,ca?olic & he 0 v k9d4 ,i _h p]mission to say ,mass 9 ! second-class saloon1 :i* 0 ! l>ge/ on ! boat1 & ne>ly all ! m5 came to ,holy ,communion4 ,our fir/ ,sunday out ,i said ,mass = ! lads bel[4 ,z ,i proce$$ ) ! ,mass ! seas became v r\gh1 s t ! book fell (f ! alt> ?ree times2 ! *alice1 h[ev]1 nev] mov$4 ,_m became sick1 & ! ,r$ ,cross section 0 busy4 ,on ! fir/ day out we donn$ our cumb]some life-belts1 :i* we wore all ! way across ! ,atlantic4 ,i took m9e (f only :ile say+ ,mass4 ,!y hung on ! b]?s at night4 ,dur+ ! day ! m5 walk$ up & d[n ! upp] deck2 sometimes !re 7 drills1 etc4 ,we saw no vessels4 ,e day we plung$ =w>d ?r\gh r\gh seas1 & 9 ! aft]noons1 z ,i sat 9 my little /at]oom he>+ confessions1 ,i c\ld he> ! dull p\nd+ ( ! waves on ! sides ( ! vessel4 ,i 0 v pleas$ ) ! example ! ,ca?olic (fic]s gave ! m54 ,e "o ( !m came to confession & ,communion on ! way ov]4 ,"o1 ! old qu>t]ma/]1 :o 0 conf9$ to 8 cab9 ) a sev]e attack ( la grippe1 c\ld n come to ,mass ) ! o!rs1 s ,i gave him ,communion 9 8 cab9 t[>ds ! la/ ( ! voyage4 ,! second morn+ aft]w>ds1 h[ev]1 z ,i walk$ back & =? mak+ my ?anksgiv+1 ,i /opp$ quickly & pe]$ out ov] ! sea4 ,i c\ld see v fa9tly1 across ! wat]1 a long1 s]ri$ l9e ( hills t look$ greyi%-blue 9 ! e>ly morn+--! hills ( ,irel&6 ,i ran quickly to tell ! qu>t]ma/]1 :o _h be5 born 9 ,irel& & _h /ill a true ,iri%man's great love = 8 native l&4 ,he 0 n !re4 ,i 0 surpris$1 z ! doctor _h told me t he _h giv5 ord]s t he 0 n to leave 8 cab9 till aft] we rea*$ port4 ,z ,i w5t out on deck aga9 ,i notic$1 up =w>d1 lean+ ov] ! gunwale & look+ t[>ds ,irel&1 a great muffl$ figure4 ,he wore "o khaki great coat1 & ano!r1 ?r[n loosely ab\t 8 %\ld]s1 gave him a hun*$ appe>ance4 ,x 0 ! qu>t]ma/]6 ,i w5t =w>d quickly3 8,capta910 ,i said1 8didn't ! doctor tell y n to leave y\r /at]oom till we dock$80 ,he didn't say any?+ = a second or two1 & ,i notic$ a mi/ _h come into 8 eyes4 ,!n he po9t$ f> across ! grey wa/e ( wat]s4 8,ah1 ,fa!r10 he said1 8b !re's ,irel&60 ,*apt] ,,xii ,,by ,,irel& ,all day long we sail$ by ,irel& & %e seem$ /rangely peaceful & quiet4 ,p]haps x 0 ! great contra/ ) ! sea1 ! wide tumbl+ wa/e ( wat]s t1 night & day1 0 always re/less2 or p]haps x 0 a b5$iction re/+ ov] ! :ole c\ntry4 ,anyh[ x seem$ t way to me z (t5 z my eyes re/$ on ! hills & fields ( holy ,irel&4 ,s9ce t morn+ ,i h se5 _m diff]5t c\ntries4 ,i h come back to my own l& ov] ! same great di/ance ( wat]s1 & x 0 9 ! e>ly morn+ t ,i saw x fir/1 yet t /range spiritual peace t seem$ to re/ ov] ,irel& 0 decid$ly lack+4 ,t e>ly morn+ sc5e /ill comes back to me2 & all ?r\gh ! day1 :5ev] my eyes re/$ on ! hills ( ,irel&1 ,i felt t ,i 0 mak+ a m$itation & t ,i 0 be+ lift$ 9 _s f> above ! little ?+s t bo!r "o "h bel[4 ,d[n bel[ u on ! wat]1 ) ! swiftness almo/ ( swall[s1 d>t$ "h & !re ! long grey anti-subm>9e boats4 ,sev5 or eight ( !m _h come to meet u4 ,lat] on 9 ! day appe>$ ! m9e sweep]s1 l[ %ort /eam boats pa9t$ = ! mo/ "p r$1 & c>ry+ "o y>d sails4 ,! sails 7 ( d>k br[ni%-r$ color4 ,!y work$ 9 pairs4 ,*apt] ,,xiii ,,engl& ,t ev5+ we mov$ sl[ly up ! ,m]sey & at n9e o'clock an*or$ out 9 ! /ream 9 full view ( ! city ( ,liv]pool4 ,we c\ld n see x v well1 = ?r\gh\t ! city ! lights 7 dimm$ & w9d[s 7 d>k5$4 ,all along ! ,iri% coa/ ! impression 0 "o ( peace & quiet1 a spiritual some?+4 ,b ,engl& seem$ to give "o ! idea ( a great ma*9e1 work+ sl[ly1 /eadily1 untir+ly4 ,"o 0 spiritual2 ! o!r mat]ial4 ,t 0 my fir/ impression ( ,engl& z a nation1 & t impression rema9$ ) me dur+ my /ay 9 ! c\ntry4 ,e "t ,i return$ on leave f ,france ,i f\nd x always ! same4 ,engl&1 z a nation1 seem$ to be wond]fully organiz$1 & t :ole organization seem$ to run smoo?ly1 p[]fully1 & heavily4 ,ea* individual _h 8 special "w to d 9 t colossal work%op call$ ,engl&4 ,he knew h[ to d t1 & he did x1 quietly1 me?odically1 & well4 ,b1 tak5 away f 8 own "w1 he seem$ to lack res\rce--! res\rce & initiative ( ! m5 f ! ,new ,_w4 ,we entra9$ e>ly 9 ! morn+4 ,= mo/ ( u x 0 our fir/ exp]i5ce ) ! comp>tm5t c>s ( ! ,old ,_w--little comp>tm5ts runn+ ! wid? ( ! c>1 a door op5+ f ea* side ( ! c>1 ) two seats runn+ f "o side to ! o!r1 ea* hold+ f ?ree to five p1 :o sat fac+ ea* o!r4 ,we pass$ ?r\gh _m qua9t t[ns & _m l>ge cities1 & x 0 ev5+ :5 we came into ! quiet little /ation ( ,liphook4 ,we 7 due !re at two o'clock1 b !re _h be5 _m delays along ! way4 ,sometimes ! lads _h pull$ ! rope & _h /opp$ ! tra92 & ea* "t a /olid brakeman _h op5$ ! door ( comp>tm5t aft] comp>tm5t1 ask+ solemnly3 8'oo pull$ ! reope80 ,( c\rse no "o gave him ! in=mation he ask$2 :]eupon he clos$ ea* door & w5t pati5tly on to ! next comp>tm5t4 ,*apt] ,,xiv ,,9 ,,camp ,i h (t5 rem>k$ t ,engli% writ]s use ! ^w 8depression0 mu* m frequ5tly ?an d writ]s on ?is side ( ! wat]1 & ,i h (t5 wond]$ :at c\ld be ! reason = ?is4 ,i _h n pass$ "o week 9 ,engl& be=e ,i knew4 ,a few days 9 an ,engli% milit>y camp w give "o an idea ( :at depression is4 ,! milit>y camp to :i* we 7 s5t 0 ,bram%ott--a great collection ( long1 l[1 "o-/ory huts1 built r[ on r[1 ) a door at ea* end1 op5+ into muddy lanes t ran ! :ole l5g? ( ! camp4 ,x 0 ra9+ mildly ! ev5+ we arriv$ & we m>*$ 9 ! d>kness = ?ree miles along s(t muddy roads1 & n[ & aga9 we spla%$ ?r\gh a puddle1 ?\gh we tri$ to avoid !m4 ,!re seems to be an especially slipp]y quality ab\t ! mud ( ,engl&1--to say no?+ ( t ( ,france--t makes x v difficult to reta9 "o's balance4 ,my cane1 :i* accord+ to milit>y regulations ,i always c>ri$1 = ! fir/ "t n[ prov$ useful4 ,day aft] day z ! soldi]s ( ! camp drill$ 9 ! s(t1 muddy squ>es1 _! movem5ts resembl$ slid+ m ?an ord]ly m>*+4 ,sometimes ?ick pads ( ! s(t1 yell[ mud clung heavily to _! feet2 v (t5 a g5tle drizzle ( ra9 fell1 & ne>ly always ! sky 0 d>k grey & sombre1 s t "o wond]$ no long] :y ! ^w 8depression0 %\ld be s frequ5tly us$ 9 ,engli% lit]ature4 ,b not)/&+ ! mud & ! d>k skies1 _m ( u grew to l ,engl&4 ,!re 7 _m qua9t1 w9d+ roads h$g$ 9 places ) haw?orne bu%es or spruce or boxwood4 ,^! l$ u into delightful little c\ntry villages ) _! old free-/one *ur*es1 sometimes cov]$ ) ivy t (t5 ran = a long di/ance up ! old ,norman t[]4 ,*apt] ,,xv ,,! ,,c5acle ,n m ?an ?ree miles f ! camp 0 situat$ ! conv5t ( ! ,si/]s ( ! ,c5acle1 a beautiful ?ree-/ory build+ ( r$ brick & /ucco hidd5 away among great hemlock1 spruce & cypress trees4 ,x is a k9d ( re/ h\se1 :]e at c]ta9 seasons ( ! ye> retreats are giv5 = ladies1 :o come f diff]5t p>ts ( ,engl& & pass a week at ! conv5t4 ,all dur+ ! w> !re 0 an op5 invitation to ! ,ca?olic soldi]s ( ,bram%ott ,camp to visit ! conv5t on ,sunday aft]noon & assi/ at ,b5$iction ( ! ,mo/ ,bless$ ,sacram5t4 ,!re 7 ?ree or f\r diff]5t ways ( go+ to ,gray%ott1 ne> :i* ! ,conv5t ( ! ,c5acle 0 situat$4 ,"o ( ^! 0 a foot-pa? :i* l$ fir/ ?r\gh a moor1 cov]$ 9 summ] ) purple hea!r1 !n ?r\gh brack51 almo/ z high z an av]age man1 & bun*es ( gre5 gorse bu%es t blaz$ light yell[ at c]ta9 seasons ) fl[]s resembl+ 9 %ape ! sweet-peas4 ,x 0 a qua9t little pa?1 pass+ on its way 8,wagn]'s ,wells0 a *a9 ( :at we on ?is side ( ! ,atlantic w\ld call ponds1 9 a l[1 wood$ valley4 ,9 summ] ^! 7 v pretty :5 ! full-leaf$ bran*es ( ! trees hung l[ ov] ! ,wells1 & ! wat] 0 almo/ :olly hidd5 by t9y :ite fl[]s t re/$ on ! surface4 ,all dur+ ! w>1 on ,sunday aft]noons1 a long1 irregul> l9e ( khaki-clad figures w5t leisurely along ! foot-pa? to ,gray%ott1 pass$ sc5]y /range ?\gh pleas+1 m\nt$ qua9t ru/ic /iles till !y came to ! conv5t ( ! ,si/]s ( ! ,c5acle4 ,! fir/ ,sunday ,i visit$ ! ,conv5t !re 7 s _m soldi]s pres5t t ! little *apel c\ld n conta9 all4 ,i le>n$ aft]w>ds t ?is _h happ5$ s frequ5tly t1 9 ord] t all might be pres5t at ,b5$iction1 ! good ,si/]s _h ask$ = & obta9$ a g5]al p]mission to h ! s]vices on ! lawn j 9 ! re> ( ! *apel4 ,b5$iction 0 giv5 by a little ,belgian :o 0 do+ *apla9's "w among ! ,canadians at ,bram%ott1 :ile ,fa!r ,knox1 a rec5tly conv]t$ ,anglican cl]gyman1 l$ ! soldi]s 9 s++ ! hymns4 ,little r$ hymn-books1 :i* ! ,engli% gov]nm5t _h suppli$ ! ,ca?olic soldi]s1 7 pass$ ar\nd to ea* soldi]4 ,x 0 a beautiful sight !re on t ,engli% lawn1 z all knelt gr\p$ toge!r1 (fic] & soldi]1 prie/1 si/]1 :ile ! :ite ,ho/ 0 rais$ to bless u all4 ,!n ! lads sang /rongly & cle>ly t beautiful hymn1 8,hail1 ,que5 ( ,heav510 t 0 sung s (t5 dur+ ! w> "u _m diff]5t conditions4 ,! ,iri%m5 sang x z !y advanc$ to take a difficult position t ! ,engli% _h fail$ to take at ,f/ub]t4 ,! ,si/]s disp5s$ hospitality2 l>ge teapots ( tea & plates /ack$ high ) ?9 slices ( bread & butt]1 & baskets ( ?ick slices ( yell[ cake ) currants 9 x4 ,!n 9 ! ev5+ ! soldi]s walk$ back to camp ?r\gh w9d+ foot-pa?s & ov] /iles4 ,i am sure !re are _m m5 scatt]$ ov] ! c\ntry :o w rememb] gratefully ! ,si/]s ( ! ,c5acle at ,gray%ott4 ,x mu/ h inconv5i5c$ !m greatly1 yet ,sunday aft] ,sunday1 all dur+ ! w>1 soldi]s w5t to ! conv5t1 & always ! ,si/]s treat$ !m mo/ hospitably4 ,on ,sundays1 :5 ! numb] ( m5 pres5t 0 n too l>ge1 ,b5$iction 0 giv5 9 ! ,si/]s' *apel4 ,x 0 a v pretty little *apel & on ! alt>1 day & night1 ! ,sacr$ ,ho/ 0 expos$ = p]petual adoration2 & always two ,si/]s knelt to adore4 ,on ! ,gospel side ( ! alt> /ood a beautiful /atue ( ! ,bless$ ,virg9 :i* 0 almo/ cov]$ ) ! milit>y badges worn by soldi]s ( ! diff]5t battalions4 ,9 "s way kn[n to wom5 ! good ,si/]s _h drap$ a mantle ab\t ! /atue1 & to ?is 0 p9n$ ! badges ( ^! mod]n knights4 ,aft] ,b5$iction ! lads w\ld all come to a l>ge room :]e tea w\ld be s]v$4 ,(t5 among ! little khaki-clad gr\ps a ,si/] ( ! ,c5acle w\ld be se5 /&+1 or sitt+1 li/5+ to ! /ories told ( ! c\ntry f> away across ! seas4 ,! ,si/]s wore a black habit1 a small purple cape :i* rea*$ to ! elb[s1 & a :ite cap cov]$ by a black veil1 except = a "o in* crimp$ bord] ar\nd ! face4 ,sometimes1 :5 x 0 "t to leave ! conv5t1 a c]ta9 gr\p w\ld /ep =w>d to say good-bye to ! ,si/]s & to ask _! pray]s4 ,^! w\ld be m5 ord]$ to leave dur+ ! week z a draft = "s battalion 9 ! tr5*es4 ,& ! lads 8w\ld be rememb]$ 9 ! ,sacr$ ,pres5ce !re1 :]e remembrances are sacr$ & ea* memory holds a pray]40 ,day & night1 z ! ,si/]s knelt be=e ! ,"l & (f]$ _! cont9u\s pray]s = a _w t seem$ to h =gott5 ,him1 special pray]s 7 said = ^? ^: badges hung on ,our ,lady's mantle4 ,*apt] ,,xvi ,,! ,,battalion ,,is ,,brok5 ,,up ,we 7 n 9 ,engl& ?ree weeks :5 ord]s came = a draft ( m5 to re9=ce a battalion t _h suff]$ sev]e losses at ! front4 ,9 a few days "o hundr$ & fifty m5 left = ,france4 ,we ?\ght at ! "t t re9=cem5ts w\ld soon come to u f ,canada1 b n mu* m ?an a week pass$ till we 7 call$ on = ano!r draft4 ,?is "t ! ord] 0 t ?ree hundr$ & fifty m5 be s5t to ! ,eighty-sev5? ,battalion4 ,?is second ord] came z a %ock to u all4 ,_m ( ! (fic]s _h be5 9 ! battalion = almo/ a ye>2 !y _h wat*$ x gr[ /rong & num]\s & _h help$ to =m1 ! ?+ mo/ ess5tial 9 a battalion1 an 8esprit de corps40 ,i _h nev] ?\ght ( go+ to ! front except z a unit4 ,! idea ( our be+ brok5 up _h nev] ent]$ my m9d1 b be=e ,*ri/mas came our battalion _h lo/ its id5tity z ! ,"o ,hundr$ & ,?irty-second ,battalion1 & ! majority ( ! m5 _h gone to jo9 diff]5t units at ! front4 ,x 0 impossible = me to be ) all my m51 z !re 7 no two drafts 9 ! same brigade2 /ill1 ,i ?\ght t ,i might be p]mitt$ to g z *apla9 to ! brigade 9 :i* 0 ! l>ge/ numb] ( my m51 s ,i obta9$ p]mission to g to ,london to expla9 matt]s to ! s5ior *apla94 ,he 0 v k9d1 b he said ,i mu/ await my turn2 !re 7 o!r *apla9s ^: battalions _h und]gone ! same process ( annihilation z _h m9e4 ,^! mu/ g fir/2 "w w\ld be f\nd = me 9 ,engl& till my turn w\ld come to g to ! front4 ,i return$ to ,bram%ott ,camp a some:at wis] man z to ! work+s ( ?+s milit>y4 ,b z ,i sat 9 ! cold fir/ class comp>tm5t1 ) my feet on a /one hot wat]-bottle 7seem+ly ?is is ! only way !y heat ! c>s 9 ,engl&7 my m9d 0 busy ) _m ?+s4 ,"o 0 t ,i nev] %\ld h (f]$ my s]vices z *apla9 _h ,i =ese5 ! cata/rophe :i* _h befall5 u4 ,i _h c\nt$ on be+ ) my m5 till ! la/4 ,be=e leav+ = ov]seas _m ( ! mo!rs ( ! lads _h come to me & _h told me :at a great consolation x 0 to !m to h ! assurance t a ,ca?olic prie/ w\ld be ) _! sons4 ,n[ ,i 0 n go+ ) !m2 /ill1 ,i _h be5 conv9c$ t ! lads w\ld be well c>$ = spiritually4 ,at ,bram%ott ,i became assi/ant = a "t to ! camp *apla91 ,fa!r ,john ,knox4 ,*apt] ,,xvii ,,! ,,little ,,spani>d ,i _h n be5 giv5 v mu* in=mation at headqu>t]s z to h[ soon ,i might be s5t to ! front1 = !y did n "k h[ soon ! call might come = *apla9s4 ,9 a few days ! remnants ( my battalion left ,bram%ott = a camp at ,%oreham-by-,sea--all save a few1 :o /ay$ z (fic]s1 s]vants or cl]ks 9 diff]5t bran*es at headqu>t]s4 ,"o aft]noon ,i 0 sitt+ be=e ,fa!r ,knox's t9y fire-place 9 8 little room1 talk+ ( ! ,sunday *ur* p>ades1 :5 a v "y soldi] ent]$1 salut$1 pass$ ,fa!r ,knox a lett] & !n /ood at att5tion4 ,i did n notice ! lad p>ticul>ly1 z ,fa!r ,knox read ! lett] 9 sil5ce1 = my eyes 7 on ! small heap ( gl[+ coals 9 ! grate be=e me1 & my m9d 0 busy on a s*eme to get all ! m5 9 ! camp at two *ur* p>ades on ! foll[+ ,sunday4 ,z ,fa!r ,knox began to write ! answ]1 he look$ up f ! pap] & ask$1 8,ca?olic80 ,!n = ! fir/ "t ! lad began to speak1 hurri$ly1 & ) =eign acc5t4 ,8 eyes took on a que] /ra9$ expression2 8 head seem$ to cr\* d[n to 8 %\ld]s4 ,x transpir$ t he 0 a ,spani>d & _h be5 br\ght up a ,ca?olic1 b aft] go+ to ,canada _h be5 accu/om$ to g to ,prote/ant *ur*es4 ,he 0 n[ ord]ly to a ,prote/ant m9i/] & _h receiv$ a few books f him includ+ a copy ( ! ,new ,te/am5t 9 ,spani%1 s at pres5t1 8 religion 0 ! 8,"l ,jesus40 ,i _h already turn$ f ! fire & 0 wat*+ ! lad4 ,x 0 ! fir/ "t ,i _h ev] he>d a ,ca?olic speak s1 & ,i felt a great pity = him4 ,b quickly ! pity gave place to o!r emotions1 = 9 reply to ,fa!r ,knox's "q z to :at battalion he came ov] )1 he said 8,"o ,hundr$ & ,?irty-second0--my own battalion6 ,sl[ly a daz$1 nauseat+ feel+ *ill$ me4 ,su* a ?+ to happ56 ,i 0 responsible to ,god = ?is man's s\l2 & app>5tly he _h lo/ 8 fai?6 ,i que/ion$ him a little1 only to le>n t n[ he 0 ord]ly to a ,bapti/ m9i/] & t x 0 he :o _h giv5 him ! ,new ,te/am5t 9 ,spani%4 ,i appo9t$ an ev5+ = ! lad to come to see me4 ,he came & we talk$ = a long "t1 b he seem$ to be /rangely obsess$4 ,! m we talk$1 ! m ,i notic$ ! que]1 /ra9$ expression 9 8 eyes1 & :5 he left me t night ,i fe>$ ,i _h n done v mu* t[>ds reviv+ 8 fai?4 ,x 0 _m mon?s be=e ,i saw him aga94 ,*apt] ,,xviii ,,! ,,g>rison ,,*ur* ,,hut ,! days pass$ quickly4 ,new battalions f home came & took up qu>t]s 9 camp1 & to _! surprise 7 brok5 up & s5t 9 drafts to ,france4 ,e night ,fa!r ,knox or ,i rema9$ on duty 9 ! little g>rison hut1 t ! lads might h an opportunity ( go+ to confession be=e leav+ = ,france4 ,! g>rison *ur* hut _h be5 built by ! milit>y au?orities = ! use ( all religi\s d5om9ations4 ,x 0 us$ on ,sundays by ! ,ca?olics1 or1 z ! ,army ,equival5t has x1 ,r4 ,c4's1 at sev5 o'clock = ! ,communion ,mass = ! m54 ,! ,prote/ant d5om9ations _h ! use ( x all ! re/ ( ! day4 ,!re 0 a little alt> on :i* ! ,anglicans (f]$ _! ,communion s]vice1 b we nev] us$ ?is4 ,fa!r ,knox _h an alt> ( 8 own1 on roll]s1 :i* 0 mov$ out 9 front ( ! o!r "o be=e ,mass & :eel$ back aft] ,mass4 ,j outside ! entrance to ! hut _h be5 erect$ a l>ge blackbo>d = ann\ncem5ts ( s]vices4 ,always on ,saturday night ?is bo>d held ! ord] ( ! ,anglican s]vices4 ,we _h nev] int]f]$ ) ?is1 z ! ,anglican is recogniz$ z ! (ficial religion ( ! ,briti% army4 ,h[ev]1 "o ,saturday ev5+ z ,i came out alone f ! hut ,i happ5$1 9 pass+1 to glance at ! bo>d4 ,! cu/om>y ann\ncem5ts 7 n !re2 in/ead1 0 writt5 9 bold :ite lett]s ! ord] ( ,ca?olic s]vices = ! morr[4 ,n only 0 ! notice ( ! camp s]vice giv51 b ! ,b5$iction at ,gray%ott ,conv5t 0 m5tion$ also4 ,= a few seconds ,i /ood gaz+ at ! sign1 9 great surprise4 ,soldi]s pass+ along ! little lane paus$ to read & !n pass$ on4 ,i knew ,fa!r ,knox c\ld h _h no?+ to d ) x4 ,!n1 z ,i /ood !re 9 ! night look+ at ! ann\ncem5t bo>d1 ,i smil$4 8,tim ,healy10 ,i said1 8,tim ,healy60 ,tim ,healy 0 a lieut5ant :o _h come ov] f ,canada ) an ,iri% battalion4 ,l _m ano!r x _h be5 brok5 up & ,tim 0 wait+ anxi\sly 8 turn at ! front4 ,he _h be5 born 9 ,irel& & 0 a ne> relative ( ! great ,tim ,healy4 ,! foll[+ aft]noon ,i saw him at ! ,conv5t ( ! ,c5acle4 ,i w5t across ! room to :]e he 0 sitt+1 & wait$ till he _h f9i%$ 8 tea4 ,!n1 )\t any preamble1 ,i said3 8,mr4 ,healy1 :y did y erase ! ann\ncem5ts on ! bo>d outside ! *ur* & put ! ,ca?olic ord] on80 ,tim =c$ an expression ( innoc5t wond] into 8 face1 :i*1 ,i ?\ght1 0 a little too elaborately done2 b almo/ simultane\sly appe>$ a pleasant tw9kle 9 ! eyes ( him4 8,no1 ,fa!r10 he said1 8,i didn't10 !n he smil$ broadly & 8 eyes tw9kl$ m]rily4 ,i look$ at him 9 great surprise1 = ,i 0 almo/ c]ta9 t he _h done x4 ,b ,tim _h n f9i%$1 & z 8 eyes cont9u$ to tw9kle said quietly3 8,b ,i s5t "o ( my m5 to d x4 ,i hope he did x well40 8,oh1 yes10 ,i said grimly1 8,i ?9k x 0 done well--if n too well40 ,h[ev]1 no?+ ev] came ( x4 ,*apt] ,,xix ,,! ,,new ,,sacrifice ,?+s w5t mu* ! same at ,bram%ott4 ,spr+ came1 & = ! fir/ "t ,i saw ! primroses1 :i* are among ! fir/ fl[]s to bloom 9 ,engl&4 ,!y d n belong to ! ari/ocracy = "o sees !m ev]y:]e2 along railway embankm5ts1 along ! roadsides1 ne> ! h$ge-r[s1 ev]y:]e pat*es ( ! pretty little yell[ fl[]s smil$ ! approa* ( spr+4 ,!n "o day :5 ! spr+ birds1 ne/+ 9 ! great old ,engli% trees1 7 *e]+ up ! poor w>-brok5 lads t lay on _! little cots 9 s _m milit>y hospitals ?r\gh\t ! c\ntry--,vimy ,ridge _h be5 f\ght1 & _m ( ! lads :o _h sail$ ) me _h fall5 t victory might come--^w came t ,i 0 to jo9 ! ,fif? ,canadian ,division1 :i* 0 !n prep>+ to g ov]seas4 ,x 0 a beautiful day :5 ,i left = ,witley ,camp :]e ! ,fif? ,division 0 qu>t]$4 ,! birds 7 *orus+ _! glori\s melodies f h$ge & tree & field2 b along lanes t %\ld h worn a peaceful c\ntry sett+ w5t clumsily great motor lorries 9 diff]5t ways connect$ ) ! w>4 ,witley ,camp 0 only six miles f ,bram%ott1 s x did n take u long to spe$ ov] ! ,portsm\? road ?r\gh ! beautiful ,surrey c\ntry4 ,i took up tempor>y qu>t]s ) my old fri5d ,fa!r ,cro*eti]e1 & slept on a table 9 8 (fice4 ,i 0 n v long !re :5 ano!r old fri5d dropp$ 9 to see me 9 ! height ( ,fa!r ,h+/on1 ,s4 ,j4 ,bo? prie/s welcom$ me v k9dly & told me ,i 0 j 9 "t to help 9 ! remote prep>ation = a /irr+ ev5t4 ,!y spoke ) great en?usiasm1 & x 0 n long be=e ,i 0 made aw>e ( ! cause4 ,a ,solemn ,high ,mass 0 to be celebrat$ 9 ! op5 air ! foll[+ ,sunday1 & ! ,ca?olic soldi]s f all p>ts ( ! camp 7 to att5d 9 ord] to be consecrat$ to ! ,sacr$ ,he>t ( ,jesus4 ,!re 7 m ?an ?ree ?\s& ,ca?olic soldi]s 9 ! camp4 ,! foll[+ ,sunday morn+ ,i 0 up v e>ly to help 9 ! prep>ations4 ,x 0 a beautiful morn+4 ,! sun 0 up1 cle>1 bright1 & w>m4 ,! air 0 v /ill4 ,?\gh prep>ations1 bo? milit>y & religi\s1 _h be5 mo/ c>efully made1 !re 0 disc]nible 9 ! mann] ( ! prie/s :o _h work$ s h>d = ! br++ ab\t ( ?is great religi\s c]emony "s signs ( anxiety4 ,!y fe>$ le/ !re be a hit* 9 ! deliv]ance ( ord]s1 s t all ! m5 might n be pres5t4 ,!re 0 no ne$ to fe>1 = at #i3cj o'clock ?ree ?\s& ,ca?olic soldi]s drew up 9 ! grove ( p9es on ! bord] ( ! lake at ! nor?we/ corn] ( ! camp & all anxiety disappe>$4 ,!re 7 ,fr5* ,canadian lads f ! ,prov9ce ( ,quebec2 ,iri% ,canadian ,rang]s f ,montreal2 ,scot* laddies1 ) fea!rs 9 _! caps1 f ,ont>io & ,nova ,scotia2 ,indian lads f ,ea/]n & ,we/]n ,canada4 ,an alt> _h be5 built aga9/ "o ( ! v few oak trees t /ood 9 ! grove ( p9es1 & above ! cross t /ood ^u x1 a l>ge picture ( ! ,sacr$ ,he>t ( ,jesus 0 nail$ to ! tree2 surm\nt+ all 0 a canopy ( l>* & ivy leaves4 ,daffodils1 tulips & l>* /ood out brightly among ! c&les on ! :ite alt>4 ,all ab\t ! c>pet$ elevation on :i* ! alt> _h be5 built /ood _m pott$ plants4 ,z ! p>ade 0 drawn up b5ea? ! trees1 on ! c>pet ( dry p9e ne$les & ! la/ ye>'s oak leaves1 b&s ( diff]5t battalions play$ & ! kilt$ laddies made music ) _! pipes4 ,fa!r ,cro*eti]e sang ! ,mass1 ) old ,fa!r ,mc,donald1 :o _h come ov] z *apla9 to a ,scotti% battalion1 z deacon & ! writ] z sub-deacon4 ,! *oir ( ?irty voices :i* sang ! ,royal ,mass s beautifully 0 "u ! direction ( ,lt4 ,prevo/ ( ! ,"o ,hundr$ & ,fiftie? ,battalion4 ,& s "u ! ,briti% oak :]e 8,druids ( old0 once (f]$ _! pagan sacrifices1 ! ,holy ,sacrifice ( ! ,new ,law 0 (f]$1 & ,canadian lads knelt to adore4 ,& !re by ! quiet lakeside ! miracle ( ,god's wond]ful love 0 wr\ght1 & ! promise made by ! ,div9e ,ma/] on ! bord] ( ano!r lake1 ! day foll[+ ! multiplication ( ! loaves & fi%es1 0 fulfill$4 ,= _m ( ! soldi]s _h wait$ till ?is late ,mass to g to ,communion1 & "u ! beautiful sunlight t filt]$ ?r\gh ! trees !y knelt to receive ! 8,bread ( ,life40 ,aft] ,mass a %ort s]mon 0 prea*$ 9 ,engli% & ,fr5* by ,fa!r ,h+/on1 ,s4 ,j41 *apla9 to ! ,iri% ,canadian ,rang]s1 9 ! c\rse ( :i* he expla9$ cle>ly & beautifully :at ! c]emony ( consecration meant4 ,!n ,colonel ,b>r1 comm&+ ! ,"o ,hundr$ & ,fiftie? ,battalion1 read ! ,act ( ,consecration to ! ,sacr$ ,he>t ( ,jesus 9 ,fr5*1 & ,major ,mc,rory1 (fic] comm&+ ! ,"o ,hundr$ & ,n9ety-n9? ,iri% ,canadian ,rang]s1 read x 9 ,engli%4 ,ea* soldi] 0 !n pres5t$ ) a badge ( ! ,sacr$ ,he>t4 ,& j z ( old ! multitude :o foll[$ ! ,div9e ,ma/] 7 bless$ be=e !y dep>t$1 s1 aft] ! ,consecration to ! ,sacr$ ,he>t _h be5 made1 ! lads knelt :ile ,b5$iction ( ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t 0 giv51 & !n all 0 ov]4 8,he bless$ !m & s5t !m away40 ,z ,i /ood t day by ! little alt> ne> ! lakeside1 :ile b&s play$ & ! lads fell 9 prep>atory to dep>t+1 ,i c\ld n help ?9k+ ( ! _m diff]5t places :]e !y _h wor%ipp$ s9ce !y _h left ,canada2 & ?\gh ,i c\ld n =esee ! /range sc5es !y w\ld inevitably meet on ! r$ road ( w>1 :i* !y w\ld %ortly travel1 /ill ,i felt sure t "o day w\ld /& out 9 _! memories 9 bold relief--! day !y made ! ,act ( ,consecration to ! ,sacr$ ,he>t ( ,jesus1--! day :5 !y knelt be=e ,god's alt> built 9 ! op5 air "u ! trees by ! lakeside--& ,jesus pass$6 ,*apt] ,,xx ,,?r\gh ,,engli% ,,lanes ,! e>ly summ] 9 ,engl&1 especially 9 ,surrey1 is v beautiful1 & z ! "w 0 light we _h _m opportunities to walk ?r\gh ! lovely c\ntry roads4 ,b ev5 pretti] ?an ! highways 7 ! lanes t l$ (f f !m & w5t w9d+1 ) _! h$ges1 ?r\gh copse & field1 & qua9t little r$-brick villages1 ea* ) its c5tury-old1 ivy-cov]$ *ur* t _h come d[n f ! good old ,ca?olic days4 ,9 "s ( !m a /atue ( "s sa9t /ill /ood1 & 9 _m 7 anci5t holy-wat] /oops & baptismal fonts4 ,(t5 gigantic *e/nut or oak trees1 gr\p$ ne> a qua9t old gate1 told u ( ! entrance to "s b>onial e/ate or ca/le2 b ne>ly always our only view ( ! e/ate 0 a piece ( road ) v c>efully trimm$ box-h$ge or a great blaz+ h$ge-r[ ( rhodod5drons1 & a small :ite bo>d1 atta*$ to a gate-po/ or tree1 :i* in=m$ ! pass+ wayf>] t !re 0 8,no ,?or\ghf>e40 ,x 0 v pleasant to /eal away f ! camp & ! s\nds ( %\t$ ord]s1 & practic+ milit>y b&s & bugle notes1 to ! quiet c\ntry :]e ! birds sang bli!ly & ! /range notes ( ! cuckoo's solit>y call f "s di/ant t>n or wood came sweetly to ! e>s2 "o =got1 = ! mom5t1 ! ?\ght ( w> & all associat$ ) x4 ,i rememb] "o aft]noon ,i _h tak5 a walk ) ,fa!r ,h+/on & ,fa!r ,cro*eti]e d[n a %ady lane t w\nd1 = ! mo/ "p1 ?r\gh a high woodl&1 :5 we came sudd5ly to a small village ( sev5 or eight h\ses4 ,to our "r 0 a long box-h$g$ foot-pa?1 w9d+ ?r\gh a field or two till x 0 swall[$ up 9 a grove ( tall1 full-leaf$ bee* & oak trees t /ood presumably be=e a ri* c\ntry seat4 ,b we did n take ! foot-pa? to ! "r4 ,in/ead1 ! prie/s1--bo? _h be5 "h be=e1--turn$ to ! left & pres5tly we _h pass$ ?r\gh a little gate into a v small b lovely rose g>d54 ,a t9y pa?1 ) a t9y boxwood h$ge n m ?an a foot high1 l$ f ! gate to ! door ( an old-fa%ion$ :ite h\se4 ,j be=e ! door 0 built a lattic$ portico1 ov] :i* climb+ roses grew4 ,we 7 admitt$ by an eld]ly h\sekeep] & 7 ask$ to g up/airs4 ,!re we f\nd a prie/ ^: age might h be5 =ty-five & ^: hair 0 j beg9n+ to turn grey ab\t ! temples4 ,he 0 ab\t m$ium height1 r slight1 ) an ascetic face4 ,he 0 sitt+ 9 a l[ room :i* 0 v b>e save = a table on :i* 7 "s morn+ pap]s4 ,across ! hall 0 a room 9 :i* 0 a great old-fa%ion$ fire-place ) an +le-nook4 ,! prie/'s "n 0 ,fa!r ,mc,carty1 b he spoke ) a decid$ly ,engli% acc5t4 ,he 0 a memb] ( a religi\s community kn[n z ! ,salesian ,fa!rs4 ,kn[+ t he _h su* a v small p>i%1 ,i ask$ him if he f\nd ! "t heavy on 8 h&s4 ,he repli$ t he did n2 & t al?\gh he _h only ?ree or f\r families 9 all1 includ+ ! ri* h\sehold ( ,capt4 ,rusbrook1 ^: l>ge e/ate we _h pass$ on ent]+ ! village1 he 0 q busy1 z he 0 writ+ ! life ( ! f\nd] ( 8 ord]1 ,don ,bosco2 he also f "t to "t help$ ! *apla9s at ,witley ,camp4 ,*apt] ,,xxi ,,at ,,p>km9/] ,!re 0 a diff]5t _s 9 ,witley ,camp ?an !re _h be5 at ,bram%ott2 = 9 ! :ole division--twelve battalions ( infantry & ?ree brigades ( artill]y1 etc41--0 ! "o feel+ ( expectation ( soon go+ ov]seas4 ,any day ! ord]s might come4 ,fa!r ,h+/on _h made a retreat 9 ,london1 & ,fa!r ,cro*eti]e _h j return$ f five days' re/ & pray] at ! wond]ful mona/]y ( ! ,c>?usian ,fa!rs1 at ,p>km9/]4 ,i decid$ to g !re4 ,! foll[+ ,monday1 late 9 ! aft]noon1 ,i drove up ! w9d+ drive1 ?r\gh haw?orn h$ges1 to ! gates ( ! mona/]y4 ,ev]y?+ seem$ v quiet2 no "o appe>$ 9 g>d5 or w9d[4 ,a bell-rope hung outside ! blue-grey door4 ,i pull$ x quickly4 ,f some:]e )9 came a great clang+1 & almo/ simultane\sly a clatt] ( heavy boots on /one flags4 ,inside1 a bolt %ot back1 & imm$iately a :ite-g>b$1 :ite-be>d$ old bro!r /ood be=e me1 smil+ 9 ! op5+4 ,he %ook h&s ) me & bade me ent]4 8,we h be5 expect+ y1 ,fa!r10 he said1 ) t g5tle c\rtesy t "o f9ds 9 a religi\s h\se4 ,he took my grip1 not)/&+ e prote/ & l$ me along ! r\gh1 /one-floor$ corridor to ! ,gue/ ,h\se1 :]e ,i 0 giv5 a l>ge1 airy corn] room1 pla9ly ?\gh adequately furni%$4 ,sn[-:ite %eets 7 on ! b$--,i _h n se5 %eets = a long "t4 ,! old :ite bro!r told me to sit d[n1--t pres5tly ! ,retreat ,ma/] w\ld come4 ,!n he left me4 ,i w5t ov] to a w9d[ & look$ out4 ,j bel[ 0 a l>ge g>d5 ) rose-fr+$ walks1 enclos$ by a v high /one wall4 ,outside ! wall gre5 fields1 fr+$ ) d>k trees1 /ret*$ f> away4 ,beyond ^!1 roll+ ,sussex d[ns1 look+ greyi%-blue 9 ! summ] haze1 rose to meet ! skyl9e4 ,a /range peace 0 ev]y:]e1 & save = a slight n]v\sness t seem$ to h come to me ) ! great sil5ce ( ! h\se1 ,i 0 glad t ,i _h come4 ,9 a little :ile a knock s\nd$ on ! door & ! ,retreat ,ma/] ent]$4 ,he 0 n v tall1 & r slight1 & ?\gh 8 hair 0 grey he 0 n old4 ,!re 0 no?+ v di/9ctive 9 8 face1 n[ r\gh ) a ?ree-days' gr[? ( be>d--! rule ( ! ord] is to %ave e fifte5 days--& !re 0 n mu* color 9 8 *eeks4 ,! eyes 7 small1 grey & almo/ pi]c+4 ,b !re 0 t same indef9able atmosph]e ( peace ab\t him4 ,x seem$ z if he _h /epp$ aside f ! great noisy highway ( ! _w to li/5 9 sil5ce to ! voice ( ,god4 ,yet1 z he talk$1 ! ,fa!r seem$ to take a *ildi% int]e/ 9 all t ,i told him ( my exp]i5ces 9 a great milit>y camp ) (fic]s & m5 ( ! _w4 ,b away bel[ ! wond] t rippl$ ov] ! surface ( ! _s ( ! monk !re seem$ to be great dep?s ( sil5ce1 & z ,i tri$ to fa?om ^! dep?s1 ,i felt a /range helplessness come ov] me4 ,i c\ld n und]/& ?is man :o sat smil+ simply & cordially1 & at ! same "t seem$ to be envelop$ 9 an atmosph]e n ( ?is _w4 ,be=e he left = ! ev5+ ! ,retreat ,ma/] po9t$ to a c>d t hung on ! wall4 8,! ,ord] ( ,retreat10 he said4 8,y w be able to foll[ x80 ,i assur$ ! ,fa!r t ,i w\ld1 & !n he 0 gone = ! night4 ,my retreat pass$ v quickly--,i _h only five days--& dur+ t "t ,i =got all ab\t w> & prep>ations = w>4 ,e day = ab\t half an h\r ! ,retreat ,ma/] came to my room & talk$ a little4 ,he told me _m ?+s ab\t ! mona/ic life t ,i f\nd v int]e/+4 ,ea* monk1 he expla9$1 liv$ 9 a little brick two-/ory h\se :i* 0 atta*$ to ! great ma9 corridor t =m$ a quadrangle ab\t ! *ur*4 ,! l[] /ory 0 a k9d ( work%op 9 :i* 0 a la! & diff]5t k9ds ( c>p5t]s' tools1 & to x ! monk desc5d$ 9 8 free "t to d manual "w4 ,a small g>d51 9 betwe5 ! diff]5t h\ses1 0 allott$ to ea* monk1 :]e he work$ = a :ile ea* day & grew vegetables = 8 own frugal bo>d4 ,"o day ,i told ! ,retreat ,ma/] t ,i _h read a description ( ,p>km9/] 9 "o ( ! late ,monsignor ,b5son's novels1 8,! ,conv5tionali/s40 ,! monk smil$ rem9isc5tly4 ,he recall$ ! day t ,mr4 ,b5son--he 0 an ,anglican at ! "t ( 8 visit--9 company ) ano!r m9i/]1 _h call$4 ,mr4 ,b5son _h seem$ v mu* int]e/$4 ,! o!r _h made "s /range rem>k4 ,monsignor ,b5son _h nev] visit$ ! ,mona/]y z a prie/1 nor _h he ev] br\ght any "o !re to jo9 ! community4 ,! monk assur$ me ( ?is1 & he _h be5 ,gue/ ,ma/] = _m ye>s4 ,yet :5 ,i _h read 8,! ,conv5tionali/s0 ,i _h be5 almo/ conv9c$ t ! /ory relat$ 0 a p]sonal exp]i5ce4 ,x may h be5 to "s o!r mona/]y t ! "y man _h gone1 al?\gh ,monsignor ,b5son _h said ,p>km9/]4 ,%ortly be=e ,i left ! mona/]y ! ,retreat ,ma/] came to h a la/ *at4 8,:5 y rea* ! front10 he said1 8tell y\r m5 t we are pray+ = !m day aft] day1 night aft] night40 ,i felt a /range feel+ ( security on he>+ ^! words1 b z ,i left ! mona/]y gates & turn$ to say f>ewell to ! old monk1 ,i felt a di/9ct s9k+ ( my he>t4 8,p]haps10 he said raptur\sly1 8y'll be a m>tyr60 ,*apt] ,,xxii ,,ord]s ,,= ,,france ,n a week _h pass$ aft] my retreat1 :5 "o morn+ a runn] f divisional headqu>t]s came into my hut1 salut$ & pass$ me a pap]4 ,i 0 ord]$ to ,france4 ,?is 0 good news1 = ,i _h n[ be5 9 ! ,army ov] a ye>4 ,! battalion _h be5 recruit$ to full /r5g? e>ly 9 #aiaf1 & ,i _h hop$ to be 9 ,france be=e ! end ( t ye>4 ,x 0 n[ ,june1 #aiag4 ,! foll[+ morn+ ,i left ,witley ,camp = ,london1 :]e ,i 0 to receive fur!r ord]s & equip myself ) b$-roll1 tr5* boots1 etc4 ,at headqu>t]s1 9 ,london1 ,i le>n$ t ,i 0 to g to ,no4 #b ,canadian ,infantry ,base ,depot1 at ,etaples4 ,f !re1 aft] a :ile1 ,i w\ld be s5t to ! tr5*es4 ,etaples is a qua9t little fi%+ village on ! ,can*e ,riv]1 ab\t two miles f its m\?4 ,be=e ! w> x _h be5 a fam\s resort = arti/s2 q a colony _h liv$ 9 ! little t[n4 ,ap>t f its qua9tness & ! picturesque co/umes ( ! t[nsfolk1 its *ief int]e/ = arti/s lay 9 its beautiful sunsets4 ,x 0 a glori\s sight to look d[n ! ,can*e1 wid5+ betwe5 ! jack-p9e-cre/$ s& dunes1 z x fl[$ ne>] ! sea1 to ! great gold5 sun slid+ d[n t[>ds ! m]ry danc+ blue waves ( ! ,/raits ( ,dov]1 sl[ly turn+ r$ & r$d] z x sank among ! long p5cils or banks ( r$d5+ cl\ds fr+$ ) gold4 ,:5 ! sun w\ld s9k into ! waves ! wat] w\ld be crimson$ = miles1 & = a long "t aft] ! great r$ disc _h disappe>$ ! di/ant sails ( ! fi%+ boats made a v pretty picture z !y mov$ sil5tly ov] ! waves4 ,etaples1 besides be+ qua9t1 0 a v dirty little t[n4 ,at any h\r ( ! day "o might see a good h\sewife come to ! door & empty a tub ( soapy wat] t _h s]v$ its use into ! cobbl$-/reet1 :]e x 0 m+l$ ) o!r soapy wat]s t ran cont9u\sly along ! gutt]s4 ,e morn+ piles ( g>bage appe>$ 9 ! /reets be=e ! h\ses4 ,dur+ ! w> almo/ e h\se bore a sign nail$ to ! door ^u :i* 0 writt5 or pr9t$ ! ^w 8,e/am9et10 :i* signifi$ t )9 "o might pur*ase w9e1 be]1 c(fee & o!r refre%m5ts4 ,sometimes accompany+ ! sign 0 a small] "o1 be>+ ! ,engli% words1 8,eggs & *ips40 ,all ! n>r[ cobble-/on$ /reets t ran f e direction into ! village /opp$ at ! l>ge m>ket squ>e4 ,m>ket days 7 twice a week1 & !n x 0 difficult to f9d "o's way ?r\gh ! cr[ds :o came to buy f ! black- or :ite-hood$ c\ntry wom51 ^: m>ket wagons1 mo/ly drawn by donkeys1 7 lad5 ) ev]y?+ imag9able f f>m1 h\se1 & field4 ,x 0 a /rik+ sc5e !re 9 ! old m>ket squ>e be=e ! t[n hall4 ,soldi]s f almo/ all ! ,alli$ armies c\ld be se5 !re1 :ile nurses f ! great milit>y hospitals1 ab\t "o-half mile f ! t[n along ! road t foll[$ ! ,can*e t[>ds ,cami]s & ! sea1 mov$ quickly1 ne>ly always two by two1 c>ry+ small m>ket-baskets4 ,*apt] ,,xxiii ,,at ,,no4 #b ,,canadian ,,infantry ,,base ,,depot ,at ! ,no4 #b ,canadian ,infantry ,base ,depot ,i _h ! mo/ wond]ful opportunity ( ! w> to /udy ! ,ca?olics ( ! alli$ armies--,iri%1 ,scot*1 ,wel%1 ,engli%1 ,new ,zeal&1 ,au/ralian & ,portuguese4 ,= "h 7 depot camps = all ^! troops4 ,(t5 !re w\ld be z _m z "o hundr$ ?\s& m5 tra9+ at "o "t1 b aft] e engagem5t drafts w\ld be call$ = up ! l9e4 ,!n !y w\ld be giv5 _! full equipm5t f ! l>ge ordnance /ores at ,etaples1 & 9 ! ev5+ !y w\ld come to confession & ,communion4 ,!re 7 two l>ge ,ca?olic recreation huts1 ) a *apel 9 ea*4 ,on ,sundays fold+ doors 7 op5$ & ! :ole hut became a *apel2 hundr$s ( soldi]s came to assi/ at ! diff]5t ,masses t 7 said 9 ea* hut4 ,9 ! ev5+ great numb]s came to confession1 & always cr[ds assi/$ at ! e>ly week-day morn+ ,mass4 ,e ev5+ prie/s w\ld be on duty 9 ! little *apels he>+ confessions &1 if soldi]s _h be5 call$ urg5tly & 7 leav+ = ! front1 giv+ ,communion4 ,x 0 my lot = ! mo/ "p to he> confessions 9 ! ,ca?olic hut to :i* came n only my own ,canadian lads1 b ! ,iri% ( ! fam\s ,sixte5? ,division3 ,connaughts1 ,le9/]s1 ,mun/]s1 ,iri% ,gu>ds1 etc4 ,x 0 wond]fully edify+ to sit ev5+ aft] ev5+ & he> ! confessions ( ^! ,iri% lads4 ,!y w\ld usually beg9 by say+1 8,god bless y1 ,fa!r60 ,!y came 9 extraord9>ily l>ge numb]s e night & always /ay$ a long :ile to pray4 ,! fai? seem$ to be "p ( _! v be+4 ,?\gh !y did n p>ade x1 ^! lads seem$ sc>cely to brea! )\t %[+ 9 "s way ! love = _! fai?4 ,:5 !y met ! ,ca?olic *apla9 9 ! /reet1 !y did n give him ! salute !y 7 suppos$ to give him1 9 common ) all o!r (fic]s4 ,!y always took (f _! hats4 ,!y 7 ! only soldi]s :o ev] did ?is4 ,i ask$ an ,iri% ,ca?olic (fic] ab\t x "o ev5+4 8,:y1 ,fa!r10 he said1 8!y ?9k ! milit>y salute n good en\gh = a prie/4 ,x does all v well1 !y ?9k1 = a g5]al or a field m>%al or ! ,k+ ( ,engl&1 b x's n en\gh = a prie/4 ,!y mu/ take _! hats (f1 al?\gh !y break a milit>y rule by s do+40 8,god bless !m10 ,i said w>mly4 ,! ,que5 ( ,engl& visit$ ! hospitals & milit>y depots ( ,etaples :ile ,i 0 !re4 ,happ5+ to be ne> ! ,iri% depot :5 %e 0 ab\t to pass1 ,i /ood among ! great cr[ds ( soldi]s t l9$ ea* side ( ! road4 ,9 ab\t ?ree m9utes ! ,que5 w\ld come along4 ,sudd5ly ,i he>d ! high1 effem9ate voice ( an ,engli% (fic] ( sup]ior rank call+ out3 8,tell t man to put on 8 coat4 ,see "h1 y60 ,look+ 9 ! direction t[>ds :i* ! colonel call$1 ,i saw an ,iri% soldi]1 m9us 8 tunic1 g gallop+ 9 8 heavy milit>y boots ?r\gh a pa? t wid5$ accommodat+ly = him & clos$ beh9d him1 s t progress 0 almo/ impossible = ! ari/ocratic colonel1 :o p]haps wi%$ to id5tify ! man4 ,i rememb] "o ev5+ aft] ,i _h f9i%$ confessions 9 ,oratory ,hut & _h come back to ! t5t 9 my own l9es1 f9d+ a "y ,scot* (fic] sitt+ at ! little deal table wait+ = me4 ,aft] talk+ = a:ile1 he told me t = "s "t he _h be5 wi%+ to become a ,ca?olic1 & t if ,i c\ld sp>e ! "t he w\ld beg9 in/ructions :5ev] ,i wi%$4 ,we began t night1 & a few weeks lat] ,i baptiz$ him 9 ! *apel ( ,oratory ,hut4 ,an ,engli%man--,i ?9k 8 "n 0 ,edmund ,hanley--/ood sponsor4 ,dur+ ! c]emony ! *apla9 ( ! ,portuguese soldi]s came 9 & knelt rev]5tly4 ,:5 all 0 ov] & we _h (f]$ congratulations1 ! ,portuguese prie/ %ook h&s ) ! neophyte2 !n he came ov] to me & gave me bo? 8 h&s w>mly4 ,al?\gh he c\ld n speak my language1 nor ,i 81 /ill we 7 bro!r prie/s1 & ,i 0 sure he knew ! joy ,i felt ov] ?is new %eep com+ into ! fold ( ,*ri/4 ,*apt] ,,xxiv ,,! ,,new ,,zeal&]s ,( all ! lads ( diff]5t nationalities :o visit$ ! little *apel 9 ! ev5+ & :o came s (t5 to ,holy ,communion 9 ! e>ly morn+1 ,i ?9k ,i lik$ ! be/ ! ,new ,zeal&]s4 ,!y 7 ne>ly all tall1 li! m51 d>k-hair$1 ) long1 n>r[ faces1 & eyes t _h a /range int5sity ( expression3 p]haps "o might call !m pi]c+4 ,!y 7 quiet-voic$ m5 & spoke ) r an ,engli% acc5t4 ,!y 7 ! g5tle/1 f9e/ m5 x 0 my good =tune to meet 9 ! army4 ,!y 7 excell5t ,ca?olics1 _m ( !m daily communicants4 ,! ,maoris1 ! aborig9es ( ,new ,zeal&1 7 treat$ by ! :ite m5 ) ! same c\rtesy t !y %[$ "o to ano!r4 ,! ,maoris 7 ! mo/ intellig5t look+ m5 ( ! yell[ race ,i _h ev] met4 ,9 fact1 x 0 only by _! color--:i* 0 almo/ *ocolate--t "o c\ld di/+ui% !m f ! ,new ,zeal&]s !mselves4 ,^? ( ! ,maoris :o 7 ,ca?olics 7 excell5t ones4 ,i recall "o incid5t :i* impress$ me v mu* ) ,new ,zeal& c\rtesy4 ,i _h come to a segregation camp1 j outside ! little village ( ,etaples1 to arrange = ! ,sunday *ur* p>ade ( ! soldi]s on ! foll[+ day4 ,! soldi]s :o 7 qu>t]$ 9 ! segregation camp 7 m5 :o _h come 9 contact ) ^? suff]+ f contagi\s diseases4 ,!y usually /ay$ 9 ?is camp ab\t ?ree weeks4 ,if aft] ?is p]iod no symptoms ( any contagi\s disease appe>$ !y return$ to _! diff]5t units4 ,! day ,i speak (1 ?ree (fic]s 7 sitt+ 9 ! mess :5 ,i w5t to ann\nce ! s]vices1 two ,engli%m5 & "o ,new ,zeal&]4 ,i told ! (fic] 9 *>ge t ,i %\ld l to h ! ,ca?olic m5 p>ad$ = ,mass ! foll[+ day1 sugge/+ to him to "n ! h\r mo/ suitable4 ,he1 an ,engli%man1 said elev5 o'clock4 ,i 0 ab\t to say1 8,v well10 :5 ! ,new ,zeal& (fic] int]pos$ g5tly b firmly4 8,y w h to make ! h\r e>li] ?an t1 ,capta910 he said4 8,y "k ! ,fa!r w be fa/+ till aft] 8 ,mass40 ,! ,engli% (fic] look$ at me quickly4 8,:y1 ,padre10 he said1 8x did n occur to me t y w\ld be fa/+4 ,c]ta9ly1 we'll h x e>li]4 ,h[ ab\t n9e o'clock80 ,n9e w\ld suit p]fectly1 ,i assur$ him4 ,z ,i 0 to say an e>ly ,mass = ! nurses at #g3cj1 ,i w\ld j h "t to move my alt> to ! dunes1 :]e ,i 0 to celebrate ,mass1 be=e ! soldi]s w\ld arrive4 ,! ,mass 0 f9i%$ v e>ly t ,sunday1 & !re 0 no long fa/4 ,i 0 v grateful to ! ,new ,zeal&] = 8 ?\ghtfulness4 ,z ,i h said be=e1 !y 7 ! g5tle/1 f9e/ m5 ,i _h ev] met4 ,*apt] ,,xxv ,,! ,,work]s ,!re 0 "o ?+ ab\t ! natives ( ,etaples t impress$ me p>ticul>ly1 & t 0 ! respect ea* artisan seem$ to h = 8 "w4 ,9 ! little village 7 c&le-mak]s1 bak]s1 boot-mak]s1 mak]s ( bru%es1 etc41 & all ^! workm5 seem$ to be int]e/$ 9 _! "w & to h a great respect = x4 ,!y work$ sl[ly1 pati5tly1 & always ?or\ghly4 ,i notic$ ! same _s 9 ! fields4 ,j beyond ! hill & ! giant w9dmill t ov]look$ ! village1 unf5c$ gre5 fields slop$ d[nw>d to gre5 valleys1 !n up ov] ! hills aga94 ,?r\gh ?is op5 c\ntryside w\nd ! :ite roads ( ,france2 & always ! great ma9 roads 7 ar*$ by anci5t elms4 ,unlike ,engl&1 n ev5 a h$ge divid$ ! prop]ty ( own]s4 ,"h e day cr[ds ( f>m labor]s1 mo/ly wom5 & girls1 came e>ly to "w4 ,"o notic$ a total abs5ce ( all mod]n f>m implem5ts4 ,! wom5 /ill us$ ! old-fa%ion$ reap+ hook t 0 us$ long be=e ! com+ ( ,*ri/4 ,:at !y cut !y b\nd c>efully into t9y %eaves4 ,! wom51 = ! mo/ "p1 7 dress$ z ! woman 9 ,millet's picture1 8,! ,angelus10 f hood to wood5 %oes4 ,"h1 aga91 ! "w 0 done pati5tly1 quietly1 & ?or\ghly4 ,! mod]n idea ( sav+ labor seem$ nev] to h come to !m4 ,sometimes :5 n v busy ,i w\ld take a walk ?r\gh ! long :ite roads1 lead+ into a :ite-h\s$ r$-ro($ village1 ! ,norman t[] ( ! little *ur* pi]c+ ! tree-tops2 !n out aga9 ?r\gh m gre5 unf5c$ fields to ano!r little village two1 or ?ree1 or sometimes f\r miles away4 ,(t5 :ile on ^! walks1 ,i us$ to ?9k ( ! rugg$ /r5g? ( ^! /urdy ,fr5* peasants :o w5t s /eadily & quietly ab\t _! "w4 ,!y 7 /rongly built p1 well develop$1 & _! faces 7 deep r$--,i suppose f s mu* "w out ( doors4 ,*apt] ,,xxvi ,,ord]s ,,aga9 ,i _h come d[n to my t5t "o ev5+ a little lat] ?an usual to f9d a ,d4 ,r4 ,l4 ,s4 lett] f ! ,*apla9 ,s]vice await+ me4 ,d4 ,r4 ,l4 ,s4 meant 8,dispat* ,rid]s' ,lett] ,s]vice40 ,i op5$ x quickly1 z a lett] f headqu>t]s1 br\ght by a dispat* rid]1 might conta9 v important ord]s4 ,?is 0 an ord] to report = duty at ,no4 #g ,canadian ,g5]al ,hospital ! foll[+ day4 ,i look$ at my wat*4 ,x 0 ne>ly n9e o'clock4 ,x 0 v d>k outside & ! ra9 0 beat+ on my t5t4 ,no4 #g 0 at lea/ two miles di/ant1 b ,i mu/ see ! *apla9 be=e he w\ld leave4 ,i put on my tr5* coat & /epp$ out into ! ra94 ,z ,i drew ne> ! hospital ,i 0 oblig$ to pass by a ,g]man prison camp4 ,i suppose my ?\ghts 7 w&]+ t night4 ,at lea/ ! fir/ ?+ ,i realiz$ 0 see+ ?r\gh ! ra9 ! bright blade ( a bayonet ?ru/ at my brea/2 !n ,i he>d ! voice ( ! gu>d3 8,quick6 ,are y fri5d80 ,i /opp$ sudd5ly4 ,i _h n he>d him *all5ge me ! fir/ "t1 :i* he surely mu/ h done4 ,i realiz$ 9 an in/ant my position4 8,yes10 ,i %\t$1 8fri5d40 8,x's a good job y spoke1 sir10 w>n$ ! gu>d1 & !n he said1 quickly1 8,pass1 fri5d40 ,al?\gh ,i _h realiz$ my position1 ,i _h n felt ! slighte/ al>m1 b n[ z ,i walk$ along 9 ! d>kness a /range fe> took possession ( me1 s t ,i %ook almo/ viol5tly4 ,i h be5 *all5g$ (t5 by s5tries s9ce t night1 b x has nev] be5 necess>y to inquire m ?an once2 nor h ,i ev] be5 halt$ s sudd5ly by a po9t$ bayonet4 ,i f\nd ! out-go+ *apla91 ,fa!r ,cot1 pack+ 8 b$-roll1 & z he pack$ he gave me all ! advice necess>y to an incom+ *apla94 ,! foll[+ morn+ he w5t up ! l9e1 & imm$iately aft] lun* ,i left ,no4 #b ,c4 ,i4 ,b4 ,d41 :]e ,i _h be5 mo/ cordially treat$ by bo? (fic]s & m51 & came to ,no4 #g ,canadian ,g5]al ,hospital4 ,*apt] ,,xxvii ,,hospitals ,,& ,,tra9s ,no4 #g ,canadian ,g5]al 0 only "o ( a gr\p ( hospitals situat$ along ! highway t l$ f ,etaples to ,cami]s4 ,!re 7 sev5 or eight l>ge hospitals 9 all1 ?\gh only two 7 ,canadian1 ! o!rs be+ ,briti%4 ,al?\gh ,i 0 qu>t]$ at ,no4 #g1 ,i _h also to att5d ! o!r ,canadian ,hospital1 ,no4 #a4 ,!re 7 ab\t #b1ejj b$s 9 ,no4 #g1 & ab\t #b1jjj 9 ,no4 #a4 ,at "o end ( ,no4 #a1 !re 0 a m>quee *apel-t5t & at ! re> ( ,no4 #g !re 0 a l[ wood5 *apel call$ 8,*ur* ( ,our ,lady1 ,help ( ,*ri/ians10 b ?is 0 us$ mo/ly by ! ,briti% ,ca?olics4 ,! milit>y hospital 9 ,france usually consi/$ ( a numb] ( long1 l[1 deta*$ "o-/ory huts1 built 9 r[s1 ea* r[ beh9d ! o!r4 ,betwe5 ! r[s ran little lanes j wide en\gh to p]mit two ambulances to pass4 ,!re 0 a door 9 ea* end ( e hut1 s t x 0 v easy to g f "o hut into ! o!r4 ,ea* hut 0 a w>d2 9 "s hospitals !y 7 numb]$2 9 o!rs !y 7 lett]$4 ,d[n ea* side ( ! aisle1 runn+ f door to door1 0 a r[ ( b$s--l[ iron b$s cov]$ ) army blankets4 ,9 mo/ ( ! hospitals !re 7 no c\nt]panes1 b !re 7 always clean :ite %eets & pill[-cases4 ,at "o end ( ! w>d 7 two small cubicles1 "o ( :i* 0 ! nurses' (fice1 ! o!r a k9d ( pantry & em]g5cy kit*51 ?\gh ne>ly all ! cook+ 0 done 9 ! g5]al kit*51 :i* 0 a special hut4 ,into ^! l>ge1 quiet w>ds1 f> away f ! ro> ( ! heavy guns1 ! crackle ( ma*9e-guns & rifles1 ! w\nd$ lads came1 c>ri$ by tra9 & ambulance4 ,_m :o w read ^! l9es h se5 ! troop-tra9s1 ) _! hundr$s ( khaki-clad lads lean+ out f c> w9d[s1 *e]+1 s++1 & wav+1 z !y 7 c>ri$ swiftly by on _! way to seaport or tra9+-camp4 ,p]haps !y h wat*$ long companies ( soldi] boys m>* up du/y roads1 :ile flags wav$ & b&s play$ & p *e]$1 to ! l9es ( c>s wait+ = !m4 ,if s1 !y w recall ! great buoyancy ( ! lads--_! gaiety z !y pass$ on _! way to tra9+-camp or port ( emb>kation = ov]seas4 ,?is light-he>t$ness accompani$ !m across ! sea & w5t ) !m up ?r\gh ,france z !y j\rney$ 9 o!r troop-tra9s to ! front4 ,& :5ev] ?ir/y eng9es /opp$ at wat]tanks1 or :5 a halt 0 made to ex*ange a tir$ eng9e1 little ,fr5* *ildr5 assembl$ & gaz$ wide-ey$ at ! soldi]s :o _h come f across ! seas4 ,!y wond]$1 too1 :at ^? words meant t "s "o on ! troop-tra9s always call$ out & :i* br\ght su* a ?und]+ response4 ,_m tra9s w5t up along ! same way ?r\gh ,france & /opp$1 z o!rs _h /opp$1 & always "s voice call$ out ^? words1 & always hundr$s ( voices ro>$ back1 8,no60 ,s 9 "t ! ,fr5* *ildr5 le>n$ !m1 & :5ev] ! tra9s sl[$ into a /ation ! little ones w\ld run to ! c>s1 & "o ( _! numb] w\ld call out1 8,h> we doon-he>t$80 ,!n1 m+l$ ) ! laught] ( ! khaki-clad lads1 w\ld come ?und]+ ! answ]1 8,no60 ,aft] a:ile tra9s be>+ soldi]s began to come d[n f ! l9e4 ,b :5 ! eng9es /opp$ at wat]+-tanks or /ations ! little ,fr5* *ildr5 t ga!r$ ab\t !m notic$ c]ta9 diff]5ces betwe5 ^! tra9s & ! ones t w5t up to ! front4 ,ev]y?+ seem$ v sil5t1 save = ! sl[ pant+ ( ! eng9e4 ,on ! side ( e c> 0 pa9t$1 9 ! middle ( a l>ge :ite circle1 a r$ cross4 ,no gr\ps ( laugh+ faces appe>$ at op5 c> w9d[s2 ?\gh n[ & aga9 ! :ite1 drawn face ( "s "o ly+ 9 a b]? pe]$ out ?r\gh ! glass4 ,sometimes a :ite b&age 0 ti$ ar\nd ! head1 & sometimes on ! :ite b&age 0 a d>k-r$ pat*4 ,no "o call$ out1 8,are we d[nhe>t$80 ,tra9s kept com+ d[n f ! front some:at irregul>ly2 sil5t tra9s ) r$ crosses pa9t$ on :ite circles on ! sides ( ! c>s4 ,!n "o day !re 0 a slight *ange 9 ! appe>ance ( ^! hospital tra9s4 ,! r$ cross 0 /ill !re1 b pa9t$ ne> "o end1 on ! side ( ! c>1 0 an oblong ( r$1 :ite & blue ab\t ?ree feet long & two wide4 ,! little *ildr5 knew well :at ?is 0--! tricolor ( ,france4 ,b !y did n "k :at ! oblong ( r$1 :ite & blue pa9t$ on ! side1 at ! o!r end ( ! c>1 repres5t$4 ,! disposition ( ! color 0 diff]5t1 & ! =mation ( ! color$ p>ts 0 n ! same4 ,!re 7 m /ripes 9 ?is oblong1 & ! /ripes 7 n>r[] & r$ & :ite 9 color4 ,9 ! upp] corn] 0 a small blue squ>e ) _m :ite />s on x4 ,!n "o day "s "o told ! little *ildr5 t ?is 0 ! flag ( ! ,am]icans :o _h come f s f> across ! seas to help _! fa!rs & bro!rs 9 ! w>4 ,z ,i write ^! words ,i recall ! pass+ ( ! tra9s ( ,france4 ,^? t w5t up took light-he>t$ lads :o lean$ f c> w9d[s & sang & *e]$ z !y w5t ?r\gh ,fr5* villages4 ,& ! tra9s t came d[n1 ) r$ crosses on !m1 _h = _! pass5g]s quiet lads :o lay 9 b]?s1 b&ag$ 9 e conceivable way4 ,b al?\gh !y suff]$ mu*1 & al?\gh occasionally a l[ moan escap$ ?r\gh pa9-drawn lips1 ^? wond]ful lads 7 /ill 8n d[nhe>t$40 ,!y pass$ ?r\gh _m diff]5t h&s aft] !y 7 w\nd$ & always !y 7 well treat$4 ,fir/1 /ret*]-be>]s pick$ !m up & c>ri$ !m to ! regim5tal aid po/1 :i* 0 usually a dug\t 9 "o ( ! support tr5*es4 ,"h !y receiv$ treatm5t f ! m$ical (fic] ( ! battalion & 8 /aff4 ,!n !y 7 c>ri$ by o!r /ret*]-be>]s d[n ! tr5*es to ! field /ation1 f :i* places motor ambulances took !m to ! advanc$ dress+ /ation :]e b&ages 7 re-arrang$ or improv$4 ,!n !y w5t to ! cle>+ /ation1 :]e !y rema9$ = p]haps two or ?ree days until !re 0 a cle>+ = ! hospital to :i* !y 7 to g4 ,ambulances took !m to ! ,r$ ,cross tra9s & /ret*]-be>]s c>ri$ !m g5tly to b]?s 9 ! c>s1 & !n !y began _! long j\rney to ! base hospital--! big quiet hospital f> away f ! ro> ( ! guns4 ,f "t to "t m$ical (fic]s pass$ d[n ! aisle ( ! c>1 & sometimes a ,r$ ,cross nurse1 clad 9 light grey uni=m1 gave m$ic9e to ! w\nd$ lads or exam9$ a dress+4 ,! j\rney f ! casualty cle>+ /ation to ! base hospital (t5 took _m h\rs4 ,x 0 usually ev5+ :5 ! long l9e ( ,r$ ,cross c>s came sl[ly into ! smoo? sid+ t _h be5 built s9ce ! w>4 ,! bugle call w\ld s\nd & _m hospital ord]lies & /ret*]-be>]s w\ld assemble1 z1 "o aft] ano!r1 ! big gre5 ambulances1 ea* "o driv5 by a woman1 came swiftly d[n to ! sid+4 ,gradually _! spe$ slack5$1 & !y mov$ sl[ly d[n ! l9e ( hospital c>s1 9 ! sides ( :i* doors op5$4 ,!n g5tly & c>efully ! w\nd$ lads1 wrapp$ 9 ?ick br[n army blankets & ly+ on /ret*]s1 7 l[]$ f ! c>s & c>ri$ to ! op5 ends ( ! ambulances1 :]e ! /ret*]s 7 fitt$ into racks runn+ _! full l5g?--two above & two bel[4 ,z soon z ! /ret*]s 7 securely /rapp$ ! ma*9e sl[ly mov$ (f to ! hospital1 :i* 0 j a few hundr$ y>ds away4 ,*apt] ,,xxviii ,d ,i',s ,,& ,s ,i',s ,i rememb] ! day ,i arriv$ at ,no4 #g4 ,! qu>t]ma/] allott$ me a burlap hut 9 ! (fic]s' l9es1 j l>ge en\gh to conta9 a l[ iron b$1 a r\gh table1 made ( bo>ds f an old pack+ case1 a *air 7:i* 0 n !re7 & a little /ove :5 x 0 cold en\gh = "o4 ,i hung my tr5* coat on a nail & ask$ ! two m5 :o _h br\ght my b$-roll to place x :]e ! *air %\ld h be54 ,i gave j "o look ar\nd ! hut1 !n w5t out aga9 & up to ! ,regi/r>'s (fice1 fir/ to ,no4 #a1 !n back to ,no4 #g4 ,e morn+ a li/ 0 po/$ outside ! ,regi/r>'s (fices1 on :i* 7 pr9t$ ! names ( ! ,d4 ,i4's & ,s4 ,i4's2 ^? ,dang]\sly ,ill & ,s]i\sly ,ill4 ,= obvi\s reasons ! ,ca?olics ( bo? classes 7 always prep>$ = dea? imm$iately4 ,i f\nd a numb] ( ,ca?olics 9 a critical condition & ,i adm9i/]$ ! la/ sacram5ts to !m4 ,x 0 long aft] six o'clock :5 ,i f9i%$ my "w4 ,i 0 leav+ ,no4 #g feel+ a little tir$1 = ,i _h cov]$ q a lot ( gr\nd on my visits1 :5 ,i he>d 8,padre0 call$ by "o ( ! nurses1 :o 0 com+ quickly beh9d me4 ,i /opp$ until %e came to :]e ,i 0 /&+4 ,%e ask$ me if ,i 7 ! new ,r4 ,c4 *apla94 ,on be+ answ]$ 9 ! affirmative %e told me %e _h a li/ ( m5 ( my fai? :o %\ld be se5 by _! *apla9 imm$iately4 ,%e pass$ me h] li/ z %e spoke1 & 9 a second or two ,i 0 comp>+ x ) ! names writt5 9 ! little black book t ,i _h tak5 f ! left upp] pocket ( my tunic4 ,i _h se5 !m all3 all _h be5 8h\sl$ & anel$10 _h be5 prep>$ to meet ,god4 ,i told h] s1 quietly1 & ,i %[$ h] my little book4 ,%e comp>$ ! names3 !n %e look$ at me ke5ly4 8,my60 %e said1 8h[ y ,ca?olic prie/s look aft] y\r m560 ,!n %e 0 gone aga94 ,*apt] ,,xxix ,,d[n ,,! ,,hospital ,,aisle ,al?\gh ! em]g5cy cases 7 att5d$ at all h\rs by ! *apla91 x 0 9 ! aft]noon t ! g5]al visit+ 0 done4 ,ea* pati5t1 :5 he _h ent]$ ! hospital1 _h atta*$ to ! buttonhole ( 8 %irt1 or ov]coat if he 0 we>+ x1 a ?ick wat]pro( envelope conta9+ a c>d on :i* 0 writt5 a description ( ! w\nds he _h receiv$ & ! treatm5t t _h be5 giv5 !m 9 ! diff]5t /ations ?r\gh :i* he _h pass$4 ,sometimes1 ?\gh n (t51 !re 0 a small] c>d atta*$ to ! l>ge "o--b we %all speak ( ?is c>d lat]4 ,! nurse 9 *>ge ( ! w>d kept ! c>ds ( h] pati5ts 9 h] (fice4 ,z ! religi\s d5om9ation ( ! pati5t 0 always giv5 on 8 c>d1 toge!r ) ! numb] ( 8 b$1 x 0 v easy = me to f9d my pati5ts once ,i _h writt5 d[n ! names f ! c>ds4 ,! fir/ "q t ,i usually ask$ ! m51 aft] ,i _h inquir$ ab\t _! w\nds1 0 h[ long x 0 s9ce !y 7 at ,communion4 ,ne>ly always x 0 a few days or a week1 z mo/ ( !m _h gone to ,holy ,communion be=e go+ into ! tr5*es1 ?\gh sometimes x 0 a mon? or two2 & sometimes a man look$ up at me /eadily & said1 8,t5 ye>s1 ,fa!r10 or p]haps fifte51 or p]haps m4 ,!n ,i w\ld say1 quietly3 8,x w soon be "t to g aga91 won't x80 ,usually ! man smil$1 b g5]ally he agre$ ) me4 ,:5 ,i w\ld meet a man a long "t away1 ,i w\ld make a note 9 my little book s t ,i might make "s special visits to him4 ,(t51 ,i _h ! great joy ( see+ m51 a long "t away f ! sacram5ts1 return to ,god4 ,"o aft]noon ,i /opp$ at ! b$ ( a bright-ey$ "y ,canadian ^: face lit up on see+ me1 = he knew ,i 0 ! prie/4 ,he _h lo/ "o ( 8 arms above ! elb[1 s ,i began to talk to him ( ! wond]ful artificial limbs t 7 be+ made = ^? disabl$ 9 ! w>4 ,! lad j smil$ quietly--he 0 n ! lea/ bit d[nhe>t$--z he said3 8,!y c't help me mu* 9 my l9e1 ,fa!r40 ,!n he fumbl$ ) 8 h& 9 ! little bag 9 ! small :ite lock] t _h be5 plac$ ne> 8 b$1 & :5 he f\nd 8 pay-book he ask$ me to op5 x & read ! newspap] clipp+ t 0 !re4 ,! head-l9e said1 8,pat ,raff]ty ,enli/s10 & und]nea?1 9 small] pr9t1 0 a second head+3 8,*ampion ,light ,weight ,box] ( ,we/]n ,canada ,goes to ! ,front ) ! ---- ,battalion40 ,!n !re 7 two %ort p>agraphs1 & bel[ !m 0 a picture ( a "y man 9 civilian dress4 ,i exam9$ x a mom5t1 & z ,i look$ at ! orig9al ,i felt a wave ( pity well up )9 me4 ,yet ! brave "y soldi] smil$4 ,x 0 n only ,canadian soldi]s :o came to ! hospital1 = m5 ( all ! ,engli%-speak+ armies 7 br\ght !re4 ,i always enjoy$ a talk ) ! ,iri% w\nd$2 !y _h su* a w>m fri5dl9ess & rev]5ce = ! prie/4 ,x really 0 n necess>y = me to procure ! numb] ( _! b$s1 once ^! m5 knew t x 0 ! prie/ :o 0 com+ d[n ! aisle1 = ,i c\ld h f\nd !m by ! eag]1 smil+ faces t wat*$ me z ,i came4 ,!y always got 9 ! fir/ ^w2 be=e ,i q rea*$ _! b$s ,i w\ld he> _! truly ,iri% greet+1 8,god bless y1 ,fa!r10 & !n z ,i w\ld %ake h&s1 !y w\ld ask me eag]ly h[ ,i 0--,i _h come to see h[ !y 74 ,!y always want$ a m$al--!y pron\nc$ x m l 8middle0--& x 0 a little "o t !y want$4 ,"o day ,i spread out on ! palm ( my h& eight m$als ( assort$ sizes1 & told a great giant to help himself4 ,among ! m$als 0 ! t9ie/ "o ,i h ev] se54 ,! great f+] & ?umb did n hesitate = a second1 b grop$ twice unsuccessfully = ! t9y m$al2 f9ally1 ! ?ird "t !y bore x away1 :ile ov] ! l>ge face ( ! ,iri% lad spread ! delight$ smile ( a *ild4 ,:5 ,i ask$ "o ( ^! lads :i* battalion he 0 91 expect+ ( c\rse to be told ! ,fir/ or ,second ,mun/]s1 or ,le9/]s1 or ,dubl9s1 etc41 b t is :at ,i nev] he>d4 ,?is is :at !y w\ld say3 8,fa!r ,doyle's1 ,fa!r10 or 8,fa!r ,gleason's1 ,fa!r10 or 8,fa!r ,maloney's1 ,fa!r40 ,"o aft]noon1 j :5 ,i ent]$1 my eyes fell on a bright face look+ up ov] ! blankets4 ,i knew he 0 a ,ca?olic1 an ,iri%man1 f ! ,mun/] ,fusili]s1 ?\gh ,i judg$ f ! mann] 9 :i* ! l>ge blue eyes reg>d$ me t he 0 n s sure ab\t my religion4 ,i ?\ght t !re 0 also a h9t ( battle 9 ! gl9t ( 8 eye1 s ,i walk$ quickly ov] to 8 b$1 )\t ! fa9te/ flick] ( a smile1 & said3 8,let me see n[1 y're a ,bapti/1 ar5't y80 ,! blue eyes ( ! ,mun/] lad blaz$ z he look$ up at me4 8,no1 sir1 ,i'm n6 ,i'm a ,roman ,ca?olic60 he said1 & z he pant$ = brea?1 ,i said to him quietly3 8,well1 n[1 ,i'm glad to he> t4 ,i'm a ,roman ,ca?olic1 too60 ,!n swiftly ! v9dictive look fad$ out ( ! blue eyes ( ! ,iri% lad & a smile float$ ov] 8 face z he said1 some:at %amefac$ly3 8,excuse me1 ,fa!r--,i didn't "k1 ,fa!r--,i'm glad to see y1 ,fa!r10 7pron\nc+ ! 8a0 9 ,fa!r l ! 8a0 9 ,pat71 & a big r$1 br[n-freckl$ h& 0 %yly (f]$ me4 ,x 0 only ?ree days s9ce ,fa!r ,gleason gave him & all 8 comrades ,holy ,communion1 b he w\ld be pleas$1 if x w\ld n be too mu* tr\ble to ,8 ,rev]5ce1 to g aga9 9 ! morn+4 ,i wrote 8 "n 9 ! little book & promis$ to come 9 ! morn+ ) ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t4 ,*apt] ,,xxx ,,! ,,two ,,bro!rs ,i _h be5 visit+ ! two bro!rs = ov] a week--inde$ "o ( !m = ov] two weeks1 be=e ,i knew !y 7 bro!rs4 ,"o 0 9 ,no4 #a hospital2 ! o!r 9 ,no4 #g3 "o _h be5 w\nd$ 9 ! *e/ or %\ld]2 ! o!r 9 ! knee4 ,i c>ri$ messages "o to ! o!r1 & !y look$ =w>d eag]ly to my com+1 = x 0 ?ree ye>s s9ce !y _h se5 ea* o!r4 ,!y us$ to anticipate ) great pleasure ! day :5 !y w\ld be convalesc5t & c\ld see ea* o!r4 ,!n "o ev5+ ! lad :o 0 w\nd$ 9 ! knee told me t ! foll[+ morn+ !re 0 to be an evacuation = ,engl& & t he 0 among ! numb]4 ,al?\gh he 0 glad to he> ?is good news1 /ill he regrett$ v mu* n be+ able to see 8 bro!r be=e leav+4 8,x is s long s9ce ,i've se5 him1 ,fa!r1 & he is s ne>10 he said wi/fully4 ,i look$ at ! "y fell[ = a few mom5ts1 wond]+ sil5tly :at ,i c\ld d to br+ ab\t a meet+ ( ! bro!rs4 ,fir/1 ,i ?\ght ,i might obta9 p]mission = ! ambulance to /op at ,no4 #a on its way to ! sid+1 & t ! "y fell[ might be c>ri$ 9 on a /ret*]4 ,b on second ?\ght ,i felt x w\ld be v difficult to obta9 su* a p]mission4 ,f9ally1 ,i decid$ to ask ! adjutant = p]mission to h him tak5 up to ,no4 #a on a :eel /ret*]4 ,! adjutant 0 v k9d1 grant+ my reque/4 ,t ev5+ ! two bro!rs met = ! fir/ "t 9 ?ree ye>s & pass$ two h\rs toge!r4 ,?is little act ( k9dness did n pass unnotic$1 = ,i le>n$ aft]w>ds t x _h met ) ! w>m approval ( _m 9 bo? hospitals--,i suppose because x 0 j "o ( ^? little human t\*es t ev]ybody loves4 ,b ,i c\ld n help ?9k+ ( ! num]\s o!r meet+s 9 ! e>ly morn+1 or (t5 at any h\r ( ! day or night1 :5 ?r\gh my m9i/rations two o!rs 7 br\ght toge!r1 sometimes aft] a mu* long] sep>ation ?an t ( ! bro!rs4 ,"o w\ld be "s poor brok5 lad :o sometimes 0 a little ba%ful or %y ab\t ! meet+2 ! o!r 0 ,jesus ( ,naz>e?1 ! ,savi\r ( ! _w4 ,n _m conc]n$ !mselves ab\t ^! meet+s1 b--!re 0 8joy among ! angels40 ,*apt] ,,xxxi ,,an ,,unexpect$ ,,turn+ ,x 0 n[ ,novemb]4 ,! days 7 pass+ v quickly = ,i 0 kept busy2 convoys 7 com+ daily4 ,pass*5dael 0 be+ f\ght4 ,i _h to visit ! ,d4 ,i4's & ,s4 ,i4's v (t51 = _m 7 be+ admitt$4 ,"o morn+ ,i /opp$ j long en\gh to prep>e an ,au/ralian = dea?4 ,he _h be5 w\nd$ ?r\gh ! ?roat & c\ld n swall[1 s t x 0 impossible = me to give him ,holy ,communion4 ,i absolv$ him & ano9t$ him quickly1 !n ,i told him ,i mu/ pass on z ,i _h _m m to visit4 ,x 0 almo/ impossible = him to speak1 & he did s ) great pa91 b z he gave me 8 h& & 8 dy+ eyes look$ at me1 he made a great ef=t4 8,*e]io10 he :isp]$4 ,truly ^! wond]ful lads 7 n d[nhe>t$6 ,dur+ ! mon? ( ,novemb] ?\s&s ( pati5ts pass$ ?r\gh ! hospital4 ,ev]ybody 0 work+ extremely h>d4 ,sometimes dur+ ! night1 convoys arriv$4 ,! anae/heti/1 :o sat next me at mess1 told me t he 0 beg9n+ to feel t he c\ld n cont9ue v mu* long]2 = days he _h be5 giv+ *lor(orm almo/ /eadily1 z !re 7 v _m op]ations4 ,we 7 bo? long+ = a little lull 9 ! "w s t we might get a few h\rs' re/4 ,!re 7 _m places :]e ! (fic]s ( ! hospitals us$ to g4 ,!re 0 8,! ,blue ,cat0 at ,p>is ,plage1 a fam\s seaside resort ab\t ?ree miles f ,etaples1 :]e !y w5t to h tea & ba! 9 ! sea4 ,!re 0 ! village ( ,fr5cq1 :]e a little old lady kept a small c(fee h\se & made omelettes t 7 fam\s4 ,!n !re 7 two (fic]s' clubs & an (fic]s' circulat+ libr>y at ,etaples4 ,i _h be5 to ! libr>y at diff]5t times :ile at ! base4 ,!re 0 a l>ge read+-room exceptionally well light$1 = x 0 a "p ( an old /udio4 ,tea 0 s]v$ e aft]noon f #c3cj to #f3jj o'clock1 at :i* a numb] ( old ,engli% (fic]s assembl$4 ,x 0 v amus+ to li/5 to !m relat+ pa/ exp]i5ces1 9 :i* (t5 a good d9n] 0 n =gott54 ,!y treat$ ! soldi]-wait] z if he 7 "o ( _! own p]sonal s]vants1 call+ him (t52 & al?\gh !re 0 b "o syllable 9 8 "n 7x 0 ,br[n7 !y manag$ to twi/ ! la/ lett] into a r compla9+ inflection4 ,i wat*$ ,br[n a numb] ( times1 & al?\gh he came 8on ! d\ble0 & /ood head erect1 look+ at 8 nose1 z all good butl]s d1 /ill ,i ?\ght ,i detect$ on m ?an "o occasion a m]ry light 9 8 bright br[n eyes1 & he seem$ to be ex]t+ a little extra w p[] 9 keep+ 8 lips compos$4 ,!n "o day !re came a lull 9 ! ru% ( "w1 & be+ advis$ by "o ( ! (fic]s to take a little recreation1 ,i obey$4 ,i recall t aft]noon p>ticul>ly4 ,i w5t to ! (fic]s' circulat+ libr>y1 :i* 0 at ! re> ( ! t[n hall1 :]e ,i pass$ ! aft]noon v pleasantly look+ ?r\gh a delightfully illu/rat$ edition ( 8,our ,s5tim5tal ,g>d510 by ,agnes & ,eg]ton ,ca/le1 ^: home ,i _h visit$ :ile at ,bram%ott4 ,! qu>to volume conta9$ _m draw+s ( _! pretty g>d5 f diff]5t angles4 ,x 0 v re/ful sitt+ 9 ! qua9t old /udio1 ?r\gh ! great w9d[$ wall ( :i* /ream$ ! autumn sunlight4 ,t[>ds five o'clock tea 0 s]v$ by my old fri5d1 ! butl] humori/4 ,!n z ! sun w5t quietly d[n into ! sea1 f> out1 ,i walk$ back to ,no4 #g1 feel+ v mu* b5efit$ by my visit1 meet+ hundr$s ( soldi]s1 nurses & civilians on ! way4 ,x 0 dusk :5 ,i ent]$ my little burlap hut4 ,i lit ! lamp1 & z ,i did1 ! light fla%$ ov] an op5 lett] on my newspap]-cov]$ desk4 ,all ! feel+ ( exhil>ation :i* _h *e]$ my return walk left me sudd5ly1 & an ov]:elm+1 =ebod+ cl\d came ov] my spirits2 = ! lett] said3 8,please come quickly1 ,padre1 !re is "o ( y\r m5 dy+ 9 ,w>d #c1 b$ #ag40 ,x 0 sign$ by ! adjutant ( ,no4 #a hospital1 & ! h\r ( ! day 0 m>k$ on ! lett]4 ,x _h be5 s5t at #b3cj4 ,x 0 n[ #f3jj p4 m4 ,i turn$ d[n ! lamp & w5t quickly out ( ! little hut pray+1 z ,i ran up ! road1 t ! lad might be /ill alive4 ,i walk$ d[n ! w>d1 n notic+ ! fri5dly faces t turn$ to greet me1 z 0 _! cu/om4 ,! r$ scre5s 7 ar\nd ! b$4 ,i mov$ !m g5tly & /ood quietly by ! lad's b$4 ,an ord]ly mov$ a little to "o side4 8,he's dead1 sir10 said ! ord]ly4 8,di$ j a m9ute ago40 ,i put on my purple /ole1 gave ! lad conditional absolution & ano9t$ him conditionally4 ,!n ,i /ood = a long :ile look+ on 8 /ill :ite face1 wi%+ ) all my he>t t ,i _h n left ! hospital t day4 ,!n ! ord]ly made a little movem5t & ,i turn$ & w5t d[n ! aisle ( ! w>d1 repress+ a great desire to bur/ into te>s2 x 0 ! fir/ "t1 ?r\gh my neglect1 t ,i _h ev] miss$ a call to ! dy+4 ,9 pass+ ,i talk$ to a few pati5ts1 b !re seem$ to be a /range numbness 9 my bra91 s t ,i did n foll[ ! words spok5 by ! occupants ( diff]5t b$s :]e ,i /opp$2 "o or two ceas$ speak+ & look$ at me ke5ly4 ,j z ,i 0 ab\t to leave ! w>d little ,si/] ,daughney came 94 ,%e /opp$ & spoke to me1 & h] words 7 z sweete/ music to my e>4 8,ah1 ,fa!r10 %e said--,si/] 0 f ,irel&--8,i s5t = y ?is aft]noon = ! lad :o has j di$4 ,he w\ld h be5 glad to see y1 ,fa!r1 al?\gh !re 0 no ne$2 = he said he _h be5 ano9t$ & prep>$ = dea? j six h\rs be=e up 9 ! ,c4 ,c4 ,s40 ,i look$ at ! little si/] talk+ s quietly & 9 su* a matt]-(-fact way3 :ile ?und]+ 9 my e>s 0 ! desire to break =? into a great ,te ,deum ,laudamus4 ,%e spoke to me ( two or ?ree new pati5ts :o might develop m s]i\s symptoms1 !n pass$ on to o!r duties1 :il/ ,i w5t up ! lane to my little m>quee *apel to kneel be=e ! tab]nacle & make kn[n to ,god my f]v5t gratitude4 ,& s1 aft] all1 ,i _h pass$ a v pleasant day4 ,*apt] ,,xxxii ,,private ,,belair ,! days pass$ quickly1 = !y 7 well fill$1 & sometimes at night ! call w\ld come2 my door w\ld op5 q abruptly1 awak5+ me1 & ! light f a small fla%-light w\ld dazzle my surpris$ eyes1 :ile a voice call$1 8,r4 ,c4 *apla980 ,i recall "o night 9 p>ticul>4 ,i _h be5 awak5$ by ! ord]ly call+1 to f9d him /&+ at ! head ( my b$1 8 fla%-light focus$ on a message writt5 on :ite int]l9$ pap] t he held be=e my eyes4 ,! words read3 8,come quickly1 ,fa!r1 ,wd #ad1 b$ #g1 ,belair1 gass$40 ,x 0 sign$ ,si/] ,kirky1 :o weigh$ almo/ #cjj p\nds4 ,9 twelve m9utes ,i 0 dress$ & /&+ 9 ! w>d by ,private ,belair4 ,i 0 a little surpris$ to f9d him sitt+ up ) j 8 tunic & boots remov$4 ,he sat 9 su* a way t 8 arms re/$ ov] ! back ( 8 *air :i* he fac$4 ,he 0 pant+ t]ribly & 0 evid5tly suff]+ greatly4 ,e little :ile1 :5 he seem$ to h suffici5t /r5g?1 he w\ld beg9 to pray 9 :isp]$ ,lat91 8,o bone ,jesu10 !n 8 voice w\ld die out 9 a trembl+ :isp] & ! pray] w\ld become inaudible4 8,oh1 ,fa!r10 he :isp]$1 8,i am--s glad--y came4 ,all my life--,i h pray$--to h ! grace40 ,!n he began to pray aga91 & ,i made ready to he> 8 confession4 ,x did n take long = x co/ him t]rible agony to speak4 ,!n ,i ano9t$ him4 ,i _h n br\ght ,holy ,communion1 be+ s eag] to rea* him t ,i _h n tak5 "t to g up to ! *apel call$ 8,*ur* ( ,our ,lady1 ,help ( ,*ri/ians40 ,my own m>quee *apel _h bl[n d[n a few days previ\s & ,i _h remov$ ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t to ! above-m5tion$ *ur*4 ,i told ! sick man ,i 0 go+ to br+ our ,bless$ ,"l1 b t x might take a little :ile1 z v likely ,i %\ld f9d ! *ur* lock$ & %\ld h to f9d ! key4 ,al?\gh ! w>d _h be5 b dimly-light$ x 0 extremely d>k on com+ out1 = x 0 ra9+2 & 9 my ha/e ,i tripp$ ov] a t5t guy-rope1 taut by ! ra91 & fell on my h&s & knees on ! c9d] walk4 ,!n ,i walk$ on m c>efully1 rubb+ t9y p>ticles ( c9d]s f my /++ h&s4 ,j z ,i rea*$ ! *apel ,i 0 *all5g$ by ! gu>d4 ,?is "t ,i answ]$ quickly3 8,fri5d4 ,r4 ,c4 *apla9 ,no4 #g4 ,c4 ,g54 ,hospital40 ,i /ood to be recogniz$4 ,!n ! gu>d spoke1 b ?is "t s(tly1 & he pe]$ at my ra9-wet face4 8,ah1 ,fa!r10 he said1 8x's y60 ,x 0 "o ( ! ,iri% lads f ! ,sixte5? ,infantry ,base ,depot :o 0 "o ( ! gu>ds = ! ,g]man prison camp opposite4 ,he may h se5 me say+ ,mass at ,oratory ,hut1 or p]haps he _h sp5t a few days at ! segregation camp4 ,! door ( ! little *ur* 0 lock$1 & ,i did n "k :]e to f9d ! key4 ,i knew t an ,engli% ,r$emptori/1 ,fa!r ,prime1 *apla9 to ,no4 #bf ,briti% ,g5]al ,hospital1 said ,mass "h e morn+2 p]haps he might "k :]e ! key 0 kept4 ,x 0 half a mile to ,fa!r ,prime's little hut at ,no4 #bf1 & ,i w5t v quickly1 pray+ all ! :ile = ! poor gass$ soldi] t he might h ! great privilege = :i* he _h pray$ s mu*4 ,fa!r ,prime 0 v easily awak5$ & seem$ glad t x 0 n a call = him to g out 9 ! ra94 ,he _h ! key1 & pres5tly ,i 0 hurry+ back to ! little *ur*4 ,! ,iri% lad1 /ill on gu>d1 z ,i return$ be>+ ! ,bread ( ,life to ! dy+ soldi] 9 ! hospital1 knelt on ! ra9y gr\nd1 & ,i c\ld j tell t he 0 b[+ 8 head z ! ,savi\r pass$4 ,! poor fell[ 0 /ill alive1 ?\gh pant+ 9 great pa94 ,he receiv$ ,holy ,communion mo/ dev\tly4 ,i felt t ,i 0 9 ! pres5ce ( an exceptionally good man4 ,9 ! aft]noon he di$4 ,*apt] ,,xxxiii ,a ,,little ,,nons5se ,x 0 h>d "w visit+ ! w\nd$1 li/5+ "t aft] "t to ea* "o z he describ$ ! nature & hi/ory ( 8 w\nds1 :i* 9 _m cases 7 s simil>4 ,(t5 on leav+ "o hut only to ent] ano!r1 ,i h paus$ to look long+ly out to ! e/u>y ( ! ,can*e1 :]e ! sun w\ld be s9k+ sl[ly1 & brea! ! /rong1 aromatic air com+ f ! sea & ! m>%es t grew f ! riv] mud2 !n 9 aga9 to great w>ds ( poor brok5 lads & ! antiseptic odors ( ! hospital4 ,al?\gh ! spirits ( ! lads1 on ! :ole1 7 bright & m]ry1 & ^? :o nurs$ !m br\ght sun%9e to _! "w1 /ill "o w\ld sc>cely ?9k ( ent]+ any "o w>d ) ! int5tion ( be+ ent]ta9$4 ,yet frequ5tly ,i h gone into a c]ta9 w>d ( ,no4 #g1 ,canadian ,g5]al1 ) no o!r int5tion ?an t ( be+ amus$4 ,= 9 ?is w>d 7 ! mal+]]s1 t is1 ! m5 :o 7 try+ to 8put "o ov]0 on ! doctors4 ,! soldi]s call$ !m 8lead sw+]s40 ,! +5uity ( "s ( ^! m5 0 really extraord9>y4 ,i h se5 a case come ?r\gh ?ree or f\r diff]5t po/s1 diagnos$ z measles1 until f9ally ! doctor 9 ! /ation>y hospital saw t ! man _h us$ a prep>ation ( "s oil to br+ out ! ra%1 & _h rais$ 8 temp]ature ) cordite4 ,! fir/ day ,i w5t into ,wd4 --1 ,i 0 some:at puzzl$4 ,i _h n kn[n t ?is 0 ! w>d ( mal+]]s1 & s 0 surpris$ to f9d s _m heal?y look+ m5 9 hospital4 ,! nurse 9 *>ge look$ a little surpris$ :5 ,i ent]$ & said smil+ly3 8,well1 ,padre1 :at are y do+ "h8 ,nobody ev] dies 9 ?is w>d40 8,well1 ,si/]10 ,i said1 8z f> z ,i c see n[1 e "o has ! appe>ance ( be+ q spruce40 ,!n %e said quietly3 8,p4 ,u4 ,o410 nodd+ h] head a little aft] pron\nc+ ea* lett]4 ,!n %e w5t into h] cubicle to cont9ue h] "w4 ,t ev5+ at d9n] ,i ask$ ! doctor :o sat ne>e/ me :at 0 meant by 8,p4 ,u4 ,o40 ,he smil$1 !n said3 8,x means1 ,padre1 #8,praxis ( ,unkn[n ,orig9'10 & kept smil+ z he cont9u$3 8,we sometimes meet a case :i* really puzzles u1 b ne>ly always1 :5 y see #8,p4 ,u4 ,o4' on a m$ical hi/ory %eet y c c\nt on its be+ a case ( mal+]+40 ,he did n say v mu* till we _h ne>ly f9i%$ our meal1 !n he said3 8,wait1 ,padre1 aft] d9n] & we'll see #8,boots'40 ,?is 0 a nickname = ! doctor 9 *>ge ( ,w>d --1 "o ( ! jollie/ ,m4 ,o4's 9 ! mess4 ,we f\nd him 9 ! ante-room1 ?ree or f\r o!rs gr\p$ ar\nd him2 b in/ead ( ! cu/om>y broad smile on 8 good-natur$ fat face1 !re 0 a look ( real indignation4 ,he 0 expla9+ to 8 smil+ li/5]s some?+ ab\t a few cases t _h be5 s5t to him2 & z we drew ne> ,i caught ^! words3 8,dey _h da hit*10--! doctor 0 a ,fr5* ,canadian--8& dey 7 s5t to my w>d--height ( dem6 ,s5t to me1 & dem wit da hit*60 ,e "o 0 laugh+ & try+ unsuccessfully to suppress x4 ,!n a "y doctor int]pos$3 8,& :at did y d1 ,boots80 8,d80 e*o$ ! o!r4 8,:at did ,i d8 ,i j took d>e pap]s & s5t dem up to ! sk9 disease hospital4 ,d]e's no room = m5 wit da hit* 9 my w>d40 ,! m]e ?\ght ( ! indignity seem$ almo/ too mu* = ! good doctor1 s he paus$ = a little & 8 face grew r$ z he look$ ar\nd on 8 smil+ audi5ce4 ,!n he said3 8,da idea ( s5d+ m5 wit da hit* to me60 ,he _h clos$ 8 lips tightly & 0 nodd+ to himself at ! insult t _h be5 (f]$ 8 w>d by hav+ m5 ) ! it* s5t to x1 :5 ! doctor :o _h spok5 previ\sly spoke aga93 8,yes1 #8,boots1' ! idea ( s5d+ sick m5 to y\r w>d60 8,boots0 look$ at him quickly1 & sudd5ly ! d>k cl\ds 7 disp]s$ & ! light ( 8 broad1 sunny smile spread ov] 8 good-natur$ face4 8,dat's hit10 he said4 8,:at d dey want to s5d sick p to me =80 ,! o!rs laugh$ & mov$ on1 & pres5tly ,i f\nd myself mak+ arrangem5ts ) ,capta9 8,boots0 to visit 8 w>d :5 8 8pati5ts0 w\ld be und]go+ treatm5t ! foll[+ morn+4 ,! only condition ! good doctor impos$ 0 t ,i w\ld n laugh4 ,?is ,i promis$4 ,! foll[+ day1 z ,i walk$ d[n ! aisle ( ,no4 --1 ,i realiz$ h[ h>d x w\ld be to fulfill ! condition ! doctor _h made = my visit4 ,! m5 7 und]go+ 8treatm5t02 "s held ! h&les ( a galvanic batt]y 9 _! h&s1 :ile _! bodies squirm$ & twi/$1 b nev] = "o in/ant did !y drop ! h&les2 o!rs _h _! feet on /eel discs 9 tubs ( wat]1 :ile o!rs und]w5t electrical treatm5t 9 diff]5t ways4 ,! doctor mov$ f b$ to b$1 inquir+ ) simulat$ solicitude z to ! /ate ( ea* pati5t1 (f]+ a ^w ( enc\ragem5t to "s poor fell[ :o wri!d "u ! curr5t t pass$ ?r\gh h&s & feet4 8,dat's "r1 my lad10 ! doctor w\ld say enc\rag+ly1 8j keep y\r feet on de disc40 ,p]haps x did n occur to ! good doctor t ! man 0 p[]less to take 8 feet (f ! disc6 ,to ano!r he w\ld say3 8,d]e1 n[1 my lad1 we'll soon h y 9 p]fec heal? aga90--& ,i w\ld wond] h[ ! /rong1 rosy-*eek$ lad w\ld look :5 9 p]fect heal?4 ,i 0 n surpris$ to he> two or ?ree lads in=m ! doctor t !y ?\ght !y felt well en\gh to g back to _! battalions aga94 ,! doctor w\ld always agree ) !m4 ,"o fell[ said1 )9 my he>+3 8,he might z well give u ! *air at once60 ,i rememb] com+ out ( ! w>d t fir/ day1 & :5 ,i 0 out ( view1 ,i /ood 9 ! lane & laugh$ & laugh$4 ,! fat doctor _h be5 s funny1 & also ! poor fell[s1 squirm+ & twi/+ "u treatm5t t 0 n at all necess>y = !m4 ,i made _m subsequ5t visits to ,no4 --4 ,:5ev] ,i w\ld feel tir$ out f ! m s]i\s "w ( visit+ ! w\nd$1 ,i w\ld /ep d[n ! lane & li/5 = a:ile to ,doctor 8,boots0 pass+ up & d[n ! aisle giv+ 8 electrical treatm5t4 ,*apt] ,,xxxiv ,,transfusion ,al?\gh ! little wood5 *apel call$ ,*ur* ( ,our ,lady1 ,help ( ,*ri/ians 0 ne>] ,no4 #g1 ,i always said ,mass 9 ! *apel at ,no4 #a4 ,x 0 wond]fully edify+ !re 9 t little m>quee *apel4 ,i don't "k :o _h _h x erect$1 = x 0 /&+ :5 ,i w5t to ,no4 #a1 b ,i d recall ! dev\t congregations ( walk+ w\nd$ 9 _! hospital suits ( light-blue fleec$ wool2 ! hospital ord]lies :o came s rev]5tly2 ! :ite-veil$ blue-clad nurses :o came 9 l>ge numb]s4 ,two ,masses 7 said on ,sunday s z to accommodate ! diff]5t %ifts ( ,si/]s1 & e ,sunday ev5+ !re 0 ,b5$iction & a %ort s]mon4 ,i rememb] "o morn+ notic+ t ! hospital ord]ly :o s]v$ ! ,mass trembl$ :ile answ]+ ! op5+ responses4 ,he 0 a tall1 well-built "y fell[ ) light hair1 & usually 8 face _h ! gl[ ( excell5t heal?2 b :5 he pass$ me ! cruets1 ,i notic$ t 8 face _h almo/ ! pallor ( dea?1 & t al?\gh x 0 a cold morn+ 9 e>ly autumn little beads ( p]spiration /ood out on 8 :ite =ehead4 ,aft] ,mass ,i ask$ him if he 7 n well4 ,!n he told me quietly t he felt extremely weak1 hav+ giv5 a quantity ( 8 blood j a few days be=e to save ! life ( a w\nd$ soldi] :o 0 dy+ f loss ( blood4 ,! w\nd$ man 0 n[ recov]+4 ,x 0 n ! fir/ "t he _h giv5 8 blood1 &1 he said1 z he smil$ pa9fully & ) ! appe>ance ( great weakness1 he felt t x w\ld n be ! la/ "t4 ,z he mov$ ab\t sl[ly & we>ily1 ext+ui%+ ! c&les & cov]+ ! alt>1 ,i felt a great admiration = ?is g5]\s lad1 & ,i ?\ght truly !re are o!r h]oic ways ( giv+ "o's blood ?an %$d+ x on ! battlefield6 ,x 0 q a common occurr5ce 9 diff]5t hospitals to g ?r\gh ! process ( transfusion ( blood4 ,! mo/ necess>y condition 0 t ! blood ( ! donor be adaptable to ! sy/em ( ! pati5t4 ,*apt] ,,xxxv ,,! ,,m9i/]+ ,,angels ,! nurses--8si/]s0 we call$ !m--?r\gh\t all ! base hospitals 7 mo/ att5tive to ! w\nd$1 )\t ! slighte/ display ( any maudl9 sympa?y2 b !y work$ h>d & long & "o nev] he>d ! lea/ compla9t f _! lips4 ,x 0 a common occurr5ce at ,no4 #g to see a nurse be+ ord]$ away = a complete re/1 made necess>y by ! t]rific /ra9 ( h] "w4 ,! ,ca?olic nurses 71 on ! :ole1 v fai?ful 9 ! practice ( _! religi\s duties1 _m be+ weekly communicants4 ,to communicate daily 0 n practicable = _m1 z !y 7 on duty dur+ morn+ ,mass4 ,(t5 ,i h se5 a nurse come ) five or six ( h] pati5ts to ,holy ,communion3 "s back-slid]s t %e _h r\nd$ up4 ,(t51 :ile giv+ ,holy ,communion to a soldi] 9 ! w>d ( a non-,ca?olic nurse1 ,i _h be5 annoy$ by ! lack ( any special prep>ations on ! "p ( ! si/] = ! adm9i/ration ( ! ,sacram5t4 ,b "o morn+ ,i f\nd a spotlessly :ite clo? spread ov] ! small lock]1 a clean graduate glass ( fre% wat] & a spoon4 ,!re 0 also on ! lock] a fold$ :ite t[el = ! lad to hold :5 receiv+ ,holy ,communion4 ,x pleas$ me v mu* to see su* c>e tak5 to prep>e = ! com+ ( ,jesus1 & x 0 ) deep gratitude t ,i w5t to ?ank ! si/] 9 *>ge1 aft] ,i _h giv5 ! lad ,holy ,communion4 8,si/]10 ,i said1 8h[ did y "k h[ to prep>e ev]y?+ s well8 ,x 0 s clean1 & ev]y?+ necess>y 0 !re40 ,! good little si/] seem$ pleas$ t ,i _h ev5 notic$ ! prep>ations4 ,!n %e said3 8,well1 ,padre1 ,i knew j :at 0 ne$$ = ,i /udi$ nurs+ 9 a ,ca?olic hospital40 ,z ,i w5t out ( ! w>d ! ?\ght /ruck me h[ f9e x w\ld be if only all ! non-,ca?olic si/]s w\ld prep>e = ! ,savi\r's com+ z _h _! si/] nurse1 & z ,i ?\ght ,i =m$ a little plan4 ,! foll[+ day ,i 0 notifi$ by a non-,ca?olic si/] to br+ ,communion to a boy 9 h] w>d2 & !re & !n ,i tri$ out my plan4 8,si/]10 ,i said1 8ye/]day morn+ ,i 0 call$ to ,si/] ----'s w>d to adm9i/] "o ( my lads :o is dang]\sly ill1 & ,i 0 v mu* surpris$ to f9d ! table arrang$ z if x _h be5 done by an ,r4 ,c4 ,si/]40 8,h[ did %e h x arrang$1 ,padre80 %e ask$4 ,!n ,i told h] j h[ ?+s _h be5 prep>$4 ,! foll[+ morn+ :5 ,i br\ght ! 8,bread ( ! ,/rong0 to ! poor w\nd$ lad1 ,i f\nd1 z on ! previ\s day1 ev]y?+ spotlessly arrang$ = ! visit ( ! ,gue/4 ,aft] t1 :5ev] a non-,ca?olic si/] told me t a ,ca?olic lad _h ne$ ( my m9i/rations 9 h] w>d1 ,i told h] h[ well ! la/ si/] _h prep>$ lock]1 etc41 & inv>iably ! foll[+ morn+1 :5 ,i w5t 9 sil5ce to ! b$side1 ,i f\nd t all ?+s _h be5 made ready4 ,*apt] ,,xxxvi ,,m ,,ord]s ,decemb] came4 ,dur+ ! fir/ week ( t mon? ,i prep>$ my hut to /& ! cold ( ! w9t] mon?s & began to look =w>d to a "t ( relative repose aft] ! pa/ five mon?s ( /r5u\s "w4 ,! fight+ 0 n to be s int5se dur+ ! w9t]1 !re=e !re w\ld n be s _m casualties4 ,i _h be5 giv5 a f9e little coal /ove1 & ,i 0 beg9n+ to enjoy com+ into ! hut at night to be greet$ by its *e]ful r$ gl[4 ,!re 7 worse places to dwell 91 ,i told myself1 ?an a burlap hut ) a coal fire burn+ 9 x4 ,i 0 look+ =w>d to peaceful w9t] ev5+s ) books to read1 or p]haps a few h\rs writ+1 :5 "o ev5+ j be=e d9n] a knock s\nd$ on ! door & an (fic] /epp$ into my hut4 ,i _h nev] se5 him be=e4 ,he look$ at me some:at /rangely = a second or two1 !n ask$ if ,i _h n be5 expect+ him1 8=10 he said1 8,i am ,capta9 ,hawke1 ! new ,r4 ,c4 *apla9 to ,no4 #g ,canadian ,g5]al ,hospital4 ,y are to g up ! l9e40 ,= j a second a fa9t dizz9ess came ov] me1 & ! vision ( bright coal fires fad$ f be=e my m9d & ,i ?\ght1 ) consid]able fall+ ( spirits1 ( w9t] 9 ! tr5*es4 ,i %ook h&s ) ! new *apla9 & !n ,i told him ,i _h n be5 expect+ him1 & t s f> no ord]s _h come to me to report at ! front4 ,j z ,i spoke1 h[ev]1 ano!r knock s\nd$ on ! door1 & be=e ,i _h "t to op5 x an ord]ly ent]$ & pass$ me a ,d4 ,r4 ,l4 ,s4 lett]3 ,i 0 to report at ! ,sev5ty-fif? ,battalion ! foll[+ day4 ,s on ! morn+ ( ,decemb] #aa?1 #aiag1 ,i left ,no4 #g ) real regret4 ,i _h always f\nd ! doctors v fri5dly & !y _h %[n me _m k9dnesses4 ,i _h gr[n to love my "w 9 ! hospital1 & ! peace & quiet ( ! little m>quee *apel at ,no4 #a ,c4 ,g54 aft] ! day's "w 0 done4 ,n[1 ,i mu/ break new gr\nd6 ,x 0 a cold morn+ :5 ,i took my place on ! seat ( ! ambulance alongside ! driv]4 ,! wait]s cr[d$ ab\t ! door ( ! mess--! doctors _h n yet come f _! huts--& "o ( !m1 an old ,scot*man we>+ a gl5g>ry1 :o _h already se5 s]vice up ! l9e1 /epp$ =w>d & patt$ me on ! back & wi%$ me 8guid luck40 ,!n ! ambulance leap$ into high ge> & we 7 (f to ! /ation4 ,!re 7 c]ta9 =malities to be gone ?r\gh at ! milit>y /ation at ,etaples3 c]ta9 pap]s _h to be %[n to ! ,r4 ,t4 ,o4 & in/ructions receiv$ f him4 ,x did n take long to give my in/ructions4 ,i 0 to take ! tra9 on ,no4 #i track4 ,i 0 to detra9 at ,calonne-,ric\>t2 !re ,i w\ld receive fur!r in/ructions4 ,!re 0 a great cr[d ( troop]s on my tra9 :o lean$ f c> w9d[s & sang m]rily z ! tra9 pass$ ?r\gh ,fr5* villages4 ,!n1 ,i rememb]1 z we /opp$ at "o village1 ,i he>d 9 ! di/ance ! s\nd ( ! guns1 & always z we advanc$ came cle>] & cle>] ! deep boom+4 ,= ! fir/ "t ,i he>d s\nds ( ! actual conflict ( ! ,_w ,w>4 ,an (fic] :om ,i _h met on ! tra9 accompani$ me to ! /ag+ camp1 :i* 0 b a %ort di/ance f ! /ation at ,calonne-,ric\>t4 ,i pres5t$ my pap]s at ! little (fice4 ,! ord]ly room cl]k look$ at me quickly4 8,:y1 sir10 he said1 8y're 9 luck6 ,! ,sev5ty-fif? ,battalion is j a few y>ds up ! road4 ,bett] /ay "h = lun*1 !n ,i'll s5d a runn] ) y40 ,i may h be5 lucky 9 f9d+ ! ,sev5ty-fif? b !re my luck end$ = a few days3 = :5 ,i ent]$ headqu>t]s ( ! ,sev5ty-fif?1 :i* 0 9 an old *ateau1 ,i 0 told t !re _h be5 "s mi/ake4 ,!y _h a *apla91 a ,presbyt]ian1 :o 0 !n away on leave4 ,! ,r4 ,c4 *apla9 ( ! brigade 0 qu>t]$ ) ! ,eighty-sev5?4 ,! adjutant treat$ me politely1 b ) a little suspicion4 ,he ask$ me = my pap]s4 ,!n he reque/$ me to be seat$4 ,i did s1 b ) a feel+ ( vague uneas9ess2 n[ & !n an ord]ly cl]k look$ at me quietly ?\gh se>*+ly & !n cont9u$ 8 writ+4 ,i wond]$ :]e ! mi/ake _h be51 & :]e ,i 0 really to g2 b mo/ ( all ,i wond]$ at ! suspici\s glances t 7 fla%$ at me by diff]5t ones :o came into ! room4 ,i wait$ = a long "t1 almo/ two h\rs2 once or twice ,i 0 que/ion$ by ! adjutant1 & aft] ea* visit ,i wond]$ :y he 0 que/ion+ me s4 ,!n ! colonel came 91 & he _h n que/ion$ me v long till ,i became aw>e t ,i _h be5 suspect$ z a spy4 ,i 0 ask$ to rema9 9 ! ord]ly room till m ^w might be receiv$4 ,i felt v mu* l laugh+ at my pr$icam5t1 = ,i knew t x w\ld n be v long be=e headqu>t]s w\ld le>n my hi/ory4 ,9 ab\t an h\r ,i 0 told t ,i might take ! battalion *apla9's billet & t ,i 0 to /ay ) ! ,sev5ty-fif? till ord]s w\ld come4 ,!re _h be5 "s misdirection ( ord]s4 ,*apt] ,,xxxvii ,,held ,,= ,,ord]s ,i rema9$ a week ) ! ,sev5ty-fif? be=e any fur!r ord]s came4 ,! battalion 0 re/+ aft] ! t]rible fight+ at ,pas*5dale4 ,aft] d9n] 9 ! ev5+s we w\ld ga!r be=e ! little op5 coal fire 9 our mess3 ! second 9 comm&1 :o 0 a lieut5ant-colonel1 ! doctor1 ! qu>t]ma/]1 transport (fic]1 & *at pleasantly4 ,!y 7 v fri5dly1 ?\gh at times exp]i5ces 7 relat$2 ,i ?9k1 = no o!r end ?an--9 ! language ( ! army--to put my 8w9d up40 ,i tri$ n to let !m see h[ well !y 7 succe$+4 ,i f\nd ! m$ical (fic]1 ,dr4 ,hut*9son1 to be ! fri5dlie/ ( ! (fic]s4 ,he 0 an ,am]ican1 a "y man ) grey hair1 ^: home t[n 0 n v f> f t ( ,irv9 ,cobb4 ,! way he came to talk ( ,cobb 0 on acc\nt ( "o ( 8 /ories t he happ5$ to be read+4 ,i le>n$ ?r\gh ! pap]s lat] on1 t ,dr4 ,hut*9son _h won ! ,victoria ,cross4 ,!re 0 ano!r (fic] 9 ! mess ) :i* ,i 0 qu>t]$1 :o kept u all 9 a cont9ual /ate ( anxiety4 ,he 0 a light-he>t$1 m]ry1 boyi% fell[ & j a wee bit reckless4 ,x 0 on acc\nt ( ! cane he c>ri$4 ,( c\rse1 all commission$ (fic]s 9 ! ,briti% army are suppos$ to c>ry a cane or a hunt+ crop1 b n ! k9d ( cane ! "y (fic] 9 "q c>ri$4 ,! cane 0 9 reality a m9iature bree*-load+ %ot-gun :i* took a v small c>tridge ( v small %ot4 ,he _h already w\nd$ "o man slightly4 ,"o day :ile tak+ a walk out ?r\gh ! c\ntry f ,calonne-,ric\>t ,i saw = ! fir/ "t ! transport section ( a battalion ( ! ,fr5* army4 ,x 0 drawn up on ! roadside1 all ! wagons1 limb]s1 etc41 7 pa9t$ a grayi%-blue color4 ,! horses 7 busy ) _! nose-bags1 & ! soldi]s1 9 blue uni=m1 7 /&+ 9 little gr\ps ab\t limb]s tak+ _! d9n]1 :i* consi/$ ( cold beef1 :ite bread & r$ w9e4 ,!y 7 all small m51 mo/ ( !m ) long black1 silky be>ds4 ,!y *att$ among !mselves1 & all along ! village /reet ,fr5* wom5 & *ildr5 look$ out f w9d[s2 ,i notic$ te>s 9 ! eyes ( "s ( ! wom54 ,x 0 a sc5e t _h be5 enact$ _m times 9 ! hi/ory ( ,france4 ,x 0 v int]e/+ to wat* ^? blue-clad soldi]s ( ! ,old ,_w /&+ 9 small gr\ps 9 ! little lane4 ,p]haps1 ,i ?\ght1 9 ! _m w>s ( ,france !re h be5 _m su* halts 9 ?is t9y village4 ,i 0 walk+ along mus+ s1 :5 = "o reason or ano!r ,i turn$ my eyes f ! transport column & look$ d[n ! road4 ,com+ t[>ds me on horse-back 0 a troop] ( ! ,canadian ,light ,horse4 ,he 0 a l>ge1 clean-%av5 man "u 8 wide-brimm$ hat4 ,he sat ) p]fect ease 9 ! saddle1 & look$ quietly ov] ! ,fr5* transport section z he w5t4 ,!re seem$ to be "s indef9able atmosph]e ab\t ! man t made "o ?9k ( great1 illimitable spaces1 ( unre/rict$ fre$om ( movem5t4 ,a few seconds previ\s ,i _h be5 ?9k+ ( ! romance ( old ,france1 b ,i _h n be5 prep>$ = ?is inset4 ,a brea?1 /rong & cle>1 ( my homel& came to me1 & ,i felt pr\d ( my c\ntryman4 ,i us$ to say ,mass e morn+ 9 ! little *ur* ( ! village1 ! pa/or ( :i* 0 a v delicate look+ "y ,fr5* cur4 ,two black-be>d$ ,fr5* soldi]-prie/s said ,mass be=e me4 ,!n at #g3cj1 :5 ! ,masses 7 f9i%$1 ! p>i% prie/ taught cate*ism to ! *ildr5 ( 8 p>i%4 ,lat]1 9 _m places :]e we came to re/1 ,i saw e>ly 9 ! morn+ little *ildr5 assembl$ 9 _! p>i% *ur*es = cate*ism4 ,*apt] ,,xxxviii ,,! ,,front ,,at ,,la/ ,i _h be5 ) ! ,sev5ty-fif? ,battalion ab\t six days :5 "o ev5+ ! adjutant gave me a lett] :i* conta9$ ord]s to proce$ ! foll[+ morn+ to ,cambla9 ,l',abbey4 ,x 0 well on t[>ds ev5+ :5 ! l>ge motor lorry1 on ! seat ( :i* ,i sat next ! driv]1 pull$ into ! village ( ,cambla9 ,l',abbey4 ,! old /one *ur* /ood on a hill1 look+ d[n ov] ! t[n1 & at ! base ( ! hill 9 a long1 level field /ood r[ ^u r[ ( "o-/ory ,niss5 huts1 9 :i* 7 ! headqu>t]s ( diff]5t bran*es ( s]vice ( ! ,canadian ,corps4 ,! lorry /opp$ at ! end ( a l>ge plank walk1 d[n :i* ,i 0 direct$ to walk till ,i %\ld come to ! headqu>t]s ( *apla9 s]vice4 ,?is did n take v long1 = pres5tly ,i 0 /&+ be=e "o ( ! huts1 on ! door ( :i* appe>$ ! lett]s ,c4 ,a4 ,c4 ,s4 7,canadian ,army ,*apla9 ,s]vice74 ,i knock$ on ! door & /epp$ 94 ,?ree milit>y *apla9s 7 sitt+ 9 ! (fice2 "o :o bore ! insignia ( lieut5ant-colonel1 0 sign+ "s pap]s = a "y *apla9 :o 0 a capta94 ,! ?ird *apla91 a major1 sat 9 a f> corn] eat+ nut-*ocolate b>s4 ,i look$ f "o to ano!r4 ,i did n "k any ( !m4 ,i _h be5 expect+ to meet ,fa!r ,fr5*1 :o 0 ! s5ior ,ca?olic *apla9 ( ! ,canadians 9 ,france4 ,i made myself kn[n1 only to f9d t all ! *apla9s 7 ,anglicans1 & t ,fa!r ,fr5* 0 abs5t on duty & w\ld n be home = two or ?ree days4 ,t night ,i d9$ ) _m ( ! /aff (fic]s ( ! ,canadian ,corps1 & slept 9 ! qua9t little presbyt]y ( ! ,fr5* cur on ! hill4 ,! foll[+ ev5+ t[>ds sund[n1 9 company ) ,lt4 ,colonel ,mc,grear1 *ief *apla9 = ! ,*ur* ( ,engl&1 ,i w5t to ,c>5cy1 :]e ,i became atta*$ = qu>t]s & rations to ! ,sixte5? ,canadian ,scotti%1 :i* 0 "o ( ! battalions ( ! ,?ird ,canadian ,infantry ,brigade ( :i* ,i 0 n[ ,r4 ,c4 *apla94 ,my o!r battalions 7 ! ,?irte5?1 ,f\rte5? & ,fifte5?4 ,all1 ) ! exception ( ! ,f\rte5?1 7 kilt$ battalions1 & ea* "o _h its own b& ( bag-pipes4 ,i 0 some:at disappo9t$ to f9d myself atta*$ to ! ,sixte5? z ! ,ca?olic *apla9 :o _h proce$$ me _h be5 qu>t]$ ) ! ,f\rte5? 9 :i* 0 an av]age ( f\r hundr$ ,ca?olics2 9 ! ,sixte5? ! av]age 0 ab\t eighty4 ,!re 0 "s milit>y reason = my appo9tm5t1 s all ,i c\ld d 0 to obey ord]s4 ,we left ,cambla9 ,l',abbey & ! motor w5t quickly ov] ! well-kept road4 ,soon ! t[n1 ) all ! h\ses /ill intact1 0 left f> beh9d1 & pres5tly1 n f> ahead1 ,i saw a l>ge sign-bo>d atta*$ to two po/s ab\t fifte5 feet high4 ,at ! top1 9 l>ge black block lett]s1 7 ! words 8,gas ,al]t10 & b5ea? 7 words to ! effect t f n[ on all troops mu/ we> _! gas masks 8at ! al]t40 ,?is meant t in/ead ( c>ry+ ! mask at ! side1 ) ! bag clos$1 x mu/ be ti$ ab\t ! *e/1 ) ! bag op51 s t 9 a mom5t ! mask might be rais$ to ! face4 ,a little n]v\sness came ov] me1 = n[ on all sides 7 signs ( great deva/ation--brok5 & torn build+s1 crumbl$ walls1 fields deeply m>k$ ) %ell-holes2 & ! road became r\gh1 = x _h be5 m5d$ 9 _m places aft] be+ r5t by %ells4 ,less traffic appe>$ along our way2 ev]y?+ seem$ quiet4 ,on our "r1 9 ! di/ance1 ,i notic$ :at seem$ to be a squ>e =e/ ( m9iature trees1 :i*1 z we drew ne>]1 became regul> 9 %ape & equidi/ant f "o ano!r4 ,z we came /ill ne>] ,i notic$ l[ m\nds1 8r[ on r[40 ,:at _h seem$ to be trees 7 crosses--a great =e/ ( little l[ crosses--& betwe5 ! r[s & r[s ( crosses 7 ! long l9es ( 8! little gre5 t5ts :]e ! soldi]s sleep40 ,we pass$ two or ?ree o!r milit>y cemet]ies1 !n ! ru9s ( a small village or two1 :]e _m soldi]s look$ out f cell> w9d[s or l[ huts built ( pieces ( brok5 /one & scraps ( corrugat$ iron1 ) a piece ( burlap hang+ & weight$ at ! end = a door4 ,dug\ts 7 built into ! hill t slop$ up f ! roadside4 ,! sil5ce ( ! :ole c\ntryside seem$ uncanny4 ,we came up a little hill :]e1 on our "r a few hundr$ feet back f ! road1 7 p]haps a doz5 corrugat$ iron /ables1 op5 at ! sides1 b ) a p>tition ! :ole l5g? ( ! hut runn+ ?r\gh ! middle4 ,9 ! =egr\nd 0 ! basem5t ( :at _h once be5 a long1 n>r[ dwell+-h\se4 ,"h we /opp$1 = we _h come to headqu>t]s ( ! ,sixte5? ,battalion1 or1 to give !m _! full "n1 ! ,sixte5? ,canadian ,scotti%4 ,!y 7 a kilt$ battalion1 hail+ f ,briti% ,columbia4 ,! colonel told me to rema9 9 ! motor till he return$ f ! ord]ly room1 :i* ,i did4 ,9 a few m9utes he came back ) ! adjutant & two soldi]s4 ,! adjutant welcom$ me k9dly2 ! two soldi]s pick$ up my b$-roll & began to c>ry x t[>ds headqu>t]s4 ,i %ook h&s ) ! colonel z he said good-bye4 ,!n ,i accompani$ ! adjutant to headqu>t]s4 ,i _h arriv$ at ! ,we/]n ,front4 ,*apt] ,,xxxix ,a ,,/rafe ,,& ,a ,,qu>tet ,my room 0 a p>tition$ (f portion at ! end ( ! cell> 9 :i* 0 headqu>t]s3 !re 0 no fire 9 x & ! mon? 0 ,decemb]4 ,?r\gh cracks 9 ! portion ( ! build+ t 0 above gr\nd1 blew ! cold1 w9try w9d4 ,t night at d9n] 9 8! mess10 :i* 0 9 ! portion ( ! cell> adjo9+ my billet1 ,i met a numb] ( ! (fic]s--?\gh ! majority 7 /ill 9 ! l9e--& !y 7 among ! f9e/ m5 ,i _h ev] met4 ,! comm&+ (fic]1 ,colonel ,peck1 "o ( ! be/-lov$ m5 on ! ,we/]n ,front1 0 a huge man ) a black droop+ mu/a*e :i* gave him a r fi]ce appe>ance1 b !re 0 a look ( real k9dness 9 8 eyes4 ,he possess$ ! ,di/+ui%$ ,s]vice ,ord] ,m$al1 & lat] he won ! highe/ decoration ( ! ,briti% army1 ! ,victoria ,cross4 ,at t "t1 al?\gh we did n "k x till lat]1 he _h be5 elect$ a memb] ( ! ,canadian p>liam5t4 ,:5 ,i return$ to my billet ,i f\nd a light$ c&le /ick+ to ! bottom ( an upturn$ cond5s$ milk t92 "s "o _h be5 %[+ me an act ( k9dness4 ,i _h no soon] ent]$ ?an !re 0 a knock on ! door4 ,a "y soldi] op5$ x & came 94 ,he said he _h come to op5 my b$-roll & prep>e my b$4 ,i look$ at ! b]?1 :i* 0 a piece ( scantl+ ab\t sev5 feet long runn+ ! wid? ( ! room1 to :i* 0 atta*$ two ?icknesses ( burlap ab\t a y>d wide t 7 fix$ to ! wall4 ,i wond]$ h[ ,i 0 go+ to sleep1 = ,i 0 %iv]+ !n4 ,sudd5ly ! "y soldi] ceas$ tugg+ at ! /raps1 li/5$ quietly = a second or two1 !n n look+ at me1 b keep+ 8 eye fix$ on ! b$-roll1 he said sl[ly & solemnly1 z if address+ "s imag9>y p]son 9 ! b$-roll3 8,all is quiet on ! ,we/]n ,front40 ,he nei!r smil$ nor look$ at me1 b cont9u$ 8 "w4 ,= mon?s ,i _h read ^? words 9 ! daily pap]s ( ,engl&2 b n[ !re 0 some?+ s comical 9 ! lad's mann] ( say+ !m t ,i c\ld n help laugh+ z he w5t on ) 8 unpack+4 ,b x 0 n = long t 8all 0 quiet on ! ,we/]n ,front40 ,sudd5ly ,i he>d a f>-di/ant rumble :i* _h ! rhy?mic roll ( sn>e-drums1 yet ! s\nd 0 mu* /rong] & x 0 increas+ quickly 9 int5sity & volume4 ,soon x 0 a great ?und]+ ro> ) a m9or rattle4 ,! e>? seem$ to be trembl+4 ,i look$ at ! soldi]4 8,a bomb>dm5t80 ,i que/ion$4 8,no1 sir10 he said quietly1 8t's j a /rafe ov] on ! ,la,basse front4 ,^? are our guns4 ,fritzy'll op5 up aft] !y /op4 ,y %\ld g outside & see x1 sir40 ,i /epp$ out1 almo/ fall+ into a tr5* t 0 j outside my door4 ,away to ! nor!a/ = ab\t a mile flitt$ %ort1 %>p yell[ fla%es ( light4 ,al?\gh ! rumbl+ ( ! guns 0 s l\d1 ,i judg$ !m to be five or six miles di/ant4 ,ev]y?+ 0 quiet ab\t :]e ,i /ood4 ,x 0 a moonlight night & along ! :ite road1 z f> z ,i c\ld see1 0 a l9e ( brok5 trees1 ) "h & !re ! irregul> walls ( a ru9$ village4 ,pres5tly !re 0 a lull1 !n complete sil5ce2 9 ! cle> moonlight1 ! deva/at$ c\ntryside gave "o a weird impression4 ,!n 8old ,fritzy op5$ up10 & al?\gh ! rumble ( 8 guns 0 n s di/9ct1 ,i judg$ t he 0 giv+ u ab\t z mu* z we _h giv5 him4 ,i wond]$ h[ mu* h>m w\ld be done1 & :e!r _m ( our lads w\ld be kill$4 ,!n sl[ly ! fir+ ceas$ & pres5tly aga9 8all 0 quiet on ! ,we/]n ,front40 ,i 0 j ab\t to rent] my qu>t]s :5 ,i receiv$ ano!r surprise4 ,f a hut j a few y>ds away came s\nds ( s++4 ,i li/5$3 x 0 a l[1 sweet song t ,i _h nev] he>d be=e--a qu>tet1 & ! h>mony seem$ p]fect4 ,i _h nev] be=e he>d su* sweet s++4 ,an (fic] came out ( ! mess & /ood ne> me1 li/5+ 9 sil5ce4 ,!n he said3 8,t's pretty good1 ,padre40 ,i agre$ ) him1 b ,i confess$ ,i _h nev] he>d ! song be=e4 8,:y1 ,padre10 he said1 8! "n ( t song is #8,sweet ,g5evieve'4 ,/range y nev] he>d x6 ,:]ev] m5 are congregat$ "o w he> t song4 ,x's an old song1 ,padre4 ,/range y nev] he>d x60 ,s ,i _h he>d two s\nds t ,i _h nev] be=e he>d3 "o 0 ! s\nd ( a 8/rafe0 on ! ,we/]n ,front2 ! o!r 0 ! s++ ( 8,sweet ,g5evieve40 ,*apt] ,,xl ,,! ,,valley ,,( ,,! ,,dead ,:5 ,i rent]$ my hut ,i f\nd t ! "y soldi] _h op5$ my b$-roll & remov$ ! few little articles t 7 9 x4 ,! b$-roll 0 arrang$ = ! night on ! burlap b]?4 8,y hav5't en\gh blankets1 sir10 he said4 ,!n he 0 gone2 b 9 ab\t five m9utes he 0 back aga9 ) two ?ick br[n army blankets4 ,aft] ,i _h ?ank$ him1 he look$ ar\nd to see if he c\ld improve any?+ be=e leav+ = ! night4 ,n see+ any?+1 he 0 j ab\t to op5 ! door :5 he turn$ & said3 8,if old ,fritz comes ov] to bomb u tonight1 sir1 ! safe/ place = y w be d[n 9 ! tr5*4 ,x's a moonlight night & ,fritzy likes to be out 9 ! moonlight40 ,!re 0 no bomb+ t night1 b x 0 s extremely cold t ,i c\ld n sleep4 ,i sp5t ! night *ang+ f "o position to ano!r 9 ! hope ( gett+ w>m1 b ,i rema9$ awake till daylight4 ,ab\t sev5 o'clock ! foll[+ morn+ ,i he>d a fumbl+ at ! lat* ( my door4 ,i _h j f9i%$ my pray]s4 ,i wait$1 = ,i knew ! door 0 n lock$2 !n z ! lat* 0 rais$ ! door op5$1 assi/$ by ! foot ( ! "o ent]+4 ,fir/ !re appe>$ a l>ge granite iron plate ( /eam+ porridge & a smoky h& hold+ x1 !n a granite iron mug ( some?+ /eam+1 & ano!r smoky h& hold+ x4 ,!n appe>$ ! k9dly soldi] ( ! night be=e1 8 pleasant face a little begrim$1 b smil+1 ! arm ( ! h& :i* held ! mug hugg+ to 8 side a small e>!n j> ( sug> ) a spoon 9 x4 ,i w5t to 8 assi/ance & soon we _h ! ?+s spread out on an upturn$ ration box :i* _h be5 ! seat4 ,n[ x 0 ! table1 & ! b$ 0 my seat4 8,h[ did y sleep1 sir80 ask$ ! soldi]4 ,i told him4 ,!n he said he mu/ try to f9d some?+ to make a /ove4 ,he w5t on to tell me t he & ! cook _h built "o1 b t x 0 n work+ well4 ,he held up 8 h&s z evid5ce1 & ,i look$ at 8 face4 8,! cook is out !re n[10 he said1 8try+ to cook ! breakfa/1 & swe>+1 = !re's m smoke com+ out ar\nd ! /ove ?an !re is go+ up ! *imney40 ,i p\r$ f ! e>!n mug a little ( ! hot dilut$ cond5s$ milk ov] ! /eam+ porridge1 & ! soldi] told me to take all ! sug> ,i want$ z !re 0 pl5ty4 ,he /ood beside me = a :ile wait+ to see if ,i w\ld make any comm5t on ! porridge4 ,i _h nev] be5 9 ! habit ( eat+ any c]eal at breakfa/1 b ?is morn+ ,i 0 v cold & also v hungry4 ,i ta/$ ! porridge2 x 0 hot1 pip+ hot4 ,x ta/$ slightly ( smoke1 b t didn't matt]4 8,x's f9e10 ,i said4 8,n smoky80 he ask$4 ,i assur$ him t if x 0 a little bit smoky x made no diff]5ce4 ,he w5t out aga92 b ,i _h n q f9i%$ ! porridge be=e ,i he>d ano!r fumbl+ at ! lat*1 & 9 a mom5t he appe>$ aga9 ) ano!r granite iron plate on :i* 7 two ra%]s ( bacon & a l>ge slice ( toa/2 9 ! o!r h& 0 a l>ge mug ( hot tea4 8,is ?is d9n]80 ,i ask$4 ,! lad smil+ly told me to eat all ,i c\ld1 t :5 a man loses sleep ! be/ way to make up = x is by a good meal4 ,he pick$ up ! empty porridge plate & ! empty mug1 leav+ ! sug>-b[l1 & w5t out aga92 b 9 ab\t ?ree m9utes he 0 back ) a j> ( comp\nd jam1 /rawb]ry & gooseb]ry4 8,has ! cook /opp$ swe>+ yet80 ,i ask$4 8,yes10 repli$ ! lad1 8,i told him y said ! porridge 0 good4 ,he knew x wasn't1 & :5 he saw y\r empty plate he smil$4 ,he'll be all "r n[ = a:ile40 8,:at is ! "n ( ?is place80 ,i ask$4 8,c>5cy10 he repli$1 89 ! ,s\*ez ,valley4 ,j across ! road1 on ! o!r side ( ! valley1 is :]e ! sixty ?\s& ,fr5* soldi]s & civilians 7 gass$4 ,_! own turp9ide gas t !y _h s5t ov] aga9/ ! ,g]mans came back on !m4 ,! w9d _h *ang$4 ,!re are "s ( ! victims 9 ! wood t h nev] be5 buri$4 ,! valley is call$ ,valley ( ! ,dead40 ,he w5t on to tell me ( ! great battles t _h already be5 f\ght 9 ! area :]e we n[ 74 ,i le>n$ t we 7 almo/ at ! base ( ,vimy ,ridge4 8,:at is ! diff]5ce betwe5 a #8/rafe' & a #8bomb>dm5t8'0 ,i ask$ him4 8,well10 he said1 8a bomb>dm5t is usually all ?\ght out be=eh& & a lot ( prep>ations are made = x & x usually la/s a long "t4 ,a #8/rafe' is j a fir+ t might />t up any "t1 & x g5]ally la/s only a few m9utes4 ,sometimes a gre5 h& 9 ! l9e br+s (f a #8/rafe' t might la/ half an h\r ) ! loss ( _m lives & ! co/ ( ?\s&s ( doll>s4 ,! fir/ night 9 ! l9e e m9ute or two "s fell[ ?9ks he sees "s "o com+ across #8,no ,man's ,l&' & sometimes he #8gets ! w9d up' pretty bad & fires4 ,!n old ,fritz ?9ks "s "o is com+ t[>ds him & he fires back2 !n two or ?ree ( our fell[s answ]1 & imm$iately old ,fritz comes back /rong]4 ,!n ! :ole l9e op5s up & ! ma*9e-guns beg9 to rat-tat-tat1 & an ,s4 ,o4 ,s4 fl>e goes up = ! artill]y1 & pres5tly ! e>? is rock+ "u a #8/rafe' & ev]ybody except "o wond]s :o />t$ x all40 ,z ! lad !n began to ga!r up ! empty di%es1 ,i made apologies = hav+ eat5 s mu*2 always my breakfa/ _h be5 j a little bread & jam4 ,8 only comm5t 01 8,sorry1 sir1 ,i didn't h a c\ple ( eggs = y40 ,long aft] he w5t out ,i kept ?9k+ ( ! horrors ( w>2 :at cata/rophes might transpire ?r\gh ! *ang+ ( ! w9d or ?r\gh 8gett+ ! w9d up40 ,aft] ,i _h return$ home f ! w> ,i 0 giv+ a s]ies ( lectures 9 a little t[n4 ,9 "o ( !m ,i happ5$ to m5tion ! t]rible trag$y ( ! turp9ide gas4 ,_m among my audi5ce f\nd x h>d to believe t !re _h be5 s _m victims4 ,! foll[+ day ! prie/ ) :om ,i 0 /ay+ ask$ me _m que/ions ab\t ! ,valley ( ! ,dead4 ,a day or two lat]1 z we 7 sitt+ 9 8 (fice1 "o ( 8 p>i%ion]s came 9 on "s bus9ess4 ,i 0 ab\t to leave ! room :5 ! prie/ motion$ me to /ay4 ,:5 ! man _h f9i%$ 8 bus9ess1 he look$ at me & said3 8,s y h be5 to ! w>1 ,fa!r80 ,i said ,i _h be5 !re4 8,well10 cont9u$ ! man1 :o _h come a long di/ance1 8,i met a lad :o 0 ?r\gh x all1 & he told me he f\nd ! gas worse ?an any?+4 ,he said he 0 9 a place1 "o "t1 :]e ?\s&s & ?\s&s _h be5 froze /iff by a /range k9d ( gas4 ,he said t !re 0 a *ur* !re1 fill$ ) p sitt+ 9 ! pews1 & ! w9d[s 7 all up1 & ?is gas came "r 9 ?r\gh ! w9d[s & froze all ! p 9 ! pews4 ,!y're all !re yet1 & if y pay a qu>t] y c see !m40 ,! man 0 mo/ s]i\s4 ,i did n d>e look at ! prie/ till he _h gone4 ,= a mom5t ! prie/ %ook ) laught]1 !n he said to me3 8,fa!r1 s5d = t return$ man & make him y\r assi/ant4 ,he c tell ! /ory mu* bett] ?an y40 8,well10 ,i said1 8consid]+ t x 0 ,france1 !y might h made ! admission fee "o franc in/ead ( a qu>t]40 ,h[ev]1 my /ory _h n be5 exagg]at$4 ,*apt] ,,xli ,,new ,,fri5ds ,%ortly aft] ! "y soldi] left !re 0 ano!r knock on my door1 & z ,i /ood up to g to op5 x ,i he>d outside ! voice ( a man speak+ z if to a *ild4 ,:5 ,i op5$ ! door1 !re /ood a kilt$ (fic] ov] six feet 9 height1 ) ! pleasant face ( a boy4 ,he 0 accompani$ by a billy-goat1 ! mascot ( ! battalion4 ,! (fic] greet$ me w>mly & !n look$ at ! goat1 say+3 8,%ake h&s1 ,billy1 %ake h&s ) ! new ,padre40 ,s ,billy & ,i %ook h&s1 or r1 ,i %ook ,billy's rais$ ho(4 ,9 ! aft]noon ,i took a walk along ! ,valley ( ! ,dead4 ,away 9 ! di/ance ,i notic$ a l>ge balloon f> up 9 ! air &1 seem+ly1 two m5 /&+ 9 ! l>ge basket atta*$ to x4 ,x 0 ! fir/ "t ,i _h ev] se5 a balloon & ,i 0 a little surpris$ to f9d t x 0 n r\nd1 b %ap$ l a sausage4 ,x 0 a greyi%-khaki color4 ,! sun 0 j sett+ f> away beh9d ! brok5 trees :5 ,i walk$ back f ,neuville ,/4 ,vaa/2 ! sky 0 p9k ) "h & !re a p5cil ( r$ cl\ds4 ,along ! skyl9e flew ?ree hom+ airplanes4 ,z ,i turn$ to see if any m planes 7 com+1 ,i notic$ ! l>ge balloon be+ haul$ sl[ly d[n t[>ds ! e>?4 ,:5 ,i ent]$ my little billet1 ,i f\nd ! "y soldi] at "w putt+ up a /ove t he _h f\nd & pat*$ ) a piece ( t94 ,i ask$ him :at ! great balloon 0 do+ up 9 ! air4 ,he told me t x 0 an obs]vation balloon1 & t ! two m5 9 ! a]ial c> 7 obs]v+ ) field-glasses :at 0 go+ on beh9d ,fritz's l9e4 ,! airplanes t ,i _h se5 w5d+ _! way aga9/ ! w9t] skyl9e 7 sc\t planes t _h be5 patroll+ ! sky = h\rs4 8,n[10 he said1 8!y are go+ home to roo/40 ,be=e ! /ove 0 f9i%$ ! ,?ird ,brigade int]pret]--! m5 always call$ ! int]pret] 8! int]rupt]0--came to visit me4 ,he 0 ! fir/ ,ca?olic ,i _h met s9ce com+ to ! ,sixte5?4 ,he seem$ v fri5dly & k9d4 ,! badge ( 8 (fice 0 a sph9x4 ,x 0 ,napoleon :o design$ ?is badge = int]pret]s--,i suppose to rem9d !m t al?\gh !y w\ld le>n mu* t 0 occurr+1 x 0 "p ( _! (fice n to divulge x4 ,! int]pret]'s "w 0 made v h>d at times by ! good peasants ( ,france4 ,sometimes1 :ile m>*+ ?r\gh a ri* f>ml&1 a soldi] lad w\ld 8annex0 a h51 or a head ( cabbage1 or "s grapes1 or apples1 etc42 !n ! irate own] w\ld seek ! int]pret] & oblige him to conduct him or h] be=e ! prop] milit>y au?orities1 :]e comp5sation w\ld be dem&$ f ! gov]nm5t4 ,! cook also came 9 to see me2 he1 too1 0 a ,ca?olic & seem$ to be a lad full ( en]gy4 ,i 0 surpris$ to le>n t 9 private life he 0 a tailor4 ,be=e he left1 he made arrangem5ts = go+ to confession4 ,!n1 by "s /range association ( ideas1 ,i ask$ him if 8 /ove /ill smok$4 ,x 0 go+ mu* bett] n[1 he said4 ,t ev5+ aft] d9n] z ,i sat wip+ my eyes ) my h&k]*ief1 :5 x 0 n be+ appli$ to my nose--= besides giv+ real w>m?1 ! new /ove emitt$ a quantity ( smoke--an (fic] knock$ & came 91 foll[$ by two soldi]s c>ry+ 8 b$-roll4 ,i _h be5 expect+ him1 = 9 ! mess j be=e d9n] ,i _h he>d ! (fic]s plann+ ! allotm5t ( sleep+ space = ! night4 ,a numb] _h be5 sleep+ 9 _! b$-rolls on ! floor ( ! mess2 & n[ two or ?ree o!r (fic]s 7 com+ back f leave4 ,i _h he>d an (fic] say3 8,we'll put #8,wild ,bill' ) ! ,padre40 ,! o!rs _h agre$ to ?is4 ,i _h be5 wond]+ :o 8,wild ,bill0 04 ,i did n ?9k ! (fic]s 7 play+ a practical joke on me1 = ,i _h always f\nd (fic]s mo/ respectful to ! prie/hood4 ,b n[ 8,wild ,bill0 _h ent]$1 & z ,i look$ ?r\gh ! slight smoke-scre51 my eyes re/$ on "o ( ! g5tle/-mann]$ m5 ,i h ev] met4 ,)\t be+ 9 ! lea/ effem9ate1 he came quietly ov] & %ook h&s4 ,i und]/ood n[ :y !y call$ him 8,wild ,bill0 = ,i recall$ t at college "o ( ! sl[e/ mov+ lads ,i _h ev] met1 _h be5 re*ri/5$ 8,lightn+40 ,i felt grateful to ! o!r (fic]s :o _h billet$ 8,wild ,bill0 ) me4 ,he slept 9 8 b$-roll on ! floor1 aft] he _h spread a rubb] gr\nd %eet ov] x4 ,gradually ! room became suffici5tly w>m to sleep 94 ,! soldi] _h f\nd "s coal4 ,& z ! smoke di$ away ,i fell asleep & did n awake until morn+4 ,*apt] ,,xlii ,a ,,little ,,burlap ,,room ,! foll[+ day 0 ,saturday & ,i began to ?9k ( my duties = ! morr[4 ,i _h le>n$ t ! ,?irte5?1 ,fifte5? & ,sixte5? battalions w\ld rema9 9 ! tr5*es till ,monday4 ,i call$ at ! ord]ly room ( ! ,f\rte5? only to le>n t !y w\ld be mov+ ,sunday4 ,:5 ,i return$ to my billet ,i f\nd a lett] f ,fa!r ,mac,donnell1 tell+ me to call to see him at ! ,transport ,section ( ! ,sev5ty-second ,battalion4 ,i did1 & f\nd a little man1 dress$ 9 ,scot* milit>y co/ume--t>tan rid+ bree*es1 r\nd-corn]$ khaki tunic & gl5g>ry cap4 ,! ,sev5ty-second 0 a ,scot* battalion f ,canada1 b its *apla9 0 a ,canadian f ,scotl&4 ,he _h be5 a memb] ( ! ,b5$ict9e ,mona/]y1 at ,=t ,augu/us1 ,scotl&4 ,he 0 !n busy compos+ a little "w on ! ,holy ,"n1 = he 0 anxi\s to e/abli% ! ,holy ,"n ,society among n only ! ,ca?olic soldi]s1 b also all o!r d5om9ations4 ,?is 0 accompli%$ lat] ) ! co-op]ation ( ! g5]al comm&+ (fic] ( ! ,canadian ,corps1 ,sir ,ar?ur ,currie4 ,he 0 n a "y man3 8 hair 0 beg9n+ to turn grey4 ,i took him to be ab\t fifty ye>s old4 ,he wi%$ me to "w ) him on ,sunday4 ,?is ,i did1 say+ ,mass 9 a l>ge ,y4 ,m4 ,c4 ,a4 t5t1 :ile he said ,mass "s di/ance f>!r d[n ! valley4 ,i did n h _m at ,mass1 b a good numb] came to ,communion4 ,mo/ ( ! m5 7 9 ! tr5*es4 ,9 ! aft]noon1 t[>ds ?ree o'clock1 ,i he>d ! inspir+ /ra9s ( a milit>y m>* com+ up ! ,valley ( ,dea?4 ,i knew ! m>* well4 ,x 0 8,! ,great ,little ,army10 "o ( ! mo/ popul> m>*es on ! ,we/]n ,front4 ,i /epp$ outside & look$ d[n ! valley4 ,a battalion ( infantry 0 m>*+ back f ! l9e4 8,x's ! ,f\rte5?10 said a "y soldi] /&+ ne>by4 ,i wat*$ !m c>efully4 ,! ,f\rte5? 0 "o ( my battalions4 ,i _h he>d ( x be=e2 x _h be5 ! sacrific$ battalion 9 "o ( ! big battles4 ,! m5 _h advanc$ )\t support 9 ord] to give ! enemy ! impression t we 7 /rong] ?an we really 74 ,!y _h suff]$ t]rible casualties1 b _! manoeuvre _h met ) great success4 ,i wat*$ !m till !y disappe>$ r\nd a turn 9 ! road--,hospital ,corn]1 ,i ?9k x 0 call$--& /ill ,i /ood li/5+ to ! b&4 ,v likely ,i w\ld meet ^! lads on ,*ri/mas ,day--:i* meant )9 ! week4 ,i _h no soon] return$ to my 8room0 :5 ! "y soldi] :o _h be5 s ?\ghtful ( my int]e/s came 94 8,sir10 he said1 8! colonel & all ! headqu>t]s' (fic]s h gone to ,*ateau de la ,haie2 ! battalion is go+ !re tomorr[4 ,i ?9k y %\ld take ! colonel's room be=e any "o else gets x40 ,9 t5 m9utes all my belong+s 7 9 ! room j vacat$ by ! colonel4 ,x 0 a w>m room completely l9$ ) burlap3 ceil+1 walls & floor 7 cov]$ ) x4 ,!re 0 a small burlap-cov]$ table & a l[ b5*1 ab\t ?ree feet long1 also ) a cov]+ ( burlap1 b above all else1 !re 0 a t9y /ove ) two doors t slid back s t "o c\ld see ! fire burn+ 9 x4 ,s9ce !n ,i h be5 9 v mu* worse qu>t]s on ! ,we/]n ,front4 ,! foll[+ morn+ ,i said ,mass on ! little table1 & ! cook1 :o _h n[ only f\r (fic]s to provide =1 came to ,holy ,communion4 ,! next morn+ ! int]pret]1 ) a "y soldi] :o 0 be+ call$ home to ,halifax to c>e = 8 wife & *ild :o _h j pass$ ?r\gh ! t]rible disa/]1 knelt rev]5tly 9 ! little burlap room to receive _! ,"l4 ,*apt] ,,xliii ,,*ri/mas ,,at ,,! ,,front ,we _h plann$ to h midnight ,mass 9 "o ( ! l>ge mov+-picture huts at ,*ateau de la ,haie1 = "h 9 res]ve 7 f\r full battalions3 "o belong+ to ,fa!r ,mac,donnell1 "o to ,fa!r ,murray1 a "y *apla9 :om ,i met j be=e ,*ri/mas1 & two1 ! ,f\rte5? & ,sixte5?1 belong+ to me4 ,my o!r battalions 7 only ab\t two miles beyond ^!1 ! ,?irte5? at ,petit ,s]vans & ! ,fifte5? at ,gr& ,s]vans4 ,b ,fir/ ,divisional ,headqu>t]s1 :i* 0 !n at ,*ateau de la ,haie1 reconsid]$ ! matt]4 ,!y ?\ght ! ,ca?olic soldi]s com+ 9 at su* an e>ly h\r might di/urb o!rs :o w\ld wi% to sleep2 &1 also1 t !re might be too _m lights us$1 s t "s a]ial ,santa ,claus f across ! l9e might w+ 8 way above ! camp1 dropp+ a few ,*ri/mas bombs 9 pass+4 ,we !n decid$ to h two ,masses 9 ! l>ge hut at ,*ateau de la ,haie & "o 9 ! *ur* at ,petit ,s]vans4 ,fa!rs ,murray & ,mac,donnell 7 to say ! ,masses at ,*ateau de la ,haie & ,i 0 to g to ,petit ,s]vans4 ,i f\nd t n only _h ,i to notify ! m5 ( my own battalions1 b also all ! units 9 my area4 ,z !re 7 ab\t t5 o!r units--labor gr\ps1 eng9e]s1 divisional tra9s1 etc4--?is took me q a :ile4 ,9 fact1 x took all ,monday aft]noon4 ,b ! foll[+ morn+1 :i* 0 ,*ri/mas1 :5 ,i turn$ ar\nd aft] ! gospel to say a few words to ! lads1 ,i felt m ?an repaid = any inconv5i5ce1 includ+ my f\r mile walk f ,c>5cy to ,petit ,s]vans be=e ,mass1 = ! *ur* 0 fill$4 ,all ! seats 7 occupi$ & ! l>ge space 9 ! re> 0 pack$ ) /&+ soldi]s--kilt$ laddies f ! ,?irte5? & ,fifte5?1 ) _! (fic]s2 soldi]s f ! eng9e]s2 memb]s ( ! labor gr\ps2 /ret*]-be>]s f ! ,fir/ ,field ,ambulance4 ,) a full he>t ,i ?ank$ ! ,*ri/ ,*ild = br++ toge!r all my ,ca?olic m54 ,x 0 ! fir/ "t 9 f\r mon?s t ,i _h be5 able to assemble su* a l>ge numb]4 ,at ! hospital1 naturally1 ! gr\ps 7 small4 ,& z ,i look$ at ! sea ( faces1 s rev]5tly att5tive1 _m be>+ m>ks ( ! t]rible conflicts ?r\gh :i* !y _h pass$1 ,i felt a twit*+ at ! ?roat1 s t x 0 a few seconds be=e ,i c\ld beg9 to speak4 ,x 0 a long :ile t ,*ri/mas ,day be=e ,i f9i%$ giv+ ,holy ,communion1 = ne>ly all ! m5 9 ! *ur* came4 ,on my way home ,i le>n$ f ,fa!r ,murray t ! ,f\rte5? & ,sixte5? _h att5d$ ,mass 9 a body 9 ! mov+-picture hut at ,*ateau de la ,haie1 & t great numb]s _h gone to ,holy ,communion4 ,my ,*ri/mas d9n] 0 a piece ( dry roa/ beef1 almo/ burnt1 "s potatoes1 bread & m>g>9e1 ) a little apricot jam & a cup ( tea2 t 0 all4 ,yet ,i ?9k x 0 ! happie/ ,*ri/mas ,i ev] sp5t1 =1 z ,i ?\ght ( t fir/ wond]ful meet+ ) ^? ,canadian ,ca?olic soldi]s on ! ,we/]n ,front1 ,i felt t 9 _! mid/ ^? words1 writt5 s long ago1 8,!re 0 no room 9 ! inn10 c\ld n be said t ,*ri/mas ,day4 ,*apt] ,,xliv ,,back ,,to ,,re/ ,e morn+ = a week or two ,i 0 9 ! little *ur* :]e ,i _h said ,mass on ,*ri/mas ,day1 & e ev5+ :ile ,i 0 !re m5 came to confession4 ,!n "o morn+ ! "y soldi] :o _h be5 s att5tive to my wants1 & ^: "n ,i _h le>n$ 0 ,george1 came into ! burlap room 9 a /ate ( evid5t excitem5t & said3 8,we're go+ back to re/1 sir40 ,i did n "k exactly :at 8back to re/0 really meant1 b ,i judg$ f ,george's sp>kl+ eyes t x 0 some?+ v good4 8,t's good news10 ,i said4 ,b "o _h to be a soldi] ( ! l9e to realize :at good news x really 04 ,"o mu/ be actually 9 ! tr5*es :5 ! ^w comes to compreh5d fully :at ^? words 8back to re/0 mean4 8,we're go+ back to re/1 *ummy10 somebody says1 & ! ^w is relay$ quickly d[n ! front l9e tr5*4 ,& tir$-fac$ lads1 _m ( !m ) fa9t1 d>k r+s ar\nd _! eyes1 smile broadly z !y /& half-cr\*+ 9 ! muddy tr5*4 ,onw>d ! glad tid+s g1 :isp]$ or utt]$ 9 l[ voices3 8,out to re/1 ,bo2 ! relief's com+ 9 tonight at half-pa/ t54 ,hooray60 ,b ! 8hooray0 does n express adequately ! feel+s ( ! speak]4 ,x mu/ d1 h[ev]1 z a l\d *e] is n p]mitt$ 9 ! front l9e tr5*4 ,:5 x is d>k1 ! relief comes 9 v quietly & takes ov] ! diff]5t po/s2 !n1 z quietly1 ! lads g d[n ! support tr5*es till !y slope up to ! great wide road t seems s spaci\s & airy aft] ! deep1 n>r[ tr5* !y h be5 /&+ 9 = days4 ,on !y g1 pa/ long r[s ( brok5 trees t once 7 maje/ic1 full-leaf$ elms1 !n ?r\gh masses ( ru9$ build+s & brok5 /one walls1 ) "h & !re a small corrugat$ iron hut or %ack1 built j lately4 ,at times1 n v f> away1 a long yell[ fla%1 foll[$ by a ?und]+ report1 tells !m t our heavies are at "w4 ,somebody beg9s to :i/le1 8,!re's a long1 long trail a-w9d+10 or 8,ov] ,!re10 !n o!rs cat* ! lilt1 & 9 a few seconds hundr$s are :i/l+ to ! sw++1 sweep+ ?ud ( m>*+ feet4 ,:5 !y get a little f>!r on _! way1 ! :i/l+ ceases & a song is /ruck up1 ?\gh n too l\dly4 ,above !m are ! sil5t />s peacefully %9+4 ,away beh9d !m %rapnel bur/s savagely & spr9kles its dea?-be>+ message4 ,b t is f> beh9d1 & n[ !y are go+ out--out to re/6 ,p]haps !y m>* all ?r\gh ! night1 c>ry+ _! equipm5t & _! heavy packs on _! backs1 & z ! dawn comes1 !y notice at e cross-road a great cross1 & nail$ to ! cross ! figure ( ! ,crucifi$--:ite1 blood-/reak$1 ! ?orn-cr[n$ head b5t 9 ! agony ( suff]+1 ! face livid ) pa9 & mis]y4 ,& _m a lad "u 8 weight looks up4 ,he und]/&s x all mu* bett] n[ ?an :5 he fir/ came to ! front4 ,"s brea! a little pray]4 ,!y are go+ out to re/--b !y w be com+ back aga96 ,!y cont9ue _! m>* till ! morn+ sunlight beg9s to bright5 all ! l& & ! ro> ( ! guns has become b a fa9t di/ant rumble1 !n1 p]haps1 !y sit on ! roadside1 or along ! edge ( a field1 ! grass ( :i* looks s fre% & gre5 aft] ! roll+1 %ell-torn ,no ,man's ,l& !y h be5 look+ ov] = days1 :]e nev] a blade ( grass c\ld be se52 only ! grey %ell-pitt$ e>?1 ) "h & !re a l9e ( :ite *alk :i* made "o ?9k ( a :ite-capp$1 angry sea4 ,birds beg9 to s+ 9 field & gre5 wood1 & f _m field kit*5s & little r$ fires built on ! roadside comes ! odor ( fry+ bacon4 ,"s ( ! lads take (f _! packs & g to sleep on ! roadside1 _! faces grey ) ! du/ f m>*+ feet4 ,mu* traffic goes by--khaki motor lorries1 g5]al s]vice wagons1 dispat* rid]s on motorcycles4 ,!n f ! di/ance come ! /ra9s ( a milit>y m>* play$ by a brass b& t is approa*+2 x may be 8,colonel ,bogey0 t !y play1 or 8,sons ( ! ,brave10 etc4 ,x is ! b& ( ! battalion com+ to meet ! lads & play !m back to re/4 ,:5 e "o has eat5 8 bread & bacon & has f9i%$ 8 p9t ( hot tea1 !y fall 91 feel+ mu* refre%$4 ,!n !re is a rumble f ! big drum & a rattle f ! small] ones & ! inspir+ music ( a milit>y m>* breaks on ! air4 ,! lads /raight5 mom5t>ily "u _! packs1 & !re is a new sw+ to _! tir$ feet4 ,p]haps !y pass ?r\gh _m fields l9$ ) tall elms4 ,p]haps !y pass _m ,fr5* peasants1 old & "y1 go+ to "w 9 ! fields1 :o smile pleasantly4 ,!y may g ?r\gh a quiet little village or two till !y come to a m fl\ri%+ "o 9 :i* is a l>ge *ateau4 ,!n ! b&1 :i* = ! la/ fifte5 m9utes has giv5 place to a few bugl]s & drums1 /rikes up ! battalion's own m>* & ! ord] comes r++ d[n ! l9e1 8,m>* to att5tion40 ,!n ! tir$ lads "k t !y are com+ into re/ billets4 ,! organization 9 8re/0 is done v quickly4 ,"o battalion takes ov] f ano!r1 & 9 a v %ort "t enamel signs are hung out ( billets :i* tell :]e are ! diff]5t (fic]s & ord]ly rooms4 ,if !re is a cur 9 ! village1 & if x s happ5s t ! ,ca?olic *apla9 ( ! brigade is qu>t]$ ) ! battalion t has come to re/ "h1 a little sign hangs f ! cur's gate1 be>+ ! words 8,r4 ,c4 ,*apla910 = ! soldi]s' prie/ is ne>ly always billet$ ) ! p>i% prie/ ( ! village2 & on ! *ur* door a pap] is tack$ giv+ ! h\rs ( ,mass1 confession1 etc4 ,sometimes !re is no cur 9 ! village2 p]haps he has be5 call$ to jo9 ! soldi]s ( ,france2 p]haps at "o "t ! village has be5 heavily %ell$ & he has foll[$ 8 p4 ,9 ?is case1 (t5 x is necess>y to r5ovate ! little %ell-torn *ur*1 b ?is is quickly done4 ,& 9 ! morn+1 aft] ,mass has be5 said1 a t9y lamp burns 9 ! *ur* :i* tells ! soldi]s t ! ,ma/] has come & is call+ !m4 ,at twelve o'clock ! soldi]s' "w = ! day1 :5 !y are out 9 re/1 usually f9i%es1 & !y receive any pap]s & magaz9es t may h come to !m f fri5ds across ! sea4 ,^! are v welcome arrivals1 & s are ! boxes ( good ?+s t sometimes come f home4 ,!n1 z ! lads sit "u trees1 or 9 front ( t5ts1 or 9 l[ hay l(ts to eat _! d9n]1 pap]s are op5$ & ^? :o h receiv$ boxes or p>cels f home pass ar\nd c&ies1 cake1 etc41 to ^? :o h n1 & s a v pleasant h\r passes4 ,! aft]noon is usually giv5 ov] to games & a?letic sports4 ,if diff]5t troops happ5 to be qu>t]$ toge!r 9 ! same village ! competition betwe5 ! two becomes v int]e/+4 ,p]haps a baseball game is arrang$ betwe5 ,am]ican & ,canadian lads1 :ile ,engli% lads look on1 x mu/ be admitt$1 ) irritation4 ,!y _c und]/& :y "o side %\ld %\t su* ?+s at ! o!r2 :y !y %\ld try to rattle ! pit*]4 ,to !m x seems q abusive1 & judg+ f _! talk1 !y are disgu/$4 8,call t a gaime10 "o w say1 8:5 "o side keeps on 'oll]9' at ! blight] b[l9' t ball1 s's 'e caunt ?r[ well80 8,call t sport80 8,call t fair ply80 8,i c>n't see :]e ! fair ply comes h9 :5 !y tike su* bloom9' hund]&$ wys o' try9' to w940 ,8 mate agrees ) him1 & pres5tly !y move (f to "s o!r sc5e ( amusem5t4 ,mean:ile1 little ,fr5* boys :o h come to wat* ! baseball game g rac+ ab\t ! field1 imitat+ "s ( ! plays 9 ! game :i* is s /range to !m1 & z !y g slid+ to "s imag9>y home-plate1 "o c he> su* expressions z 8,safe60 & 8,hat a-boy40 ,x 0 e>ly 9 ! morn+ :5 we left ,*ateau de la ,haie1 = we 7 n "u obs]vation & x 0 n necess>y to move by night4 ,we assembl$ on "o ( ! squ>es ne> a long1 tree-fr+$ av5ue :i* 0 "o ( ! approa*es to ! *ateau4 ,= "s "t be=e we fell 9 ,i he>d f all qu>t]s /range1 une>?ly noises1 & 9 e direction ,i turn$ ,i saw1 at q a di/ance f ea* o!r1 kilt$ figures walk+ up & d[n be>+ _! wide-bran*$ bag-pipes1 ea* "o emitt+ ! weirde/ wails imag9able2 !y 7 ! pip]s ( ! ,sixte5? pipe b& tun+ up4 ,h[ev]1 :5 we />t$ (f ! s\nd 0 q diff]5t1 = ! pipes & kettle-drums make m]ry m>*+ music4 ,i "k ( no o!r music t c make tir$ m5 m>* s briskly & ) su* a sw+ z t ( ! pipes4 ,i _h nev] be=e m>*$ ) any unit :i* seem$ to draw su* univ]sal att5tion z did ! ,sixte5? ,canadian ,scotti% ,battalion1 & ,i ?9k x 0 ow+ *iefly to ! /range music ( ! pipes & ! uncommon uni=m ( ! kilt$ laddies4 ,= z we ent]$ village aft] village1 doors & w9d[s began to op51 & old & "y & middle-ag$ ,fr5* peasants quickly fill$ !m1 smil+ _! admiration z ! pip]s play$ & ! soldi]s m>*$4 ,little 8gam9s10 n cont5t ) reg>d+ u1 foll[$ along at a trot1 s++ & *e]+2 ! m ent]pris+ among !m1 pick+ up a block ( wood & an old ration sack &1 tuck+ !m "u _! left arm :ile !y spread out ?ree or f\r pieces ( sapl+ or old la?s1 gave an imitation ( our brave pip]s :o play$ s valiantly4 ,i began to ?9k1 aft] all1 !re might be "s tru? 9 ! /ory ( ! ,pi$ ,pip] ( ,haml94 ,*apt] ,,xlv ,,bruay ,our de/9ation 0 ,bruay1 a m9+ t[n ( ab\t twelve ?\s& s\ls 9 ! dep>tm5t ( ,calais1 or1 z ! ,fr5* write x1 8,pas de ,calais40 ,we m>*$ into ! t[n at ab\t two o'clock & fell out at ! squ>e4 ,my billet 0 9 a m9]'s h\se4 ,x 0 a v nice room ) a /ove 9 x1 & z !re 0 a coal m9e j across ! road1 ,i did n want = fuel4 ,! transport mess1 :i* 0 compos$ ( ! transport (fic]1 qu>t]ma/]1 payma/] & *apla91 0 billet$ 9 a l>ge h\se n v f> away4 ,we _h a d9+-room all to ourselves1 b our cook op]at$ on ! same /ove z did old ,madame1 :o 0 ! head ( ! h\se4 ,we 7 oblig$ to pass ?r\gh ! kit*5 on our way to ! d9+-room1 & ,i f\nd x a v pleasant passageway1 especially 9 ! ev5+1 = !n x 0 cr[d$ ) happy faces4 ,old ,madame & our cook bo? mov$ ab\t ! gl[+ /ove :]e num]\s pots & saucepans1 boil]s & fry+ pans1 hiss$ & bubbl$ & sizzl$1 *att+ away z !y work$2 = our cook 0 a ,fr5* ,canadian4 ,f\r or five soldi]s sat ab\t 9 ! dim lamplight & num]\s *ildr5 play$ up & d[n4 ,two "y ,fr5* boys1 "o ab\t sixte51 ! o!r f\rte51 sn[-:ite f head to foot1 7 (t5 !re2 = old ,madame _h q a l>ge bak]y on ! premises1 & ^! two lads1 toge!r ) an old man :om we seldom saw1 did ! bak+4 ,n[ & aga9 we saw two wom51 ! mo!rs ( ! *ildr51 :o att5d$ ! bake-%op1 :i* 0 9 ! front ( ! h\se4 ,i ask$ ,george "o day h[ ! cook lik$ 8 /ove4 ,i le>n$ t he lik$ x v mu*1 b t he _h 8 own little tr\bles1 sometimes4 ,:5 he w\ld h "s deep r$ coals j ready = mak+ toa/1 old ,madame w\ld inadv]t5tly ?r[ a %ovelful ( fuel on ! fire2 or1 sometimes1 :5 ! wat] 9 ! kettle _h j come to ! boil+ po9t & ! cook 0 j ab\t to make "s tea1 ,madame w\ld judge t ! kettle ne$$ repl5i%+ & w\ld imm$iately p\r 9 ab\t a p9t ( cold wat]2 or1 sometimes1 a saucepan or "s di% t ne$$ quick cook+ 0 mov$ by ,madame f ! front to ! re> ( ! /ove4 8,he f9ds x a little exasp]at+ at times10 said ,george1 8b he's delight$ ) ! billet40 ,we pass$ a v pleasant "t 9 re/ billets4 ,e morn+ we 7 awak5$ by ! pipe b& play+ up & d[n ! /reets ( ,bruay4 ,! tune !y play$ 0 t ( an old ,scot* song1 8,hi ,jonny ,c\p are ye sleep9' yet40 ,i said ,mass 9 ! anci5t *ur* ( ! t[n1 & :ile ,i did s ! old cur taught cate*ism to a l>ge numb] ( *ildr54 ,:ile ,i made my ?anksgiv+ a soldi]-prie/ f "o ( ! ambulances said 8 ,mass4 ,he wore a mu/a*e1 b no be>d1 z did _m ( ! ,fr5* soldi]-prie/s4 ,x seem$ /range to see a prie/1 rob$ 9 ! ve/m5ts ( ,mass1 we>+ a black mu/a*e4 ,!re 0 an ,iri% *apla9 at ,no4 #bb hospital1 & ,i arrang$ ) him to say ,mass = ! ,?irte5? & ,sixte5? at ,bruay ! foll[+ ,sunday1 :ile ,i w5t to ,h\da9 to say ,mass = ! ,f\rte5? & ,fifte5? & "s details :i* 7 qu>t]$ !re4 ,! *ur* at ,h\da9 0 a beautiful old /one /ructure built on ! cre/ ( a v high hill t ov]look$ ! t[n4 ,a long road zigzagg$ up ! hill1 break+ ! /eep asc5t4 ,! fir/ "t ,i w5t to ! *ur* ! old cur1 a l>ge r$-*eek$ man1 po9t$ out ! diff]5t villages f> ov] ! c\ntryside4 ,9 "o1 ! village ( ,arnette1 he told me ,/4 ,b5$ict ,joseph ,labre _h be5 born1 & 9 ano!r--,i ?9k x 0 ,cau*y--,g5]al ,peta91 ( ! ,fr5* army4 ,i 0 int]e/$ to le>n t ,i 0 s ne> ! bir?place ( ,/4 ,b5$ict ,joseph ,labre1 s9ce my p>5ts _h giv5 to me ! same names1 ,b5$ict ,joseph4 ,i _h a l>ge cr[d at ,mass1 & = ! fir/ "t ,i _h ! pleasure ( see+ ! ,f\rte5? ,battalion on *ur* p>ade4 ,!y 7 a f9e cr[d ( lads2 _m came to confession t day4 ,e ev5+ f five till six ,i 0 on duty ei!r at ,bruay or ,h\da91 s t any "o :o wi%$ to come to confession might h ! opportunity4 ,i rememb] "o ev5+ at ,bruay1 :ile await+ ! arrival ( a soldi] :om ,i 0 go+ to baptize & make a *ild ( ,god1 see+ a little girl ) a %awl ?r[n ov] h] head pray+ be=e a /atue2 ne> h]1 on ! floor1 0 a bag made ( "s nett$ mat]ial ) q a l>ge me%4 ,9 ! bag 7 two l>ge rolls ( ,fr5* bread1 & ( c\rse ?r\gh ! me% ! bread t\*$ ! floor2 b ! *ild paid no att5tion to ?is4 ,%e 0 rapt 9 pray]4 ,i c\ld n help look+ at h] f "t to "t1 %e rem9d$ me s mu* ( ! pictures ( little ,b]nadette t 7 s common 9 ,france--except = ! two rolls ( bread ly+ ne>by 9 ! du/4 ,! little "o pray$ = ne>ly an h\r1 & ,i don't ?9k %e turn$ h] head once--n ev5 to look at ! bread6 ,*apt] ,,xlvi ,,fosse-,,dix ,we 7 9 re/ ne>ly two weeks :5 ord]s came to g back aga9 to ! l9e4 ,we left "o morn+ imm$iately aft] breakfa/ & 7 review$ on ! m>* by ,g5]al ,sir ,ar?ur ,currie1 comm&] ( ! ,canadians4 ,along ! way we 7 greet$ by ! same outspok5 admiration z on our pass+ out4 ,on a v]&a 9 front ( a little e/am9et an old ,fr5*man1 we>+ ! glaz$1 peak$ ya*t+ cap :i* 0 ! mo/ common head-ge> among m5 9 ?is "p ( ,france1 tri$ to dance ! 8,highl& ,fl+10 to ! great amusem5t ( half ! p 9 ! little /reet & ! voic$ enc\ragem5t ( ! pass+ soldi]s4 ,fosse-dix 0 a v small village2 x _c be f\nd on ! map1 b ,sa9s-en-,gohelle c be se51 ( :i* ,fosse-dix 0 a suburb4 ,we 7 to wait "h a few days 9 res]ve be=e go+ into ! tr5*es2 ! ,fifte5? & ,sixte5? 7 "h & ! ,?irte5? & ,f\rte5? at ,bully-,gr5ay4 ,i 0 billet$ ) ! cur at ,fosse-dix & ,i f\nd him a v pleasant little man & "o ( ! mo/ zeal\s prie/s ,i h ev] met4 ,f ?ree neighbor+ p>i%es ! pa/ors _h be5 call$ to ! colors2 s ?is little prie/1 :o 0 none too robu/--o!rwise1 he1 too1 w\ld h be5 call$--tri$ to att5d ! %eph]dless flocks1 & succe$$ rem>kably well4 ,x 0 a m9+ di/rict we 7 93 all ov] ! c\ntryside c\ld be se5 ! high smoke-/acks ( ! bla/ furnaces4 ,?is 0 ! "p ( ,france said to conta9 ! mo/ natural weal?1 & ! ,canadians 7 pr\d t !y _h be5 *os5 to def5d x4 ,on ,sunday ,i 0 to say two ,masses3 "o at ,fosse-dix at n9e o'clock1 ! o!r at ,bully-,gr5ay at t5-?irty4 ,s on ,saturday ,i w5t ar\nd to arrange = ^!1 tak+ ne>ly ! :ole day to visit ! diff]5t units 9 ! area4 ,bully-,gr5ay1 unlike ,fosse-dix1 _h be5 almo/ totally demoli%$ by %ell-fire4 ,! *ur* _h be5 damag$ 9 places1 ?\gh n too s]i\sly2 b :5 ,i came 9 sight ( ! cur's h\se my he>t turn$ sick4 ,ne>ly ! :ole ( ! second /ory _h be5 bl[n (f1 b ! brave old prie/ /ill liv$ 9 ! l[] /ory4 ,i pick$ my way ?r\gh little piles ( brok5 /one & pla/]1 ) a few pieces ( spl9t]$ wood among/ ! debris4 ,i knock$ at ! door & ! old pa/or himself op5$ x4 ,he 0 a /\t1 :ite-hair$1 k9d-fac$ man :o smil$ brightly z he %ook my h&4 8,ah10 he said1 8,i h n se5 y be=e6 ,y are a new arrival4 ,is x n s80 ,i assur$ him t ,i _h j lately come to ! ,?ird ,brigade1 b t ,i _h be5 on active s]vice 9 ,france s9ce e>ly 9 ! pa/ summ]4 8,ah10 he said aga91 & he /ood back & look$ me ov] f head to muddy boots4 ,!n he call$ 8 old h\sekeep]1 & :5 %e _h come he said3 8,he has b j lately come10 & ! old h\sekeep] look$ at me quietly & smil$ 9 a mo!rly way1 !n %e w5t to prep>e a b[l ( hot c(fee = ! 8newly arriv$40 ,z ! old cur & ,i sipp$ ! black c(fee1 ,i ask$ him ab\t 8 life2 :y he /ay$ !re1 etc4 ,he told me t _m times ! little village _h be5 %ell$1 & (t5 ! ,g]mans _h drawn v ne> its outskirts1 b always he _h /ay$4 ,!y _h /ruck 8 h\se on diff]5t occasions4 ,_m ( 8 p _h gone1 b !re /ill rema9$ ab\t eighty1 all told2 ^?1 ) _! families1 :o 7 9 diff]5t ways connect$ ) op]ations ( ! m9e4 ,"s ( 8 flock 7 oblig$ to /ay "h1 &--well1 he mu/ n leave !m %eph]dless4 ,s ! old pa/or rema9$4 ,:5 we _h f9i%$ our c(fee1 he rose to 8 feet4 8,come10 he said1 & ,i foll[$ him ?r\gh a t9y passageway into a d>k5$ room1 = all ! panes ( glass _h be5 %att]$ 9 ! w9d[-frame & ! op5+ _h be5 bo>d$ across1 save a small op5+ :]e a piece ( transluc5t pap] _h be5 pa/$4 ,x 0 a few seconds be=e my eyes became accu/om$ to ! semi-d>kness1 b :5 !y did ,i 0 sc>cely prep>$ = :at !y view$4 ,9 ! middle ( ! room1 rea*+ almo/ to ! ceil+1 rose a great pyramid ( bags ( s&2 9 "o side 0 an op5+1 & 9 ?is1 on ! floor1 0 spread a mattress & "s b$d+2 ?is 0 :]e ! old man slept4 ,z ,i walk$ up ! sunlit /reet aft] ,i _h said 8au revoir0 to ! prie/ & 8 k9d h\sekeep]1 ,i 0 fill$ ) pr(\nd admiration = ! old pa/or4 ,i ?9k x 0 ! greate/ admiration ,i h ev] felt = any man1 & ,i quot$ to myself3 8,! good ,%eph]d love? 8 flock40 ,! foll[+ morn+1 z ,i /ood 9 ! %ell-torn *ur* ( ,bully-,gr5ay aft] ,i _h (ficiat$ = ! lads ( ! ,fifte5? & ,sixte5? at ,fosse-dix1 ,i f\nd ! *ur* pack$ ) ! lads ( ! ,?irte5? & ,f\rte5?4 ,!re 0 sc>cely room 9 ! *ur* = !m all4 ,i said a ^w ab\t ! old pa/or &--well1 ,i don't ?9k x 0 (t5 t ! collection plate 0 s well fill$ at ,bully-,gr5ay z x 0 t morn+4 ,i return$ to ! *ur* 9 ! aft]noon to he> confessions & give ,holy ,communion1 accompani$ by ,fa!r ,mac,pherson ( ! ,fif? ,divisional ,artill]y4 ,we f\nd ! old pa/or 9 ! *ur* tea*+ cate*ism to ! few little ones ( 8 flock4 ,!y sat on ! high-back$ *airs :i* are also us$ z kneel+-b5*es by ! p ( ,france4 ,& :5ev] "o or ! o!r ( u w\ld come to ! alt>-rail be>+ ! ,bread ( ,life to a gr\p ( soldi]s1 ! old :ite-hair$ ,%eph]d1 ) 8 little flock1 w\ld kneel1 :ile ?r\gh ! ro(1 :i* _h be5 pi]c$ 9 _m places by %ells1 trickl$ ! ra9 to drop on ! floor b5ea?1 c>ry+ ) x p[d]$ pla/] & flakes ( calcim9e4 ,*apt] ,,xlvii ,,! ,,little ,,cur ,,( ,,fosse-,,dix ,e ev5+ at #d3cj ! cur ( ,fosse-dix gave ,b5$iction 9 8 little *ur* = ! s*ool *ildr5 & any ( ! village p :o c\ld att5d4 ,aft] ,b5$iction he usually said ! beads1 ! ,litany & a few o!r pray]s1 & be=e he f9i%$ my boys us$ to arrive = confession4 ,z ! confessional 0 9 ! re> ( ! *ur*1 fac+ ! alt>1 ,i (t5 saw ! *ildr5 com+ d[n ! aisle4 ,fir/1 an old ,si/] ( ,*>ity1 h] wide :ite coronet flapp+ on ei!r side l two :ite w+s1 back$ sl[ly d[n ! aisle1 ! *ildr5 com+ two by two1 fac+ h]4 ,g5]ally z !y came !y sang a beautiful hymn to ! ,sacr$ ,he>t1 b ,i c only recall ! la/ two l9es1 :i* !y always repeat$4 ,translat$1 !y w\ld read3 8,he>t ( ,jesus1 he>t ( clem5cy1 save1 save ,france 9 ! "n ( ! ,sacr$ ,he>t60 ,! *ildr5 w\ld walk 9 p]fect ord] till !y rea*$ ! door :]e ! old fat ,si/] /ood wat*+ !m4 ,al?\gh ,i c\ld n see !m !n1 ,i always knew :5 ea* c\ple _h pass$ ! good ,si/]2 a scamp]+ ( feet & sometimes a little %\t+ 7 ! signals4 ,"o ev5+ :ile ! *ildr5 7 go+ out 9 ! cu/om>y way1 s++ _! beautiful hymn1 ,i notic$ five or six soldi]s 9 ! ,fr5* uni=m ( grey-blue4 ,!y rema9$ quiet :ile ! *ildr5 7 s++ ! fir/ /anza1 b :5 !y came to ! l9es ,i h quot$ above1 a great *orus s\nd$ z soldi]s jo9$ ) ! *ildr5 9 implor+ ! ,sacr$ ,he>t to save ,france4 ,e ev5+1 aft] com+ f our mess1 ,i /epp$ into ! cur's room to h a *at ) him4 ,sometimes ,i _h a box ( good ?+s t _h come f relatives back 9 ,canada1 = our ,*ri/mas boxes 7 only n[ beg9n+ to arrive4 ,i rememb] "o ev5+ op5+ a p>cel :ile ! little prie/ voic$ 8 simple wond] at ! /range ?+s f across ! seas4 ,he _h nev] se5 *ew+ gum be=e1 s ,i gave him a few /icks ( ,spe>m9t4 ,9 a little :ile ,i look$ at him1 b 8 jaws 7 motionless & ! gum 0 n[h]e to be se54 8,:]e is y\r gum1 ,fa!r80 ,i ask$4 ,he look$ at me ke5ly1 n und]/&+ my "q1 s ,i repeat$ x4 ,aga9 he look$ at me1 b ?is "t he answ]$ me4 8,:y10 he said1 8,i swall[$ x60 ,!n1 because ,i laugh$ he>tily1 ,i _h to expla9 to him h[ ! p ( ! ,new ,_w use gum4 ,"o day :ile ,i 0 abs5t1 work+ among ! soldi]s1 a %ell came :i/l+ ov] ! village1 bur/+ 9 ! road ne> 8 g>d5 te>+ sev]al holes 9 ! brick wall ( 8 h\se4 ,:5 ,i return$ he took me out to see ! havoc t _h be5 wr\ght1 po9t+ out ) m9ute c>e e place :]e a spl9t] ( %ell _h /ruck4 ,he seem$ to be tak+ ! :ole ?+ s solemnly t ,i c\ld n b become solemn1 too2 s ,i said to him1 z ,i po9t$ to q a l>ge hole t _h be5 torn ?r\gh ! frame ( a ladd] re/+ aga9/ ! h\se1 suppos+ he _h be5 walk+ !re1 & t ! %ell _h bur/ 9 ! road ab\t t "t1 & 8 head _h be5 b5t a little z ! piece ( %ell w5t ?r\gh ! ladd]--,i look$ at him1 %ak+ my head om9\sly at ! ?\ght ( :at might h happ5$4 ,he look$ at me quickly4 8,oh1 if6--if6--if60 he said4 8,"o c\ld take ,p>is & put x 9 a bottle--if--x w\ld g 960 ,he _h a pass f a ,briti% g5]al :i* p]mitt$ him to /op any milit>y lorry go+ 9 8 direction & take passage on x4 ,x 0 always a my/]y to ! milit>y *apla9s h[ he _h obta9$ x4 ,dur+ ! day he 0 (f se>*+ = *apla9s ^: m5 7 9 ! l9e & :o c\ld att5d "o or m ( 8 %eph]dless flocks ! foll[+ ,sunday4 ,at diff]5t times ?r\gh\t ! e>ly spr+ campaign ,i 0 able to help him ) 8 "w1 & ,i always felt glad ( ! opportunity2 = he 0 truly a man ( ,god4 ,*apt] ,,xlviii ,,into ,,! ,,l9e ,! foll[+ ,sunday at ,fosse-dix ,i gave ! m5 a g5]al absolution & !n ,holy ,communion1 = !y 7 go+ 9 ! l9e imm$iately2 aft] ! s]vice 0 ov] ,i ask$ !m to leave me ! addresses ( _! next ( k94 ,bo? ,sundays1 :ile at ,fosse-dix1 a "y lieut5ant s]v$ my ,mass4 ,! address t he gave me 0 t ( a ,mrs4 ,maxwell-,scott1 ,london1 ,engl&4 ,i ask$ him if ?is 0 8 "m's address & he said x 04 ,!n ,i said1 by way ( a pass+ rem>k1 8,i suppose y are a relative ( ,sir ,walt] ,scott40 ,to my surprise1 he said he 04 ,9 ! c\rse ( ! week "s little pamphlets arriv$ = ! soldi]s1 & z ,i 0 exam9+ !m ,i notic$ t ! "n ( ! au?or ( sev]al 0 ,mrs4 ,maxwell-,scott4 ,! next "t ,i met ! "y (fic] ,i ask$ if ! au?or ( ! ,ca?olic pamphlets 0 a relation ( 84 ,he smil$4 8,my "m10 he said4 ,z n half my soldi]s 7 9 ! tr5*es ! fir/ week1 ,i did n sp5d all my "t 9 ! l9e4 ,!re 7 confessions1 & ,masses to say = ^? :o 7 out4 ,b ,i recall q vividly ! morn+ be=e ,i w5t 9 ! l9e = ! fir/ "t4 ,i felt a great uneas9ess1 s t ,i c\ld n /ay v long 9 ! same place4 ,i rememb] p>ticul>ly ! la/ h\r be=e ! "t to g arriv$4 ,i took a clean %eet ( pap]1 sat d[n at a table & made my la/ w & te/am5t4 ,?is ,i fold$ & plac$ 9 my pocket ,bible4 ,!n ,i sat quietly = a :ile 9 ! little room till ,george came to tell me t a groom 0 at ! door ) my horse1 & t ,i 0 to meet ! (fic] ) :om ,i 0 to g at ! mess4 ,we rode ov] ?r\gh ,bully-,gr5ay1 !n up ?r\gh ,gr5ay1 :]e we left our horses ) ! groom2 f !re on we walk$ ?r\gh ru9$ build+s till we came to a great op5 wa/e1 zigzagg$ ) long :ite tr5*es4 ,i _h always expect$ to f9d ! tr5*es br[n1 b "h !y 7 *alk-:ite4 ,we pass$ ,crucifix ,corn]1 !n left ! road & walk$ ?r\gh a field or two above ! tr5*es4 ,i 0 wond]+ :5 my companion w\ld g d[n into !m1 = we c\ld n[ see ,fritz's l9e4 ,we pass$ ,loos1 on our "r1 :i* 0 no?+ b a few %att]$ walls /&+1 & ! slag heap ( a ru9$ m9e2 !n on our left1 a place call$ ,hullu*4 ,i 0 r anxi\s to be d[n 9 ! communication tr5*es2 ! c\ntryside appe>$ v level & always we 7 draw+ ne>] ! ,g]man front l9e4 ,my companion1 a vet]an ( ! ,bo] ,w>1 did n seem to feel ! slighte/ timidity4 ,he _h n spok5 n[ = a few m9utes & ! sil5ce 0 oppressive4 ,z f> z ,i c\ld see1 ! :ole c\ntryside 0 criss-cross$ ) tr5*es2 h>dly a liv+ p]son c\ld be se51 yet 9 ! tw9kl+ ( an eye ! great gridiron be=e me c\ld be alive ) ?\s&s ( m5 n[ burr[+ 9 ! e>? l foxes4 ,i began to wi% t ,i1 too1 7 betwe5 two walls ( fri5dly e>?4 ,!n ! capta9 spoke3 8,we're "u obs]vation n[1 ,padre4 ,fritz c see u walk+ along40 8,!n1 :y doesn't he fire at u80 ,i ask$1 b :at ,i really wi%$ to say 03 8,well1 :y don't we jump d[n into ! tr5* & walk along x80 b ,i did n say x4 8,well10 he repli$1 8we're a little too f> = good rifle %oot+1 & %ells co/ too mu* to be wa/$ on j two m540 ,i drew a long brea?1 & felt grateful = ! high co/ ( %ells6 ,!n ,i he>d words t 7 l music to my e>s3 8,suppose we /ep d[n into ! tr5*1 ,padre40 ,i did4 ,*apt] ,,xlix ,,call$ ,,up ,al?\gh ! ,fifte5? & ,sixte5? ,battalions 7 9 ! l9e1 ! ,?irte5? & ,f\rte5? 7 /ill 9 res]ve & support1 & e ev5+ ,i 0 on duty at ,bully-,gr5ay or ,bracquemont to he> ! confessions ( ^! troops4 ,i rememb] "o ev5+ :ile on my way f ,fosse-dix to ,bracquemont1 :]e ! ,?irte5? 0 n[ qu>t]$1 he>+ ! /ra9s ( an accordion1 & a numb] ( male voices s++ "s ,fr5* song4 ,i /opp$ & look$ back4 ,d[n ! little /reet came a /range procession4 ,fir/1 a "y man1 badly crippl$ f "s hip tr\ble1 limp$ r quickly = "o s /rick54 ,high above him1 f a pole t he c>ri$1 wav$ a l>ge tricolor ( ,france4 ,imm$iately beh9d him1 /ill we>+ 8 soldi]'s uni=m1 came a ,fr5* soldi] :o _h be5 w\nd$4 ,x 0 he :o play$ ! accordion4 ,!n beh9d him1 & spread out ! :ole wid? ( ! /reet1 0 a column ( "y m5 ( ab\t sev5te5 or eighte5 ye>s ( age4 ,all 7 b$eck$ 9 gay colors--sa%es ( crimson or yell[ or gre51 etc41 ar\nd ! wai/ & ov] ! %\ld]s2 /ream]s ( diff]5t color$ ribbons wav+ f _! hats or caps4 ,z !y advanc$1 !y danc$ "s /range cont95tal dance :i* n[ & aga9 call$ = ! cross+ ( feet1 & sometimes ! re/+ ( ! h& on ! %\ld] ( a neighbor4 ,:5 !y drew opposite me ! s++ & danc+ /opp$1 & !y fell into a regul> m>*+ /ep1 :ile ! w\nd$ soldi] play$ 8,fa!r ( ,victory0 m>* on 8 accordion4 ,!y pass$ me1 m>*+ briskly & *e]+ irregul>ly4 ,doors flew op5 9 ! little village ( ,bracquemont z !y ent]$1 & mo!rs & si/]s ran to !m to see ! "y lads z !y pass$4 ,:5 ,i came out f ! *ur* t ev5+ ! lads 7 j com+ back f ! next t[n4 ,aga9 !y 7 s++ _! song & danc+ _! fanta/ic dance4 ,j z !y ne>$ ! *ur*1 ! ,?irte5? pipe b& came beh9d !m play+ m]rily4 ,he>+ x1 ! lads quick5$ _! /ep till x 0 almo/ 9 "t ) ! ,scot* music4 ,on !y w5t1 keep+ ahead ( ! b&1 :i* 0 oblig$ to slack5 its pace a little1 b x did s accommodat+ly4 ,i /ood ne> an old man wat*+ ! procession4 ,alongside u 7 ?ree middle-ag$ wom5 :o smil$ z x pass$2 b ,i saw te>s on ! *eeks ( "o woman :ile %e smil$4 ,! old man told me t ?is 0 ! procession ( ! "y m5 :o _h j receiv$ _! call to ! colors4 ,tomorr[ !y w\ld leave4 ,on my way back to ,fosse-dix ,i 0 wond]+ :y x 0 t a lame man c>ri$ ! flag2 !n sudd5ly x came to me t on acc\nt ( 8 lam5ess he c\ld n g to ! w>1 & t v likely = ?is reason ea* class1 :5 call$1 %[$ him ! c\rtesy ( appo9t+ him to lead ! procession4 ,*apt] ,l ,,bully ,,les ,,m9es ,! foll[+ week ! ,?irte5? & ,f\rte5? mov$ up to ! front l9e f res]ve & we w5t to ,maz+>be1 only ab\t f\r miles di/ant f ,fosse-dix4 ,"h1 aga91 ,i 0 billet$ ) a cur2 a comp>atively "y man1 :o 0 v di/ant 9 mann]1 ?\gh mo/ k9d 9 help+ me ) my "w & see+ t ,i _h ev]y?+ ,i ne$$4 ,8 *ur* _h be5 hit sev]al times & "p ( ! sacri/y _h be5 bl[n (f2 ! p>i% 0 be+ %ell$ p]iodically4 ,maz+>be 0 ! "n ( ! t[n1 b z !re 7 two *ur*es 9 x1 )9 a mile ( ea* o!r1 ! p>i% 9 :i* ,i 0 billet$ 0 namely ,bully-les-,m9es4 ,"h ,i met = ! fir/ "t1 ,fa!r ,madd51 ,o4 ,m4 ,i42 *apla9 to ! ,second ,brigade1 & ,fa!r ,lock>y1 *apla9 to ! ,fir/ ,brigade4 ,!y gave me v good advice conc]n+ ! p]=mance ( my duties1 = bo? _h be5 at ! front = _m mon?s4 ,fa!r ,madd5 _h be5 !re long] ?an ,fa!r ,lock>y1 & he wore ! little purple & :ite ribbon ( ! ,milit>y ,cross4 ,i f\nd my "w v easy ! foll[+ ,sunday4 ,on ,monday morn+1 fully equipp$ ) 8/eel lid10 tr5* boots1 pack on my back1 ,i />t$ = ! tr5*es1 :]e ,i rema9$ till ! end ( ! week4 ,we _h a little tr\ble gett+ up to headqu>t]s1 = ,fritz 0 %ell+ !m :5 we arriv$2 b we manag$ to make x betwe5 %ells4 ,headqu>t]s 0 9 ! basem5t ( :at 0 once a hospital at ,/4 ,pi]re4 ,! fir/ night 9 ! l9e ,i slept 9 a cell> :i* _h be5 ro($ ov]4 ,on go+ f headqu>t]s to ?is cell> ,i 0 accompani$ by an ord]ly2 sudd5ly ,i he>d a report l a pi/ol-%ot1 & !n a hiss+1 z ( an extra l>ge sky-rocket te>+ its way up ?r\gh ! air4 ,my companion caught me by ! arm & told me n to move4 ,!n ! hiss+ object turn$1 bur/ into a brilliant light & began to desc5d v sl[ly1 light+ up ! battle front = almo/ a mile4 ,!n ! light w5t out & we w5t onw>d4 8,a ,v]ey light10 said ! ,corporal4 8#8,old ,fritz' mu/ be gett+ #8w9dy'4 ,he's be5 %oot+ (f a lot ( ,v]ey lights on ?is front4 ,always /& p]fectly /ill1 ,padre1 :5 y see or he> a ,v]ey light40 ,i _h a companion 9 ! cell>1 ! m$ical (fic] ( ! ,?irte5?1 ,capta9 ,co*rane1 :o 0 a ,ca?olic & an ,am]ican4 ,all ! w\nd$ f ! l9e 7 to pass ?r\gh 8 h&s4 ,we did n h v _m w\nd$4 ,my fir/ visit to ! ,front ,l9e tr5* 0 made ! second day ( my visit4 ,i w5t ) ! ord]ly (fic] = ! day1 ,lieut5ant ,j4 ,mc,ivor1 ,m4 ,c41 :o 0 ! only ,ca?olic (fic] 9 ! ,sixte5?4 ,! *alk tr5*es 7 s simil>1 & s high1 t ,i c\ld n tell :5 ,i 0 9 ! ,front ,l9e4 ,mr4 ,mc,ivor _h be5 look+ at me = a:ile1 !n he :isp]$3 8,we're 9 ! ,front ,l9e n[1 ,fa!r4 ,old ,fritz is j across ! way40 ,x seem$ /range3 above u %ells1 go+ & com+1 pass$1 mak+ sometimes a s(t1 sweep+ s\nd3 at o!rs1 a %rill1 :9+ noise4 ,ev]y?+ 0 int5sely quiet 9 ! tr5*es4 ,we 7 s ne> ! ,g]man l9e t ! occupants c\ld be he>d c\gh+1 al?\gh ,i did n h ! unique exp]i5ce ( he>+ !m c\gh4 ,i /ood up on ! fire-/ep & peep$ out ov] ,no ,man's ,l&4 ,n a blade ( grass c\ld be se51 no?+ b ! grey e>?1 t _h be5 *urn$ & riddl$ & toss$ ab\t by e missile ( w>4 ,a little to my left a long gre5 sp> l a flag-/aff /ood up 9 8,no ,man's ,l&20 a little beyond ?is1 & beh9d ,fritz's l9e1 0 a p>tly demoli%$ t[n4 ,i saw all ?is 9 a second or two1 !n ,i felt a h& on my %\ld] & a :isp] came to my e>3 8,n too long1 ,fa!r40 ,i /epp$ d[n f ! fire-/ep4 ,z we w5t back t[>ds battalion headqu>t]s1 ,i ask$ ! (fic] ! "n ( ! t[n ,i _h se54 8,l5s10 he said4 ,*apt] ,,li ,,! ,,"o ,,t ,,0 ,,lo/ ,! w9t] pass$ quietly1 ea* battalion ( my brigade mov+ f res]ve to support1 f support into ! l9e1 !n back to res]ve aga94 ,& always 9 ^? little *ur*es up ne> ! l9e1 :5ev] !re 0 a *apla91 confessions 7 he>d f five o'clock e ev5+4 ,"h ! "w 0 mo/ consol+1 = my soldi]s1 mov+ ab\t ! village 9 ! ev5+ "t1 us$ to f9d _! way to ! *ur* & !re make a little visit or g to confession & ,holy ,communion4 ,(t5 "s w\ld /ay a long "t pray+4 ,!y _h left mo!rs & fa!rs1 wives & *ildr51 b ! sanctu>y lamp1 burn+ s(tly1 s5t to !m ! sil5t signal1 z x did at home1 t 8! ,"l 0 9 ,8 holy temple40 ,(t5 z ,i sat 9 ! confessional 9 ^? little *ur*es ( ,france ,i ?\ght ( ,god's wond]ful ways2 ( ! ineffable graces t fl[$ s cont9u\sly to ! s\ls ( ^? lads4 ,& _m times1 :5 ! ev5+'s "w 0 done & ! la/ s\l %riv51 ,i h left my confessional & walk$ up ! aisle to ! alt>-/eps1 &1 kneel+ d[n1 h ?ank$ ,god ) a full he>t = hav+ made me a prie/4 ,on "o ( ^? ev5+s1 aft] ,i _h f9i%$ he>+ confessions 9 ! *ur* at ,bully-les-,m9es1 ,i notic$ an old soldi] sitt+ 9 "o ( ! middle pews4 ,he mu/ h be5 ne>ly sev5ty2 8 hair 0 q gray4 ,i wait$ 9 my confessional = a %ort "t1 ?9k+ p]haps he might wi% to come1 b z he did n1 ,i /epp$ out f ! box & began to walk up & d[n ! aisle2 & ! old soldi] /ay$ on4 ,at la/ ,i /opp$ at 8 pew & ask$ him if he wi%$ to g to confession4 ,he said 8,no10 & !n w5t on to tell me t he _h be5 to pray]s ! night be=e1 & t he _h come back aga9 ?9k+ !re w\ld be m pray]s4 ,b he repeat$ t he did n wi% to g to confession4 ,i told him !re w\ld be ! ,way ( ! ,cross ! foll[+ ev5+1 :i* 0 ,friday4 ,! cur 0 hav+ ,l5t5 devotions twice a week4 ,i 0 j ab\t to leave ! *ur* !n1 z !re 0 no "o else to g to confession1 :5 ! old soldi] spoke aga94 8,fa!r10 he said1 8w\ld y l to talk to me80 ,x seem$ r an unusual way to ask ! "q4 ,usually m5 said3 8,fa!r1 ,i'd l to speak to y a m9ute40 ,h[ev]1 if ?is man _h any?+ he wi%$ to say to me1 ,i 0 !re to he> x & also to help him by any advice ,i c\ld4 ,s ,i said t ,i w\ld l to talk to him1 if he wi%$4 ,i !n sat d[n beside ! old man & sl[ly he began to speak4 8,fa!r10 he said1 8,i don't want to g to confession--,i hav5't be5 to confession = =ty ye>s4 ,i've l$ an awful life1 ,fa!r4 ,all t "t ,i h be5 try+ to d )\t ,god4 ,lately1 ?\gh1 ,fa!r1 ,i h begun to ?9k t ,i c't d x4 ,s9ce ,i've come to ,france ,i've se5 a lot1 & ,i've be5 ?9k+ a lot4 ,i've come to ! conclusion t !re is "s p[] direct+ all ?+s4 ,= ev5 to run a peanut /& !re mu/ be "s "o beh9d x to direct ?+s4 ,i believe 9 ,god1 ,fa!r--b ,i don't want to g to confession40 ,he /opp$ speak+ = a second or two1 & we sat 9 sil5ce4 ,up be=e ! tab]nacle ! little flame 9 ! sanctu>y lamp leap$ a few times4 ,!n he spoke aga93 8,b1 ,fa!r1 ,i h l$ an awful life60 ,he began !n & !re to tell me ! hi/ory ( 8 life4 ,i li/5$ quietly1 & z he cont9u$ tell+ me ( =ty ye>s' e/rangem5t f ,god1 ,i pray$ ) all my /r5g? to ! ,sacr$ ,he>t ( ,jesus = grace to br+ ?is poor lo/ %eep back into ! fold4 ,surely ! ,sacr$ ,he>t w\ld he> my pray]4 8,i w give to prie/s10 ,he _h said1 8! p[] to t\* ! mo/ h>d5$ he>t40 ,= a long "t ,i sat !re & ! old man cont9u$ to talk4 ,n[ & aga9 ,i w\ld ask a "q by way ( enc\rag+ him 9 8 recital4 ,at la/ he f9i%$1 & 8 head mov$ a little f side to side1 v sl[ly1 z he said3 8,fa!r1 ,i've l$ an awful life60 8,yes10 ,i said1 8& n[ if y w come ) me into ! confessional & ask ,god's p>don f ! bottom ( y\r he>t = all ^? s9s1 ,i w give y holy absolution40 ,x 0 late t ev5+ :5 ! old man /epp$ out f ! confessional1 b be=e he did he said to me3 8,fa!r1 if ev] y wi% to make kn[n all t has gone on ?is night1 ei!r by writ+ or ^w1 y h my p]mission to d s1 = x might help "s o!r poor s\l40 ,all ?r\gh 8 confession ,i _h be5 pray+ = grace to "k :at to d next4 ,i wi%$ to give him holy communion1 = "o nev] knew :5 a missile ( dea? might drop--j ab\t t "t a giant enemy %ell _h cra%$ into ! village s unexpect$ly t ,i saw a r$-fac$ (fic] ( ! l9e turn a sickly :ite4 ,& yet ! old soldi] _h be5 su* a long "t away f ! sacram5ts4 ,b be=e he left ! confessional ,i _h decid$ :at to d4 8,n[10 ,i said1 8y w j g up to ! sanctu>y rail & pray a little & !n ,i w give y ,holy ,communion40 ,a few mom5ts lat] ,i tip-to$ s(tly out ( ! *ur* & left ! old man happy ) ,jesus ( ,naz>e?1 ! ,savi\r ( ! _w4 ,frequ5tly1 s9ce ,i h come home1 :5 ,i relate "s ( ! wond]ful ways ( ! ,ma/] ) ^! soldi] lads p say to me3 8,ah1 ,fa!r1 !y came back to ! sacram5ts because !y 7 afraid40 ,to me1 :o h witness$ ^! miracles ( ,god's grace1 su* words always s\nd h>%1 & ,i !n try to expla9 to ! p :at ^! m5 really w5t ?r\gh4 ,i describe ! long vigil 9 ! muddy front l9e tr5* dur+ ! cold1 sil5t h\rs ( ! night1 :5 !re 0 mu* "t to ?9k4 ,p]haps = ! fir/ "t 9 ye>s "s m5 began to d a little s]i\s ?9k+4 ,"u ord9>y circum/ances1 :5 ! voice ( consci5ce speaks1 "o has a ?\s& ways ( deaf5+ ! e>s4 ,9 ! tr5*es !re 0 no means ( sil5c+ ! /ill1 small voice4 ,all ?+s conspir$ to make "o ?9k s]i\sly ( dea? & ! fragility ( human life4 ,x 0 ^! ?\ghts mo/ly t br\ght s _m m5 back to ,god4 ,he spoke to !m & !y he>d4 ,i rememb] once hav+ expla9$ ?is /ate ( ?+s to an old woman :o _h said to me t ! m5 came ?r\gh fe>4 ,i _h done my be/ to conv9ce h] t ! reason ! m5 came 0 t !y _h gr[n s]i\s "u h>d%ip4 ,%e look$ at me calmly & kn[+ly1 & said3 8,t's x1 ,fa!r6 ,!y 7 afraid60 ,*apt] ,,lii ,a ,,vague ,,unre/ ,! spr+ 0 draw+ ne>1 & a c]ta9 vague feel+ ( unre/ 0 ov] ! troops4 ,^w 0 be+ pass$ ab\t t old ,fritz 0 prep>+ = some?+4 ,on our side !re 7 no visible prep>ations = a spr+ (f5sive4 ,& s ! lads 7 re/less4 ,v (t51 :5 ! w9d 0 favorable1 l>ge enemy toy-balloons float$ high ov] our l9es1 & z ! long piece ( sm\ld]+ hemp atta*$ to ea* balloon burn$ up to a knott$ cord1 a package ( propag&a articles 0 releas$ & a great flock ( flutt]+ leaflets came sl[ly d[n ?r\gh ! air1 fall+ at la/ among ! troops 9 ! back areas4 ,usually ^! articles told ( a big (f5sive t 0 to beg9 & w5t on to say t z ! ,g]mans _h no hatr$ = ! ,canadians1 & z !y saw no reason = ! ,canadians tak+ "p 9 ?is w>1 !y advis$ !m n to take "p 9 x any long]4 ,i rememb] "o bat* ( leaflets gave u j sev5ty-two h\rs to get out ( ! w>4 ,al?\gh we laugh$ at su* propag&a1 we 7 und5iably re/less4 ,= in/ance1 we 7 especially wat*ful till ! sev5ty-two h\rs _h pass$4 ,we knew ,fritz 0 go+ to /rike1 b we did n "k :5 or :]e4 ,j ab\t ! middle ( ,m>* we mov$ out to ,h]s91 a little t[n ab\t ?ree miles f ,fosse-dix1 to re/4 ,i 0 billet$ ) ! cur1 a mo/ lovable man1 to ^: h\se 0 atta*$ a l>ge g>d54 ,!re 7 a few pea* trees 9 ! g>d5 & !y 7 already 9 bloom4 ,:ile at ,h]s9 ,i 0 able to help ! cur ( ,fosse-dix by go+ to "o ( 8 adopt$ p>i%es1 ,b\vigny1 ab\t five miles f :]e ,i 0 billet$4 ,:ile tak+ breakfa/ ) him1 he %[$ me a small photo ( ! int]ior ( ! *ur* at ,b\vigny aft] a rec5t bomb>dm5t4 ,half ! *ur* seem$ to be fill$ ) brok5 beams & pill>s1 & look+ out f ! debris1 unt\*$ 9 any way1 0 an almo/ life-size /atue ( ! ,bless$ ,virg94 ,i 0 /ruck by ! s]5e1 calm expression ( ,our ,lady1 b ?is seem+ly miracul\s pres]vation ( /atues & crucifixes 0 a common occurr5ce on ! ,we/]n ,front4 ,j be=e ,i left a numb] ( airplanes humm$ by ov]head1 & casually ,i ask$ ! cur if he _h ev] be5 up 9 an airplane4 ,he surpris$ me by say+ he _h1 dur+ "s great public ev5t at ,p>is4 ,:5 he _h rea*$ solid e>? aga9 aft] 8 flight1 a society lady1 /&+ ne>by1 _h said3 8,n[1 my ,fa!r1 y w "k ! way to heav560 ,he _h repli$1 he said3 8,yes1 ,madame1 & :5ev] y wi% to "k ! way to heav51 ,i w be v pleas$ to tea* y x40 ,t 0 ! la/ "t ,i ev] saw ! little cur ( ,fosse-dix1 = on ,?ursday1 ,m>* #ba/1 some?+ happ5$ & we 7 ord]$ back sudd5ly to ,maz+>be4 ,i rememb] ! date v well = x 0 ! ,fea/ ( ,/4 ,b5$ict & my bir?day4 ,! unre/ 0 no long] vague4 ,*apt] ,,liii ,,! ,,great ,,(f5sive 8,old ,fritz0 _h /ruck at a vital "p ( ! ,alli$ front1 plann+ no?+ less ?an a sep>ation ( ! ,fr5* & ,briti% armies4 ,he 0 attack+ on a sixty-?ree mile front4 ,he _h 8op5$ up0 ) a t]rific bomb>dm5t2 x 0 no ord9>y b>rage1 b "o he _h be5 prep>+ = weeks4 ,he _h begun ! bomb>dm5t at five o'clock1 a4 m41 & be=e noon _h brok5 ?r\gh ! ,briti% l9e 9 _m places4 ,= f\r or five days we wait$ 9 ,maz+>be2 ! :ole ,fir/ ,canadian ,division 0 n[ /&+ to arms ready to g :5ev] !y might be ne$$4 ,e morn+ f f\r o'clock till ne>ly sev5 ! ,?ird ,brigade 0 8/&+ to0 on ! squ>e1 fully equipp$ = battle2 = x 0 always j be=e dawn t attacks 7 made4 ,fritz did n attack on our front1 b on ,w$nesday1 ! #bg?1 ord]s came = u to m>*4 ,i left ,maz+>be at ab\t two o'clock = our assembly area1 :i* 0 ,*ateau de la ,haie4 ,i arriv$ !re ab\t f\r o'clock to f9d e battalion ( ! ,?ird ,brigade qu>t]$ 9 ! huts ab\t ! *ateau4 ,on le>n+ t we 7 go+ to be "h till t5 o'clock1 p4 m41 ,i imm$iately w5t ar\nd to all ! ord]ly rooms & ann\nc$ confessions4 ,!re 0 a t9y h\se on ! gr\nds t _h once be5 a private oratory2 ! /ret*]-be>]s 7 qu>t]$ "h1 b on he>+ t ,i wi%$ to h ! use ( x1 !y v k9dly gave x ov] to me = f\r h\rs4 ,i he>d confessions "h = ! "t allott$1 !n :5 x 0 "t = ! occupi]s ( ! hut to prep>e = dep>t+ ,i /epp$ outside1 /ill we>+ my purple /ole1 & /ood "u a tree1 ne> :i* 7 te!r$ horses4 ,!re 0 a long l9e ( soldi]s wait+4 ,ea* man walk$ up1 told 8 little /ory1 receiv$ absolution z he /ood !re "u ! />s1 !n pass$ on a few paces to say 8 p5ance1 :ile ! next 9 l9e mov$ up4 ,= a long "t ,i /ood !re :ile soldi]s1 go+ & com+1 pass$ along ! road ne> :i* ! m5 7 9 l9e4 ,at midnight long l9es ( hood$ motor lorries glid$ ov] smoo? roads f ?ree diff]5t directions t[>ds ,acq4 ,on com+ to ! po9t :]e ! roads cross$ !y came sl[ly to a /op2 !n ?\s&s ( soldi]s :o _h be5 sitt+ or /&+ along ! roads began quickly to 8embus40 ,we wait$ = almo/ an h\r1 till ! la/ lorry _h mov$ (f1 !n ,i fell 9 ) ! transport section4 ,i c\ld h gone 9 "o ( ! lorries1 b ,i wi%$ to g ) ! transport section z !n ,i might be 9 a bett] position to wat* ! movem5ts ( ! :ole brigade4 ,we w5t s\?1 m>*+ all ?r\gh ! night4 ,x 0 a beautiful moonlight night4 ,we w5t up hill & d[n hill1 & always be=e u mov$ ! long irregul> l9e ( ! transport4 ,!re 7 vehicles ( almo/ e description--limb]s1 g5]al s]vice wagons1 8mulligan batt]ies10 ! 8pill c>t10 7:i* 0 a two-:eel$ affair ) a r$ cross pa9t$ on ei!r side ( ! hood71 mess c>t1 wat] c>t1 etc4 ,we pass$ ?r\gh "o sil5t moonlit village aft] ano!r1 sometimes halt+ to re/ a:ile4 ,n[ & aga9 an up/airs w9d[ op5$ cauti\sly1 & a night-capp$ head peep$ ov] ! w9d[-sill at ! long l9e ( ! transport re/+ 9 ! village /reet4 ,t[>ds ! dawn we 7 pass+ ?r\gh a beautiful c\ntryside 9 :i* 7 _m old /one *ateaux1 built f> back f ! ma9 road1 ) gre5 fields bord]$ by high trees be=e !m4 ,= ! pa/ six or sev5 days we _h n be5 hav+ v mu* sleep1 & z daylight began to break ,i began to feel v we>y2 once or twice :ile actually m>*+ ,i fell asleep1 only to be awak5$ by fall+ aga9/ ! man m>*+ be=e me4 ,(t5 dur+ ! night1 z we rea*$ ! cre/ ( "s hill1 we c\ld see ! yell[ fla%es ( %rapnel z x bur/ 9 ! air1 & always we 7 draw+ ne>]4 ,b ) ! dawn we seem$ to h drawn away f ! w> area2 = n[ !re 0 nei!r sign nor s\nd ( ! enemy guns4 ,:5ev] we /opp$ to re/1 m5 w\ld crawl into ! dit*es or lie d[n ne> a h$ge-r[ or an op5 field & g to sleep4 ,once 9 a sunk5 road ,i notic$ a numb] ( cycli/s sleep+2 !y 7 lean+ aga9/ ! high banks :i* slop$ upw>ds & away f ! road4 ,!re 0 j en\gh slope to ! banks to see t !y 7 n /&+4 ,_! faces 7 almo/ black f ! road du/4 ,on two or ?ree bicycles 7 /rapp$ l>ge wick] baskets1 & 9 ea* basket hopp$ ab\t two or ?ree c>ri] pigeons4 ,^! 7 to be us$ 9 an em]g5cy4 ,9 an op5 field a numb] ( m5 f ! transport sections 7 prep>+ breakfa/1 _! horses drawn up on ! side ( ! road1 busy ) _! nose-bags1 & ! odor ( fry+ bacon 0 waft$ on ! morn+ air4 ,we did n breakfa/1 z we _h no rations ) u4 ,two g5]al s]vice wagons ) rations = ! :ole battalion 7 to jo9 u f>!r on4 ,once1 on leav+ a qua9t little village gr\p$ ab\t a small1 p]haps c5tury-old /one *ur*1 we caught a glimpse ( a wide /ret* ( gre5 c\ntryside4 ,we _h be5 asc5d+ a hill = q a di/ance be=e com+ to ! village4 ,! gr\nd mi/s _h cle>$ & ! sun 0 out4 ,f diff]5t directions1 b conv]g+ t[>ds ! same po9t1 7 a numb] ( :ite roads along :i* 7 mov+ or re/+ ! long1 irregul> l9es ( transport sections f _m diff]5t battalions4 ,j = an in/ant ev]y?+ seem$ to be *ang$4 ,i ?\ght ,i 0 back 9 my own peaceful c\ntry & t ,i 0 look+ at a wond]ful assembl+ ( gipsy c>avans4 ,up 9 ! cle> air a small bird so>$ s++ its bli!1 c>efree song4 ,x 0 ! fir/ "t ,i _h ev] he>d a l>k4 ,! joy\s melody seem$ b to emphasize ! fantasy4 ,!n sudd5ly my dream vani%$ & ,i 0 back to ,france1 sitt+ on ! roadside on ! #bh? day ( ,m>*1 #aiah1 tir$1 sleepy & hungry1 wond]+ at ab\t :at "t we w\ld meet ! oncom+ ,g]man army6 ,:5 t[>ds noon we ent]$ a little t[n call$ ,c\turelle1 ^w 0 pass$ along ! l9e t we 7 go+ to halt "h4 ,i _h j f9i%$ say+ to ,george t ,i %\ld n c>e to h to make ! m>* ov] aga9 :5 ,i notic$ ! qu>t]ma/] ( ! ,?irte5? ,battalion come gallop+ up ! road1 smil+ & call+ out3 8,we've come to ! wrong place40 ,he wav$ 8 crop to me z he pass$1 say+3 8,we h to g back to ! ,arras area1 ,padre60 ,i look$ 9 wond] at ,george4 ,we _h left ! ,arras front la/ night t[>ds midnight4 ,i _h j said ,i %\ld n c>e to make ! m>* ov] aga94 ,n[ we 7 to d s6 ,we came to a halt 9 an op5 "p ( ! village1 & !re we _h lun*2 p]haps ,i %\ld say breakfa/4 ,aft] ! meal ,i w5t d[n to ! little *ur* to make a visit4 ,:5 ,i came back all ! m5 7 sleep+4 ,i !n lay d[n 9 ! dit*1 put my hav]sack "u my head1 & al?\gh x 0 ! #bh? ( ,m>* ,i 0 soon s\nd asleep4 ,9 ab\t two h\rs we 7 awak5$4 ,*apt] ,,liv ,,agnez-,,lez-,,duisans ,i did n walk back to ! ,arras front4 ,i w5t 9 a lorry4 ,z we drew ne> our de/9ation ,i 0 surpris$ to see s mu* traffic--b x 0 all com+ t[>ds u4 ,at e cross-road we 7 /opp$ by ! traffic police1 j z "o might be /opp$ 9 a l>ge city4 ,x 0 ! fir/ "t ,i _h ev] witness$ a retreat4 ,great /ores 7 9 ,arras belong+ to ! milit>y & ! ,briti% ,exp$ition>y ,=ce cante5s4 ,mo/ ( ^! /ores 7 be+ remov$1 & ! city ( ,arras1 z well z ! c\ntry villages ne> x1 0 be+ evacuat$4 ,up to ?is "t ,i _h se5 ! effect ( w> on combatants only4 ,n[ ,i 0 cont9ually pass+ sc5es t made me turn sick at he>t2 = all along our way came little gr\ps ( ,fr5* peasants--mo/ly old & "y wom51 & *ildr51 ?\gh n[ & aga9 an old man 0 pass$4 ,sometimes a yoke ( ox51 hit*$ to a l>ge f>m wagon1 7 guid$ to ! "r ( ! road by a woman or "y boy4 ,& sometimes an old woman l$ a c[ or calf1 :ile an old man pu%$ a l>ge :eel-b>r[ full ( b$d+4 ,once1 :ile we /opp$ at a cross-road1 ,i tri$ to /udy ! faces ( ^? :o pass$4 ,on no face did ,i see ! m>ks ( any great /ra9 or fe>4 ,all 7 attir$ 9 _! ,sunday g>m5ts4 ,none ( ! *ildr5 cri$ or seem$ hy/]ical4 ,all _h a good color1 & _! l>ge eyes look$ solemnly ab\t at ! /range sc5es surr\nd+ !m2 b n "o ( !m hopp$ or jump$ or smil$ at u4 ,! expression 9 _! faces 0 "o t ,i notic$ 9 ^? ( ! old] p4 ,i c only describe x z "o ( /olidity4 ,"h 7 ^! p leav+ homes :]e p]haps :ole g5]ations ( !m _h liv$1 go+ !y knew n :]e1 leav+ beh9d !m _m ?+s ( value2 b !y mu/ sleep on ! way & ! nights 7 cold1 !re=e !y _h all br\ght b$d+ along ) !m4 ,= ! fir/ "t s9ce ,i _h enli/$ ,i recall$ a %ort & succ9ct def9ition ( w> giv5 by ,g5]al ,%]man4 8,g5]al ,%]man 0 "r10 ,i said grimly4 ,pres5tly we came into a little village1 at ! entrance ( :i* 0 a l>ge ,calv>y on ! roadside1 ! great :ite figure droop+ f ! cross 9 agony4 ,tomorr[ w\ld be ,8 day4 ,p]haps x 0 ! cont9ual pass+ ( ^! wayside ,calv>ys t gave pati5ce to ! peasantry4 ,i 0 glad :5 ! driv] told me t ?is 0 our de/9ation4 ,! lorry /opp$ be=e a l>ge camp ( ,niss5 huts4 ,a g5tle mi/ _h be5 fall+ = ! la/ h\r or two1 b n[ x 0 develop+ into q a drizzle4 ,i walk$ across ! muddy squ>e1 !n d[n a little lane ?r\gh r[s ( huts till ,i f\nd my billet4 ,9 "o "p ( ! hut ! ra9 0 leak+ ?r\gh ! ro(1 b ,i did n m9d ?is4 ,!re 7 no b]?s1 b we _h our b$-rolls & all t 0 necess>y 0 to roll !m out on ! floor4 ,i _h be5 sleep+ on floors n[1 f "t to "t1 = ov] a ye> & ,i _c say t x ev] inconv5i5c$ me v mu*4 ,j z ,i 0 leav+ ! hut to g to ! *ur* to make a visit--= x 0 ,holy ,?ursday--two ,scot* ,highl&]s acco/$ me4 ,!y wi%$ to "k to :i* battalion ,i belong$4 ,:5 ,i told !m1 !y became v fri5dly & told me t !y _h j come f ! ,front4 ,fritz _h pu%$ !m back a little t morn+1 b !y _h be5 hold+ him s9ce d9n]-"t4 ,?is 0 good news1 & ,i hop$ t ,fritz w\ld cont9ue to be held4 ,i _h be5 pray+ be=e ! light$ repository 9 ! village *ur* = a few m9utes :5 ,i he>d foot/eps com+1 !n ,i felt a h& t\* me on ! %\ld]1 !n a milit>y *apla9 walk$ by me into ! sacri/y4 ,i foll[$ him4 ,:5 he turn$1 ,i recogniz$ him imm$iately4 ,x 0 ,fa!r ,*ri/oph] ,%eehan1 an ,iri% *apla9 :om ,i _h met at ,/4 ,mi*ael's ,club1 ,london1 j ab\t a ye> be=e4 ,he _h come to ,london to receive ! ,milit>y ,cross f ,k+ ,george ( ,engl&4 8,don't y "k me1 ,fa!r80 he ask$4 ,i smil$ & told him 8 "n & :5 & :]e ,i _h met him2 also :at ,i 0 do+ !re & :5 ,i _h come4 ,:5 ,i _h f9i%$ 8 br[n eyes light$ up pleasantly1 z ) ! en?usiasm ( a boy he began to tell me t ,i 0 89 luck40 ,= he 0 billet$ at a conv5t s*ool & _h *>ge ( all ! live/ock on ! premises4 ,!n ,fa!r ,%eehan w5t on to prove t ,i 0 89 luck20 & z he enum]at$ all ! articles he _h at 8 disposal1 ,i q agre$ ) him4 ,! ,si/]s _h left him bottles & bottles ( pres]v$ pe>s1 pea*es1 & /rawb]ries1 _m diff]5t k9ds ( vegetables & a l>ge numb] ( h>es1 etc4 ,8 eyes sp>kl$ ) delight at ! ?\ght ( be+ able to %>e 8 good ?+s ) "s "o4 ,he look$ at 8 wri/-wat*2 x 0 ne>ly six o'clock4 8,d9n]-"t10 he said1 8,fa!r1 come60 ,i foll[$ him up ! road1 ?ank+ ,god t ,i _h fall5 9 ) ?is w>m-he>t$ ,iri% prie/4 ,on ! way he told me t ! lad ) him 0 an excell5t cook4 ,i ?9k ! way ! good ?+s disappe>$ t ev5+ 0 suffici5t evid5ce ( my appreciation ( 8 cul9>y art4 ,yes1 g5tle read]1 x 0 ,l5t--b1 !n1 y "k x 0 w> "t6 ,j z we _h f9i%$ ,george came 92 b he 0 sc>cely 9 till he f\nd himself seat$ at ! table t ,fa!r ,%eehan & ,i _h j vacat$1 & pres5tly ! cook & ,george _h set to "w4 ,!y w5t at x e>ne/ly1 c>efully1 & me?odically1 giv+ x all att5tion4 ,! cook _h prep>$ an enorm\s quantity ( potatoes2 an ord9>y vegetable di% w\ld h be5 too small to hold !m all1 s !y 7 pil$ high 9 a l>ge :ite milk bas94 ,fa!r ,%eehan & ,i _h decreas$ ! pile consid]ably1 b n[ "u ! skillful treatm5t ( ,george & ! cook ! rema9d] disappe>$ ) extraord9>y rapidity4 ,x 0 good to wat* ! lads2 !y work$ ) su* dispat* & s :ole-he>t$ly4 ,x 0 a wond]ful example ( ! adage1 8,:at y h to d1 d x well10 & ,i felt loa? to leave :5 ,fa!r ,%eehan ask$ me to come ) him to "o ( ! class-rooms4 ,*apt] ,,lv ,,! ,,refugees ,fa!r ,%eehan1 op5+ ! door ( ! class-room1 /ood back = me to ent]4 ,i did1 & !n fell back 9 surprise1 = ! little class-room 0 almo/ fill$ ) ,fr5* civilians & piles ( b$d+4 ,! sev5 or eight little *ildr5 look$ wide-ey$ at me1 b !y smil$ brightly :5 !y saw ,fa!r ,%eehan4 ,! old] p greet$ me simply1 z is ! way ( ! ,fr5* peasant ) ! /rang]4 ,!y 7 refugees f ,da9ville & 7 /opp+ at ! conv5t ov] night4 ,tomorr[1 ,good ,friday1 !y 7 to cont9ue _! sorr[ful j\rney4 ,!y 7 mo/ly wom51 ?\gh !re 0 "o old man among !m :o did mo/ ( ! talk+4 ,he seem$ some:at apologetic z to 8 position4 8,d y ?9k10 he said to me1 8t if x 7 n = ^! wom5 & *ildr5 ,i w\ld be "h8 ,i1 sir1 w\ld /ay to meet ! enemy4 ,9 #ahgj ,i 0 a soldi] 9 ! army ( ,france1 & ,i 0 a prison] ( w>1 b n[ ,i mu/ look aft] ^! wom5 & *ildr540 ,i express$ my sympa?y ) ! old soldi] & ask$ him a few que/ions ab\t ! ,franco-,prussian w> ( #ahgj4 ,:5 ,i _h f9i%$1 he look$ at me ke5ly4 8,y1 monsieur1 y are an ,engli%man80 8,no10 ,i answ]$1 8,i am a ,canadian1 *apla9 to ! ,canadian soldi]s40 ,! ke5 look 9 ! old man's eyes became m int5se z !y se>*$ my face4 8,ah60 he said ) a sl[ intake ( brea?4 8,ah60 he repeat$4 ,!n he /ood erect4 8,! soldi]s ( ,canada are good soldi]s10 he half-%\t$4 ,z ,i b[$ my appreciation ( 8 praise1 he turn$ & spoke to ! wom51 b 8 words 7 utt]$ s rapidly t ,i c\ld n cat* _! s5se4 ,pres5tly he turn$ to me aga91 & !re 0 a bright1 hopeful look 9 8 eyes4 8,are ! ,canadians go+ to rema9 "h80 he ask$4 ,i said ,i ?\ght we 71 = we _h come to /op ! ,g]man advance4 ,i did n add 8if we are able10 = ,i wi%$ to give him c\rage4 8,ah60 ! old man said aga94 ,! next morn+ z ,i came d[n to ! conv5t to breakfa/ ,i met a great numb] ( refugees1 only ?is "t in/ead ( leav+ _! homes !y 7 return+ to !m4 ,almo/ 9 ! lead ( ! procession1 pu%+ a :eel-b>r[ /ack$ high ) b$d+ came ! old man t ,i _h talk$ ) ! previ\s ev5+4 ,he greet$ me w>mly1 z did ! wom52 ! little *ildr5 smil$4 8,we are return+ home10 ! old man said4 8,i don't ?9k ! enemy w advance any f>!r n[40 ,z ,i left him & 8 companions & turn$ 9 t[>ds ! gates ( ! conv5t1 ,i felt a great gladness com+ ov] me4 ,ye/]day ^! poor p 7 go+ out f _! homes2 b s9ce !n ! ,canadian lads _h come & n[ 7 l9$ up betwe5 ! homes ( ^! ,fr5* peasants & ! enemy4 ,^! p knew ! ,canadian soldi]s1 s !y 7 go+ back to _! homes4 ,i felt pr\d ( my ,canadian lads4 ,*apt] ,,lvi ,,arras ,t aft]noon1 accompani$ by ,fa!r ,%eehan1 ,i w5t up to ,arras to visit my brigade1 = mo/ ( ! soldi]s 7 billet$ 9 ! city4 ,arras 0 be+ heavily %ell$ by ! enemy4 ,long be=e we rea*$ ! suburbs we c\ld see ! sudd5 spurts ( black smoke ris+ 9 _m places f l>ge build+s2 & z we drew ne>] we c\ld he> ! dull1 quick-e*o+ cra% z %ell aft] %ell %riek$ its way into ! great *alk build+s & explod$4 ,our own field artill]y 0 busy on ! outskirts ( ! t[n1 return+ ! ,g]man fire4 ,a f9e mi/ ( ra9 fell4 ,x is extremely h>d to describe ! /range1 unfamili> depression t came ov] "o ent]+ ! city2 = ev]y?+ 0 sil5t1 save :5 a %ell %riek$ horribly & !n bur/1 :ile almo/ simultane\sly came ! s\nd ( fall+ /one & mort> & ! t9kle ( brok5 glass4 ,nobody walk$ 9 ! sil5t /reets2 & 9 ! great empty dilapidat$ build+s !re 0 no movem5t1 save n[ & !n ! flutt] ( torn w9d[-bl9d or soil$ curta9 9 "s empty w9d[-frame4 ,9 "o "p ( ! city blood 0 m+l$ ) ! ra9 wat] t ran sl[ly along ! gutt]4 ,we came to ! giant /atue ( ,neptune1 :i* fac$ u & divid$ our /reet4 ,we foll[$ ! /reet :i* ran to our left1 pass$ ! ,monum5t & pres5tly 7 at ! hospital ( ,/4 ,john1 :i* 0 9 *>ge ( "s ,fr5* nuns--,i ?9k !y 7 ( ! ,augu/9ian ,ord]4 ,!y _h giv5 ov] "o l>ge w+ ( _! hospital to ! ,canadians1 :o 7 us+ x z an advance dress+ /ation4 ,!re 0 a really beautiful *apel atta*$ to ?is hospital1 & !re 0 an ,engli% milit>y *apla9 qu>t]$ ne> x1 :o said ,mass !re e morn+4 ,i arrang$ ) him to h ! use ( ! *apel on ,ea/] ,sunday to say ,mass = my lads1 b :5 on ,saturday ,i w5t to ,brigade ,headqu>t]s1 :i* 0 9 ,arras1 to ann\nce ! h\rs ( s]vice ,i 0 told t !re w\ld be no *ur* p>ades1 z ! %ell+ 0 s cont9u\s t no congregat+ ( ! m5 above gr\nd w\ld be p]mitt$4 ,! battalions ( ! ,?ird ,brigade 7 scatt]$ 9 diff]5t billets ?r\gh\t ! city4 ,i 0 v sorry ,i c\ld n h ! m5 = ,ea/] ,sunday1 b s9ce x w\ld h endang]$ _! lives1 ,i recogniz$ ! wisdom ( ! ord]4 ,be=e ,i left ! city t ev5+ !re 0 n ! slighte/ d\bt 9 my m9d b t ! brigade (fic]s _h act$ ) great prud5ce1 = ,i 0 ! only "o on ! long road lead+ out ( ,arras1 save occupants ( an ambulance :i* came scree*+ up ! road1 pass+ me ) t]rific spe$4 ,:5 its s\nd _h di$ away ,i became m ?an ev] aw>e ( ! %ells t dropp$ s p]il\sly ne> t ,i c\ld he> ! spl9t]s fall+ on ! cobbles j beh9d me4 ,*apt] ,,lvii ,,ea/] ,,sunday ,s9ce ,i c\ld n h a p>ade ( my m5 at ,arras ,i decid$ to d :at good ,i c\ld at ,agnez-lez-,duisans4 ,we _h e>ly ,mass = ! civil population1 & z _! cur 0 s]v+ 9 ! army ,i act$ z p>i% prie/ t morn+4 ,foll[+ my ord9ation to ! prie/hood ,i _h be5 s5t1 z assi/ant prie/1 to a p>i% :]e ,fr5* only 0 spok54 ,= ?ree ye>s ,i m9i/]$ to ^! p & :5 ,i _h left !m ,i felt t ,i _h a fair work+ k ( _! language1 ?\gh :5 ,i fir/ w5t among !m1 ,i receiv$ q a %ock4 ,dur+ my classical c\rse ,i _h /udi$ ! ,fr5* language = f\r ye>s2 my !ological c\rse _h be5 made at ! ,gr& ,sem9>y ( ,quebec1 :]e ! great majority ( ! /ud5ts 7 ,fr5*-,canadians4 ,i _h left ! ,sem9>y ?9k+ t ,i _h an adequate k ( ! ,fr5* language2 nev]!less1 ,i took a :ole week to prep>e & memorize my fir/ ,fr5* s]mon 9 ! little p>i%4 ,i ent]$ ! pulpit a little fe>ful1 ?\gh :5 ,i f\nd my words fl[+ ) no great ef=t ,i w>m$ to ! "w4 ,i w5t d[n to ! alt> feel+ t ,i _h done fairly well2 b aft] ,mass1 :ile receiv+ a ,mass (f]+ f a g5tle old lady :o _h come into ! sacri/y lean+ on a cane1 ,i ask$ h] v simply h[ ,i _h prea*$4 ,i %all nev] =get ! k9dly look ) :i* ! old lady reg>d$ me1 z %e said3 8,x 0 all "r1 ,fa!r1 all "r6 ,we all knew :at y 7 try+ to say40 ,& ,i _h be5 prep>+ = eight ye>s6 ,h[ev]1 :5 ,i left ^! good p ,i ?9k !y us$ to "k :at ,i 0 say+4 ,& ?is ,ea/] morn+1 9 f>-away ,france1 z peasant aft] peasant came to me to confession1 ,i recall$ ^! gold5 days ( my e>ly s]vice = ! ,ma/] :5 ! fir/ f]vor ( ! "y prie/ 0 /rongly agl[ & all ! _w 0 at peace4 ,on ,monday morn+ ,i took ,holy ,communion to an old woman :o 0 an invalid & c\ld n come to ! *ur*4 ,ev]y?+ 0 spotlessly prep>$ & all ! p knelt rev]5tly :5 ,i ent]$ ! h\se be>+ ! ,div9e ,gue/4 ,i tri$ to tip-toe s(tly 9 my big heavy milit>y boots1 b z !y 7 built = m>*+ on long roads ,i did n succe$ v well4 ,x seem$ v /range !re 9 ! s(t1 c>pet$ room2 two or ?ree wom5 knelt ne> ! b$side2 ! fem99e t\* 0 ev]y:]e2 = ! fir/ "t s9ce my enli/m5t ,i felt ! lack ( cassock & surplice4 ,someh[1 ,i felt a little awkw>d4 ,%e 0 an old woman1 & h] life mu/ h be5 a v holy "o4 ,simply & ) great fai? %e receiv$ ! ,div9e ,gue/ & ,i knew ,our ,"l w\ld feel at home4 ,:5 ,i 0 leav+ "o ( ! wom5 press$ into my h& a five-franc piece4 ,x 0 ! fir/ ,i _h ev] se52 b :5 ,i wi%$ to return x1 ! woman seem$ det]m9$ t ,i %\ld keep x4 ,i did--z a s\v5ir4 ,*apt] ,,lviii ,,! ,,ronville ,,caves ,on ,w$nesday morn+ :ile ,i 0 tak+ my breakfa/ 9 ! mess ( ! ,sixte5? ,battalion1 ,george came 9 ) a cup ( tea & "s good news4 ,all ! battalions ( ! brigade 7 qu>t]$ 9 ! ,ronville caves--ov] ?ree ?\s& m5 und]gr\nd4 ,?is 01 inde$1 good news1 = n[ ,i c\ld d "s "w among ! m51 :i* ,i _h be5 long+ to d4 ,! ,ronville caves 7 j beyond ! railway /ation1 "u ! outskirts ( ,arras4 ,ne>ly all ! build+s ( ! city1 includ+ ! ,ca!dral ( ,arras1 7 built ( *alk4 ,?is *alk _h be5 qu>ri$ f ! dep?s ( ! e>?1 z ne> z possible to ! city4 ,:5 all ! *alk necess>y _h be5 excavat$1 lo6 !re rema9$ ! *alk caves ( ,ronville--a s]ies ( caves at ! end ( %ort tunnels t bran*$ (f f a great ma9 tunnel miles 9 l5g?4 ,aft] breakfa/ ,i w5t d[n to ! conv5t & f\nd ,fa!r ,%eehan seat$ 9 8 d9+-room4 ,yes1 he knew well ! situation ( ! ,ronville caves & w\ld be only too pleas$ to accompany me to !m4 ,9 a few m9utes we 7 on our way to ,arras4 ,we w5t ?r\gh ! city1 turn$ to our "r j be=e we came to ! railway /ation1 pass$ ov] ! iron ov]head bridge cross+ ! railway tracks1 turn$ a little to our left1 & pres5tly we 7 walk+ ?r\gh a quadrangle1 pitt$ deeply ) old & new %ell-holes1 t[>ds ! entrance ( ! caves4 ,we pass$ ?r\gh ! op5+ & almo/ imm$iately 7 9 complete d>kness4 ,we /umbl$ along = a little1 ,i happ5+ to be 9 ! lead1 !n sudd5ly a long %aft ( light %ot sil5tly ahead ( me1 illum9at+ ! long :ite *alk corridor4 ,fa!r ,%eehan's small fla%-light 0 at "w4 ,!n z we came ar\nd a curve 9 our road we he>d f f> d[n 9 ! corridor a muffl$ compla9t2 our light 0 %9+ 9 ! eyes ( "s poor oncom]2 s imm$iately we 7 9 d>kness aga91 ?\gh f> d[n ! corridor1 seem+ly atta*$ to ! wall1 a light z f a c&le glimm]$4 ,we advanc$ sl[ly1 ,fa!r ,%eehan fla%+ 8 lamp int]mitt5tly on ! gr\nd j ahead4 ,i visit$ all ! battalions except ! ,?irte5? & _h arrang$ to h ! m5 come to confession & ,holy ,communion ! foll[+ day1 :5 we almo/ collid$ ) two kilt$ (fic]s 9 ! ,?irte5? ,battalion t>tan4 ,"o 0 ! *apla9 ( ! battalion1 !n ,capta9 ,graham1 ,m4 ,c41 7aft]w>ds ,major ,graham1 ,m4 ,c41 ,d4 ,s4 ,o47 a ,presbyt]ian1 a brave soldi] & a ?or\gh g5tleman2 ! o!r 0 a "y ,ca?olic (fic] :o _h b lately return$ to 8 battalion aft] hav+ be5 w\nd$4 ,!y _h be5 look+ = me4 ,capta9 ,graham introduc$ ! "y (fic]1 :o 0 ,capta9 ,e4 ,waud1 & !n left u4 ,capta9 ,waud began v g5tly yet firmly to take me to task2 8,y h n be5 giv+ u an opportunity lately to g to confession1 ,fa!r10 he said4 ,i jump$ int]iorly1 = ?is 0 ! fir/ "t ,i _h be5 accus$ ( n giv+ ! m5 e opportunity ( approa*+ ! sacram5ts1 b ,i lik$ t "y (fic] !n & !re4 8,well1 capta910 ,i said1 8no lat] ?an la/ ,w$nesday night ,i /ood "u a tree 9 ,*ateau de la ,haie wait+ = all ! soldi]s :o might come2 ! ,f\rte5? & ,sixte5? %[$ up well1 b _m ( ! ,?irte5? did n %[ up40 8,oh10 he said1 8we 7 at a conc]t t ev5+60 8,well10 ,i return$1 8,i _h ann\nc$ confessions be=e supp]1 & if ! m5 miss$ ! opportunity ( go+ by att5d+ a conc]t x 0 n my fault4 ,h[ev]10 ,i cont9u$1 8,i h j ann\nc$ confessions = tomorr[ at all ! battalion ord]ly rooms1 except+ ! ,?irte5?4 ,i am on my way !re n[40 ,! "y (fic] seem$ v pleas$1 & promis$ to h all ! ,ca?olic soldi]s ( 8 company 9 ,new ,plym\? cave ! foll[+ morn+ at t5 o'clock4 8,god bless y60 ,i said to him4 8,if all my ,ca?olic (fic]s 7 z eag] to come to confession1 & br+ _! m51 z y are1 my "w w\ld be made v mu* easi]40 ,*apt] ,,lix ,,! ,,banquet ,,hall ,! foll[+ morn+ aft] breakfa/ ,fa!r ,%eehan & ,i w5t d[n on our bicycles to ! p>i% *ur*4 ,!n ea* ( u1 we>+ a :ite /ole ov] our uni=m1 w5t to ! little tab]nacle & aft] g5uflect+ sil5tly1 took f x "o small milit>y ciborium full ( consecrat$ ,ho/s4 ,!n sil5tly we left ! *ur* be>+ our preci\s burd54 ,:5 we ent]$ ,arras1 :i* 0 n[ kn[n z ! 8,city ( ! ,dead10 we f\nd1 z usual1 empty /reets & ! cont\r ( _m sections ( ! city fa/ disappe>+ "u ! unceas+ bomb>dm5t ( ,g]man guns4 ,we left our bicycles 9 c>e ( ! gu>d on ! bridge ne> ! entrance to ! ,ronville caves & walk$ ?r\gh ! quadrangle1 :i* conta9$ _m m %ell-holes ?an x did on our previ\s visit4 ,= ?is reason our passage 0 made v quickly4 ,! long ma9 tunnel 0 mu* bett] light$1 h[ev]1 light$ c&les be+ atta*$ at int]vals on ei!r wall4 ,we turn$ to our "r & ent]$ a subsidi>y tunnel1 above ! entrance ( :i* 0 a sign-bo>d be>+ ! names ( ?ree or f\r diff]5t caves1 ,new ,plym\? 0 "o to :i* ! tunnel l$4 ,new ,plym\? 0 wide & l[1 & al?\gh "o ( ! small] caves1 c\ld v easily accommodate com=tably five or six hundr$ m54 ,at "o end f>!/ f ! entrance 0 :at prov$ to be an excell5t alt> table4 ,! *alk _h be5 qu>ri$ 9 su* a mann] t :at appe>$ to be a l>ge *alk alt> rema9$4 ,fa!r ,%eehan & ,i look$ at ea* o!r 9 "s surprise2 !n plac$ our ,sacr$ ,burd5 on ! alt>1 cov]$ ! two ciboriums ) a small :ite clo? we _h br\ght1 & light$ two c&les :i* we plac$ on ei!r side--we _h br\ght our pockets fill$ ) small pieces ( c&les f ! *ur*4 ,we !n sat d[n on our /eel helmets1 plac$ on piles ( *alk1 = already we c\ld he> ! s\nd ( _m voices com+ along ! corridor4 ,pres5tly a l>ge cr[d ( m5 f ! ,fifte5? & ,sixte5? ent]$ ! dimly-light$ cave1 remov$ _! caps1 g5uflect$ be=e ! alt> & !n knelt 9 little gr\ps on ! h>d *alk floor1 sil5t 9 pray]--= ! ,"l 0 9 ,8 holy temple6 ,quickly ! m5 came to confession1 & e t5 or fifte5 m9utes ei!r ,fa!r ,%eehan or ,i /ood up1 w5t to ! alt> :ile "s soldi] said ! 8,confiteor20 !n z ! little :ite clo? 0 pass$ f "o soldi] to ano!r !y receiv$ ) deep rev]5ce _! ,"l4 ,z ea* little semi-circle ( m5 receiv$ ,holy ,communion1 !y mov$ back into ! m d>k5$ portion ( ! cave :]e !y knelt to make _! ?anksgiv+4 ,we _h be5 disp5s+ 8! my/]ies ( ,god0 = ne>ly an h\r :5 a l>ge numb] f ! ,?irte5? came 9 & knelt d[n ne> me4 ,j be=e !m knelt _! "y capta94 ,he _h done z he _h said2 all 8 ,ca?olic lads 7 ) him4 ,= a long "t !y knelt !re on ! h>d *alk floor1 & z n[ & aga9 my eyes fell on ! e>ne/ faces ( ! lads z !y pray$ rev]5tly1 my ?\ghts w\ld g back to ! e>ly ages ( ! *ur* :5 ! fir/ ,*ri/ians ador$ ,god 9 ! ,catacombs ( ,rome4 ,9 a little :ile ,i gave ! "y (fic] & 8 lads ,holy ,communion4 ,at ! "t !re seem$ to me to be "s e>ne/ness ab\t ! "y capta9--z if ?is communion 7 a great & holy prep>ation = "s ev5t t ,i knew no?+ (4 ,:ile he knelt back 9 ! gloom1 sil5tly return+ ?anks to ,god1 ,i c\ld n help associat+ him ) ! knights ( old4 ,!n :5 he _h f9i%$ 8 ?anksgiv+1 /r5g!n$ by ! com+ ( ! ,"l1 he left ! cave at ! head ( 8 m51 ready1 l a true knight1 = :atev] 0 to come4 ,all day we work$ 9 ! ,banquet ,hall2 all day long1 ) ! exception ( "o or two %ort int]vals1 came ! banquet]s4 ,at ab\t half-pa/ twelve a soldi] came quickly into ! cave call+ l\dly1 8,r4 ,c4 *apla960 ,i /ood up & w5t 9 ! direction f :i* ! voice _h come4 8,quick1 sir60 said ! soldi]4 8,! ,m4 ,o4 ( ! ,f\rte5? says "o ( y\r m5 is hit & = y to come quick40 ,)\t delay ,i foll[$ my guide d[n ! tunnel till we came to ! m$ical aid po/ ( ! ,f\rte5?4 ,!re1 ly+ on a table ) ! doctor ( ! ,f\rte5? ,battalion work+ ov] him 0 "o ( ! ,ca?olic lads ( ! ,?irte5? ble$+ 9 _m places f a numb] ( w\nds4 ,he _h /epp$ out f ! cave = a m9ute & _h be5 caught 9 ! enemy fire4 8,is x long s9ce y've be5 to confession1 lad80 ,i said4 ,he look$ at me ?r\gh cle> eyes1 ?\gh he 0 9 great pa94 8,j ab\t an h\r ago1 ,fa!r10 he said4 ,! doctor :isp]$ 9 my e>1 8,he's go+1 ,padre10 s ,i put on my /ole & prep>$ ! lad = dea?4 ,i always c>ri$ ! ,holy ,oils 9 my pocket4 ,j z ,i f9i%$ ano9t+ ! dy+ soldi] "o ( 8 fri5ds 0 admitt$ = a la/ ^w4 8,:at w ,i tell y\r p at home80 ask$ ! fri5d1 :o 0 a ,prote/ant4 8,tell !m--0 he labor$ a little = brea?--8tell !m10 he repeat$1 8,i _h ! prie/60 ,%ortly aft]w>ds he 0 tak5 by ambulance to ! ,field ,ambulance at ,agnez-lez-,duisans1 & ! foll[+ morn+ he di$4 ,i return$ to ,new ,plym\? cave & !re ,i f\nd ,fa!r ,%eehan v busy1 = ! ,f\rte5? ,battalion 0 n[ com+4 ,we he>d !m quickly1 h[ev]1 z x 0 b a few days s9ce !y _h come to confession at ,*ateau de la ,haie4 ,t ev5+1 aft] ! la/ man _h left1 ,fa!r ,%eehan came ov] to me4 8,fa!r10 he said1 8wasn't x a great day's "w80 ,i c\ld sc>cely speak = ! great joy ,i felt4 ,!re _h be5 su* consolation ?r\gh\t ! :ole day6 ,great ?+s _h be5 done = our ,div9e ,"l1 :o _h wait$ all day long 9 ! dimly-light$ cave1 giv+ ,8 deep1 sweet peace to ! s\ls ( ^! lads ( 8good w40 ,c5turies be=e ,he _h come to ano!r cave1 :5 8glad tid+s0 _h be5 ann\nc$ to ! %eph]ds4 8,yes1 ,fa!r10 ,i said1 8x 0 "o ( ! happie/ days ( my life40 ,!n1 simultane\sly1 we ?\ght ( ! ?+s ( e>?4 ,x 0 "t to g back to ,agnez-lez-,duisans1 =1 ) ! exception ( "o slice ( bread & m>g>9e betwe5 u1 we _h eat5 no?+ s9ce e>ly morn+4 ,x 0 n[ ev5+4 ,! foll[+ morn+ :ile at breakfa/ a lett] f headqu>t]s 0 giv5 to me by ! wait]4 ,i op5$ x quickly3 ,x read1 8,capt4 ! ,rev4 ,r4 ,m4 ,cro*eti]e 0 kill$ 9 action ,april #bnd1 ne> ,bailleulmont40 ,?is place 0 j a little to ! s\? ( ,arras4 ,n a ye> be=e he _h sung ! great op5-air ,mass at ,witley ,camp :5 ! ,ca?olic soldi]s _h be5 consecrat$ to ! ,sacr$ ,he>t4 ,j ye/]day he _h gone home to ! ,sacr$ ,he>t to receive ! rew>d ( 8 /ew>d%ip4 ,i sat back f ! breakfa/ table & wond]$ :o w\ld be next4 ,!n ,i w5t d[n to ! conv5t4 ,almo/ e morn+ ,i w5t d[n to ! conv5t1 = !re 0 a lovely g>d5 !re :]e ,i c\ld walk up & d[n "u ! trees & read my ,brevi>y4 ,(t5 z ,i pass$ ?r\gh ! c\rt be=e ! ma9 build+1 on my way to ! g>d51 ,i paus$ be=e a beautiful /atue ( ! ,sacr$ ,he>t ( ,jesus4 ,! base ( ! /atue 0 surr\nd$ by a wide circle ( gre5 lawn1 bord]+ :i* 0 a fr+e ( =get-me-nots1 plant$ v likely by ! good ,si/]s z a symbol ( _! devotion to ! ,sacr$ ,he>t4 ,e morn+ ! *ildr5 :om ! ,si/]s taught be=e !y w5t away came to ! conv5t & ask$ a "y woman--a k9d ( lay-,si/] :o came daily to d "s "w ab\t ! build+--:5 ! ,si/]s 7 com+ back4 8,v soon1 p]haps--tomorr[1 p]haps40 ,& ! little ones w\ld /ay ?r\gh ! morn+ & play till !y 7 tir$2 !n !y w\ld sit on ! l[ b5*es & s+ 9 _! sweet *ildi% voices ! beautiful hymns t ! ,si/]s _h taught !m4 ,! pres5ce ( ! sky-blue1 yell[-c5t]$ =get-me-nots always br\ght to my m9d ! love ( ! ,si/]s = ! ,sacr$ ,he>t2 ! s\nd ( ! *ildr5's voices 9 ! morn+ always br\ght to my m9d ! love ( ! *ildr5 = ! ,si/]s4 ,j beyond ! conv5t1 on ! o!r side ( ! ,sc>pe ,riv]1 :i* "h 0 only ab\t six feet wide1 0 a gr\p ( ,niss5 huts t _h up to a few weeks be=e be5 us$ z a ,casualty ,cle>+ ,/ation1 b at ! beg9n+ ( ! ,g]man advance ! pati5ts & /aff _h be5 remov$4 ,n[ x 0 be+ us$ by a ,field ,ambulance = dress+ w\nds or "s em]g5cy op]ation ( casualties f ! ,arras front4 ,fa!r ,:iteside1 an ,engli% *apla91 0 on duty "h1 ?\gh usually he call$ me :5 any ( my ,canadian lads came 94 ,across ! road f ! ,field ,ambulance 0 a l>ge milit>y cemet]y :]e regim5ts ( we>y soldi]s re/$ s(tly1 ea* "u ! %ad[ ( a little :ite cross4 ,x 0 ! foll[+ ,sunday aft]noon t ,i _h my fir/ burials 9 ?is cemet]y4 ,at two o'clock a procession ( soldi]s1 mo/ly kilt$ laddies f ! ,?irte5?1 came sl[ly up ! long aisle ( ! cemet]y3 9 ! lead1 foll[+ ! pipe b& t play$ ! 8,fl[]s ( ! ,=e/10 walk$ n9e gr\ps ( six m51 ea* c>ry+ %\ld] high1 "o ( _! late comrades :o _h answ]$ bravely ! la/ call4 ,"o 0 an (fic]1 ! "y knight :o _h pass$ 8 vigil 9 ,new ,plym\? cave4 ,:ile lead+ 8 m5 out ( ! ,ronville caves he _h be5 mortally w\nd$1 pass+ away a few h\rs aft]w>ds4 ,( ! dead1 only ,capta9 ,waud & ! "y soldi] f ! ,?irte5? :om ,i _h ano9t$ 9 ! cave1 7 ,ca?olics4 ,& (t5 z ,i pass$ ?r\gh ! c\rt be=e ! ma9 build+ ( ! conv5t & paus$ to look at ! sweet =get-me-nots fr++ ! lawn ar\nd ! base ( ! /atue ( ! ,sacr$ ,he>t1 ,i recall$ ! two :o1 among o!rs1 _h rememb]$ _! ,creator1 & ,i felt n[ !y 7 n =gott53 8,turn to ,me & ,i w turn to !e10 _h said ! ,"l4 ,*apt] ,,lx ,,! ,,%eehans ,we wait$ at ,agnez-lez-,duisans a few days long]1 b 8old ,fritz0 did n /rike on ! ,arras front1 ?\gh all ! _w kn[s t he cont9u$ to ga9 else:]e4 ,two or ?ree times dur+ ! week1 ,fa!r ,%eehan w5t up to ,arras ) a quantity ( provisions to two ,poor ,cl>e ,si/]s :o liv$ on 9 ! basem5t ( _! ru9$ conv5t 9 ord] to pay c\rt to _! ,k+4 ,9 ! ev5+ we 7 kept busy he>+ confessions & giv+ ,holy ,communion to soldi]s 9 ! p>i% *ur*4 ,"o ev5+ :5 we _h he>d ! confessions ( all ! m5 pres5t1 ,i /epp$ into ! sacri/y to say a ^w to ,fa!r ,%eehan1 :o 0 j go+ out to give ,holy ,communion4 8,ah1 ,fa!r60 he said 9 8 g5tle1 fri5dly mann]1 8,i am glad y came 94 ,w y please g d[n !re to ,pat & tell him n to g to ,communion n[4 ,y see1 ,fa!r1 he 0 !re ?is morn+1 & he's su* a pi\s lad t :5 he sees ! o!rs go+ to ! rails1 he might =get t he 0 !re ?is morn+ & g up aga940 8,all "r1 ,fa!r10 ,i said1 b someh[ or o!r ,i f\nd great difficulty 9 suppress+ a /rong incl9ation to smile z ,i walk$ d[n ! flagg$ aisle ( ! *ur*4 ,pat--,fa!r ,%eehan _h po9t$ him out to me--:o 0 int5tly read+ 8 pray]-book1 look$ up k9dly at me z ,i drew ne>4 8,god bless y1 ,fa!r10 he :isp]$1 z ,i /oop$ ov] him & he dispos$ himself elaborately to li/54 ,x actually pa9$ me to keep f laugh+ z ,i prep>$ to deliv] my message4 8,pat10 ,i said1 8,fa!r ,%eehan s5t me to tell y n to g to ,communion aga94 ,he is afraid t y might =get y 7 !re ?is morn+ & g back aga940 ,pat j look$ at 8 book & %ook 8 head z he smil$ indulg5tly4 ,!n he look$ at me1 /ill smil+1 8,%ure1 ,fa!r de>1 ,i _h no int5tion ( go+ aga960 ,!n he said1 z if to himself1 8,god bless ,fa!r ,%eehan60 ,pat's words 7 e*o$ /rongly 9 my he>t2 = e "o t met ,fa!r ,%eehan w\ld feel l wi%+ him ! v be/ !y c\ld1 & :at is bett] ?an ! bless+ ( ,god8 ,j ab\t ?is "t ,i receiv$ f my "m a bir?day pres5t1 :i* _h be5 delay$ along ! way4 ,x 0 a l>ge volume entitl$ 8,canon ,%eehan ( ,don]aile10 by ,fa!r ,heus]4 ,i _h long enjoy$ ! works ( ! g5tle ,canon1 & ,i _h always felt t ,i ow$ a lot to ?is se] & prophet4 ,i _h long want$ to read ! life ( "o :o _h made _m su* un]r+ prophesies z ! foll[+ "s tw5ty ye>s be=e ! sign+ ( ! ,armi/ice3 8,mean:ile1 ! new ,paganism1 call$ mod]n civilization1 is work+ out its own de/ruction & solv+ its own problems4 ,!re are subt]ranean mutt]+s ( a future upheaval t w *ange ! map ( ! _w z effectually z did an irruption ( ,v&als or ,visigo?s4 ,9 ! self-degradation ( wom52 9 ! angry disputes betwe5 ,labor & ,capital2 9 ! dreams ( ,sociali/s1 & ! sangu9>y ambitions ( ,nihili/s2 9 ! attitude ( ! great ,p[]s to ea* o!r1 sn>l+ & afraid to bite2 9 ! irrev]5ce & flippancy ( ! age manife/$ t[>ds ! mo/ sacr$ & solemn subjects1 9 ! de/ructive attempts ( philosoph]s1 9 ! elim9ation ( ! sup]natural1 9 ! conc5tration ( all human ?\ght ^u ! fleet+ conc]ns ( ?is life1 & ! cov]t1 yet h>dly conceal$1 d5ial ( a life to come2 9 ! rage = weal?1 9 ! almo/ insane dread ( pov]ty--& all ^! evil ?+s p]meat+ & p5etrat+ into e class--!re is visible to ! mo/ ord9>y mortal a dis9tegration ( society t c only ev5tuate 9 su* ru9 z h made ,babylon & ,n9eveh almo/ hi/orical my?s1 & has made a prov]b & by-^w ev5 ( ,imp]ial ,rome4 ,:]e is ! rem$y8 ,cle>ly1 ,*ri/ianity2 & /ill m cle>ly ! only ,*ri/ianity t is possible1 & c be> ! solv5t influ5ce ( ! new civilization4 ,no?+ b ! pov]ty ( ,*ri/1 manife/$ 9 ! self-ab&onm5t ( our religi\s communities2 ! awful purity ( ,*ri/1 cont9u$ 9 a celibate prie/hood & ! :ite sanctity ( our nuns2 ! self-d5ial & immolation ( ,*ri/1 %[n aga9 :]ev] ! sacrificial in/9ct is manife/$ 9 our m>tyrs & mission>ies2 ! love ( ,*ri/1 z exhibit$ 9 our *>ge ( ! orphan$1 ! ab&on$1 ! pr(ligate1 ! diseas$1 ! lepr\s & insane--c lead back ! va/ masses ( err+ humanity to ! condition n only ( /ability1 b ( ! fruition ( p]fect peace4 ,= :at is ! great political maxim ( gov]nm5t b ! greate/ good to ! greate/ numb]--9 o!r words1 ! volunt>y sacrifice ( ! individual = ! welf>e ( ! ,commonweal?8 ,& :]e is t se5 b 9 ! ranks ( ! obscure & hidd51 ! unkn[n & despis$ 7unkn[n & despis$ by !mselves above all7 memb]s ( ! ,ca?olic *ur*40 ,i took ! book d[n to ! conv5t to %[ x to ,fa!r ,%eehan4 ,to my "q if he _h ev] met ,canon ,%eehan1 look+ at me 9 t quizzical half smil+ way t "o reg>ds a que/ion] :5 ! in=mation to be giv5 f> exce$s t ask$1 he said3 8,yes1 ,i h met him4 ,i knew him1 & he 0 my c\s940 ,*apt] ,,lxi ,,ecoivres ,april 0 pass+ quickly4 ,v e>ly 9 ! morn+1 f ! old trees ab\t ! conv5t1 "o he>d ! sweet1 cle> call ( _m birds2 ! leaves 7 unfold+2 ! fre%1 revivify+ odors ( new grass & e>ly spr+ fl[]s 7 9 ! air4 ,all ar\nd u 7 signs ( de/ruction by ! +5uity ( man2 yet nature 0 /eadfa/ly foll[+ h] laws1 re/or+1 exp&+1 & quick5+ to new life--& *e]+ wond]fully _m tir$ & w>-we>y m54 ,on all sides ,fritz 0 mak+ advances1 b we 7 hold+ him at ,arras4 ,i made frequ5t visits to ?is ,city ( ! ,dead1 & e "t ,i pass$ ?r\gh its gates--,arras is a wall$ city--an appall+ s5se ( lonel9ess gripp$ me4 ,only sev5ty p ( ! ?irty ?\s& inhabitants rema9$2 & to see1 n[ & !n1 a solit>y civilian mov+ along ! /reet1 or ab\t "s %att]$ dwell+-place1 only emphasiz$ ! awful /illness4 ,i visit$ ! ru9s ( ! great ca!dral & saw ! /atue ( ,our ,lady /&+ unsca!d 9 h] little side *apel4 ,i walk$ ?r\gh ! corridors ( ! %att]$ sem9>y1 :]e = _m ye>s "y ,fr5*m5 _h walk$ sil5tly1 li/5+ to ! voice ( ! ,_s ( ,god1 =m+ !m = ! "w ( ! holy m9i/ry4 ,! "y m5 :o %\ld n[ be "h 7 9 ! tr5*es1 clad 9 ! light-blue uni=m ( ! soldi]s ( ,france4 ,n f> f ! sem9>y1 9 ! basem5t ( _! %att]$ conv5t1 liv$ two ,poor ,cl>e nuns :o _h rema9$ to adore our ,div9e ,"l on ! alt>4 ,i d n "k h[ x _h be5 arrang$1 b !re 0 ,p]petual ,adoration ( ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t 9 t poor cell>4 ,p]haps x 0 = ?is reason t ! ,canadians held ,arras4 ,x 0 to ^! holy wom5 ( ,france t ,fa!r ,%eehan made _m visits1 c>ry+ pieces ( meat1 rolls ( bread1 etc4 ,! qu>t]ma/] ( ! unit f :i* he drew rations 0 an ,iri%man1 & _m ( ! lads gladly /9t$ !mselves s t he c\ld lay by a little food = ! ,poor ,cl>e ,si/]s at ,arras4 ,!n1 "o day j aft] lun*1 ord]s came to move4 ,we 7 n go+ v f> away--only to ! little village ( ,ecoivres at ! base ( ,mt4 ,/4 ,eloi1 ab\t five or six kilomet]s di/ant4 ,i /ay$ ) ,fa!r ,%eehan = tea1 & at f\r o'clock left alone = ,ecoivres4 ,i _h nev] be5 !re be=e1 b ,fa!r ,%eehan _h giv5 me m9ute directions & ,i knew ,i w\ld h no difficulty f9d+ ! l>ge *ateau ( ! village4 ,i _h n gone m ?an a mile on my way :5 ,i notic$ %ells dropp+ into _m ( ! little villages t lay scatt]$ ov] ! gre5 c\ntryside be=e me4 ,i mu/ pass ?r\gh two ( ^! villages be=e arriv+ at my de/9ation4 ,i suspect$ "s big attack on ! "p ( ! ,g]mans1 z x 0 _! inv>iable cu/om to %ell heavily ! back areas ,9 ord] to prev5t u f br++ up fre% troops4 ,z ,i 0 revolv+ 9 my m9d h[ pleasant x 0 go+ to be = me to run ! gauntlet ( fire1 ,i he>d ! t]rify+ %riek ( a %ell1 & z ,i turn$1 0 j 9 "t to see a great black %ell bur/ only a few feet beh9d me4 ,a gr\p ( m5 _h be5 /&+ on ! roadside b n "o 0 hit4 ,i /ood = a few mom5ts daz$ by ! sudd5ness ( x all1 my e>s r++ f ! t]rible explosion1 :ile teams draw+ g5]al s]vice wagons gallop$ noisily by & m5 ran l />tl$ h>es t[>ds po9ts ( safety4 ,pres5tly ,i cont9u$ my walk1 e n]ve t5se1 expect+ ano!r %ell-bur/4 ,none came1 h[ev]4 ,i pass$ ?r\gh ! two villages & no %ell dropp$ ne> me till ,i came to ! outskirts ( ,ecoivres1 !n %ell aft] %ell came scream+ ?r\gh ! air1 explod+ 9 ! high bank t slop$ up f ! roadside4 ,a few soldi]s com+ beh9d me on bicycles dism\nt$ & cr\*$ l[ z ea* "o tore its way across our road4 ,i felt sick1 daz$ & fright5$ & :5ev] ! o!rs cr\*$1 ,i did also2 b we rea*$ ! little t[n 9 safety4 ,i pass$ ! *ur*1 :i* 0 unt\*$1 ?\gh _m /one build+s ab\t x 7 almo/ completely demoli%$4 ,!n ,i came into ! c\rt be=e ! *ateau1 :]e a great numb] ( soldi]s 7 qu>t]$4 ,x 0 an old *ateau1 ! ance/ral home ( a long l9e ( ,fr5* c\nts1 :i* _h be5 comm&e]$ e>ly 9 ! w>4 ,! pres5t own]1 h[ev]1 /ill _h a room or two allott$ to him4 ,i w5t up an old w9d+ /airway & walk$ f ! l&+ along ! hall till ,i came to a great wide room :]e a numb] ( (fic]s ( diff]5t battalions ( my brigade /ood talk+ 9 little gr\ps4 ,!y greet$ me ) true milit>y fri5dl9ess1 b ,i c\ld see t !y 7 re/less & ill at ease4 ,fritz _h /ruck aga9 & brok5 ! ,briti% l9e1 tak+ _m prison]s & great quantities ( supplies4 ,& z ! (fic]s talk$1 %ells scream$ into ! village4 ,j be=e d9n] ,george came to ! mess & 8 face light$ up :5 he saw me4 ,he _h come be=e me by a diff]5t r\te1 & "s ( 8 companions--al?\gh none ( our own brigade--_h be5 kill$1 toge!r ) a numb] ( horses4 ,!re 0 9 ,george's eye t hurt1 daz$ look t ,i 0 to see s (t5 9 ! eyes ( m5 :5 ! %ells scream$ by & took toll ( _! companions4 ,george told me ,i 0 to be billet$ 9 a l>ge room ) a numb] ( o!r (fic]s4 ,:ile he 0 speak+1 h[ev]1 ! billet+ (fic] jo9$ u to say t he _h a f9e billet = me2 x 0 a little hut outside 9 ! gr\nds4 ,x _h be5 res]v$ = ! colonel1 b z he wi%$ to rema9 9 ! *ateau1 ! billet+ (fic]1 rememb]+ t ,i pref]r$1 :5 possible1 to h a billet alone1 s t ! m5 might ! m easily come to see me1 _h giv5 me ! little hut4 ,aft] d9n]1 :i* 0 late t ev5+1 ,i w5t d[n ?r\gh ! *ateau gr\nds1 cross$ a bridge ov] a small riv] t ran ?r\gh !m & foll[$ ! road until ,i came to a little burlap hut built on ! riv] bank "u ! will[ trees1 t _h j hung out _! fre% gre5 drap]ies4 ,& z ,i /ood survey+ my billet1 ,i became aw>e t ! %ell+ _h ceas$2 ! />s 7 com+ out2 j ! fa9te/ ru/le s\nd$ among ! tree-tops2 !re 0 a v pleasant t9kle & gurgle f ! runn+ wat]2 f all ar\nd ! wide gre5 gr\nds came ! l[ murmur ( talk+ f gr\ps ( soldi]s biv\ack$ "h & !re "u ! trees4 ,george came up pres5tly ) f\r or five lett]s & a box ( c>amels t _h come ) ! ,canadian mail4 ,x 0 "o ( ^? /range int]ludes t came fairly (t5 dur+ ! campaign1 :5 "o actually =got = a little :ile w> & its gruesom5ess4 ,9 ! morn+1 aft] a v pleasant night's sleep by ! s(tly runn+ wat]s1 ,i w5t d[n to ! p>i% *ur* to say ,mass4 ,! cur 0 a l>ge man & v k9d2 evid5tly ! billet+ (fic] _h tri$ to place me ) him1 = he took great pa9s to expla9 to me t 8 h\se 0 extremely small1 & already x 0 full on acc\nt ( ! pres5ce ( "s ( 8 relations :o _h be5 evacuat$ f ! ,arras area4 ,i told ! cur h[ pleasantly ,i 0 situat$1 & t ! s(tly runn+ wat] _h s5t me to sleep4 ,he smil$1 help$ me to put on my ve/m5ts & !n s]v$ my ,mass4 ,aft] ,mass1 z ,i made my ?anksgiv+ be=e ! alt>1 ,i notic$ on ! ,gospel side a l>ge alcove4 ,9 x 7 five or six prie-dieux1 & a communion rail ran ! wid? ( x4 ,x 0 some:at simil> to a box 9 a !atre4 ,on ! wall 9 ! alcove opposite to :]e ,i knelt 0 a l>ge copp] slab be>+ ! inscription3 ,to ! ,memory ( ,m4 ,edw>d ,m>y ,alex&] ,visc\nt ( ,br&t ( ,calometz ,di$ 9 8 ca/le ( ,ecoivres ! #i?4 ,octob] #ahid ,r4 ,i4 ,p4 ,i conclud$ t ?is 0 ! "p ( ! *ur* :]e ! p ( ! *ateau came to assi/ at ,mass 9 ! old days be=e ,france pr9t$ on h] co9s 8,lib]ty1 ,equality & ,frat]nity40 ,i saw ! pres5t own] ( ! e/ate a few days lat]1 & ,i wond]$ if he sat 9 ! alcove to assi/ at ,mass on ,sundays4 ,he 0 a tall1 heavily built man 9 old r\gh clo!s1 & look$ m l a labor] "o w\ld see sitt+ idly ab\t ! docks4 ,he _h a l>ge1 heavy r$ face & a ?ick black mu/a*e4 ,:5 ,i saw him fir/ he /ood fac+ a po9t$ bayonet--?\gh he kept at lea/ ?ree feet f ! po9t--& an angry s5try at ! entrance to ! *ateau 0 tell+ him 9 ,engli% t he c\ld n ent]4 ,! own] ( ! *ateau1 /ill m angry ?an ! gu>d1 %\t$ 9 ,fr5* t he w\ld ent]2 t ^! 7 8 gr\nds1 ?\gh 8 mann] ( putt+ 9 practice 8 words resembl$ m ! advanc+ ( a horse on a treadmill4 ,i 0 ab\t to (f] my s]vices z int]pret] & g5]al peace-mak] :5 an (fic] approa*$ ! angry gu>d & told him t x 0 ! own] ( ! *ateau :om he 0 keep+ f ent]+4 ,! gu>d sprang to att5tion1 & z ! angry own] ent]$ 8 gr\nds look$ aft] him %eepi%ly4 8,well1 ,holy ,moses60 he exclaim$4 ,*apt] ,,lxii ,,ecurie ,,wood ,i _h expect$ to /ay at ,ecoivres = ,sunday1 & ,i _h arrang$ ) ! cur = ! soldi]s' ,mass1 b on ,saturday ord]s came = u to move to ,ecurie ,wood4 ,x 0 n v f> away1 ab\t ?ree miles4 ,my billet "h 0 a corrugat$ iron hut1 b>ricad$ )\t on all sides ) s&-bags pil$ ab\t ?ree feet high & two wide4 ,!re 0 no floor o!r ?an ! natural e>?4 ,! seat ( a g5]al s]vice wagon1 t v likely _h succumb$ to ,fritz's %ell+1 _h be5 conv]t$ into a v s]viceable *air2 on a high b$d+ ( mud & rocks 0 plac$ horizontally an empty five-gallon gasol9e t91 f :i* po9t$ heav5w>ds1 ?r\gh ! l[ ro(1 "s homemade /ove pipe4 ,!re 0 no door on ?is improvis$ /ove4 ,:5 ,i ent]$ ! hut a fire ( *>coal & small pieces ( wood gl[$ 9 ! op5+ ( ! t91 :i* ! *air fac$4 ,!re 0 no *ur* ne> u1 b !re 0 a l>ge mov+-picture hut j ab\t two hundr$ y>ds away :]e ,mass 0 said on ,sundays2 & only fifty y>ds f ?is 0 a small squ>e t5t1 ) ! words 8,ca?olic ,*apel0 pa9t$ 9 black on x1 :]e a prie/ 0 on duty e ev5+ to he> confessions4 ,z !re 0 no *ur* ne> :]e ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t 0 res]v$1 ,i n[ began to c>ry ,our ,"l ) me4 ,on ,monday ,i consecrat$ ab\t two hundr$ p>ticles 9 my small milit>y ciborium1 & always1 day & night1 9 ! pocket ( my tunic 0 ! little ciborium :]e ,jesus dwelt4 ,& 9 ! ev5+s ,i us$ to g d[n to ! *apel-t5t1 place ! ciborium on a corporal spread out on ! r\gh bo>d table &1 say+ a %ort pray]1 sit on an empty box to he> ! confessions ( ! m5 :o came4 ,we 7 9 a v expos$ t]ritory & %ells 7 cont9u\sly dropp+ into our area4 ,sometimes ! %ells w\ld come s ne> u t ,i w\ld sit on my box1 or kneel be=e ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t1 trembl+1 expect+ ea* mom5t to be my la/4 ,a great numb] ( m5 7 assembl+ 9 ! ,ecurie ,wood area1 & ,i began to meet _m old fri5ds4 ,"s ( ! lads :o _h come ov]seas ) me 7 9 battalions qu>t]$ ne>by2 & j ov] ! hill1 9 ! milit>y cemet]y ( ,rocl9c\rt1 ,lt4 ,lawlor1 "o ( my ,ca?olic (fic]s & a v gallant soldi]1 slept s(tly "u 8 :ite cross4 ,! "w at ,ecurie ,wood 0 v consol+3 wond]ful ?+s happ5$ 9 t little :ite *apel-t5t4 ,"o night a great giant ( a man /epp$ 91 & )\t any introduction said1 simply3 8,fa!r1 ,i want to be *ri/5$40 ,i c\ld n help laugh+1 = 9 my m9d always associat$ ) ! ^w 8*ri/50 7 ?\ghts ( t9y1 :ite-clad helpless babies be+ c>ri$ to ! baptismal font4 ,b ! big giant did n laugh4 ,x 0 a v s]i\s matt] = him4 ,i ask$ him to :i* religion he belong$4 ,he said he belong$ to none1 b t 8 p _h be5 ,presbyt]ians4 ,i comm5c$ in/ructions & 9 a %ort "t ,i _h ! great pleasure ( baptiz+ him 9 ! little t5t4 ,sometimes m5 w\ld come back to ! sacram5ts aft] ye>s ( abs5ce1 & x 0 wond]ful to wat* ! effects ( ,div9e ,grace 9 _! s\ls4 ,(t5 !y w\ld come back to ! t5t to h a *at & to speak ( "s fell[ ) :om !y 7 try+ to %>e _! own great happ9ess4 ,frequ5tly a return$ prodigal w\ld say to me3 8,n[1 ,fa!r1 ,i h a lad outside :o hasn't be5 to 8 duties = _m ye>s4 ,i got him to come d[n tonight4 ,i'm j tell+ y ?is1 ,fa!r1 = he's got ! #8w9d up' pretty bad1 b ,i "k y'll take him easy1 ,fa!r40 ,!n p]haps a big1 sl[ mov+1 puzzl$ figure w\ld /ep into ! t5t1 look+ ar\nd my/ifi$1 n kn[+ :at to d next4 ,!n ,i w\ld beckon him to come & kneel d[n1 & !n--,i w\ld 8take him easy40 ,"o night1 :5 ,i 0 sitt+ on my box1 a l>ge "o plac$ ne> me1 aga9/ :i* ! m5 might kneel :5 tell+ _! little /ory1 a man came ru%+ 9 & knelt s sudd5ly t he knock$ ov] ! l>g] box1 & !n fell on x z x rea*$ ! gr\nd4 ,i /ood up quickly1 tak+ (f my purple /ole z ,i did s1 & z ! poor fell[ got sl[ly up ,i said3 8,:at's ! matt]8 ,:at's ! matt]80 ,he look$ at me 9 a daz$ sort ( way1 & !n ov] 8 %\ld] t[>ds ! op5 flap ( ! t5t4 8,i'm will+ to g1 ,fa!r10 he said4 8,i ?9k y're a little too eag] to g10 ,i said4 8,!re's no ne$1 y "k1 to knock ov] t box4 ,i put t !re = m5 to kneel aga9/40 8,well10 he repli$1 8,i'm will+ to g1 b ,i want a little "t to get ready4 ,x's a long "t s9ce ,i 0 "h be=e1 & ,i ne$ a little "t to ov]haul my m9d40 ,i c\ld n help laugh+1 ?\gh ,i felt !re 0 some?+ wrong some:]e4 8,well10 ,i said1 8:at made y come 9 if y 7 n prep>$80 ,aga9 he look$ ov] 8 %\ld]1 & z he did ! tru? began to dawn ^u me4 8,fa!r10 he said1 8,i 0 pu%$ 940 8,kneel d[n10 ,i said1 8& take all ! "t y ne$1 & :5 y are ready j call me4 ,i am go+ outside = a :ile40 ,i w5t out & 9 a few m9utes ?ree figures came noiselessly ov] to :]e ,i 0 /&+4 8,is he go+ to g1 ,fa!r80 "o ( !m ask$4 8,he is10 ,i repli$1 8b he ne$s a little "t to prep>e4 ,:y did y s5d--,i %\ld say pu%--him 9 be=e he 0 ready to g80 ,!y !n told me t x 0 fifte5 ye>s s9ce ! man _h be5 to confession1 & t he _h be5 bragg+ ab\t n hav+ be5 !re = t l5g? ( "t4 ,"o ( ! numb] _h told him ?ree days be=e to prep>e & on acc\nt ( ?is !y _h ?\ght him ready to g4 ,i ?9k1 on ! :ole1 ^! lay apo/les did excell5t "w2 /ill1 n[ & !n1 !re 0 an example ( p]haps too great zeal4 ,fa!r ,miles ,tompk9s relates a /ory :i* p]haps %[$ a little ov]zeal4 ,he 0 walk+ ) ,fa!r ,mc,gillvary "o day up & d[n be=e a little *ur* ( a village :]e troops 7 qu>t]$ :5 he notic$ ?ree khaki-clad figures com+ t[>ds !m4 ,8 fir/ ?\ght 0 t "s poor fell[ _h imbib$ too freely ( 8v9 bl9k0--! soldi]s' "n = ! :ite w9e--& t two *>itable comrades 7 escort+ him to 8 billet4 ,:51 h[ev]1 ! soldi]s drew ne>]1 he saw t ! man 0 n intoxicat$1 ?\gh some:at indignant at be+ hu/l$ s unc]emoni\sly by two comrades :o did n be> ! insignia ( milit>y police4 ,:5 !y 7 )9 speak+ di/ance ,fa!r ,tompk9s ask$ "o ( ! escort :at 0 ! matt]4 8,fa!r10 !y said1 z !y look$ at _! /ruggl+ victim1 8?is fell[ wants to g to confession40 8,well10 said ,fa!r ,tompk9s1 8he does n look v mu* z if he want$ to g60 ,*apt] ,,lxiii ,,! ,,diff]5t ,,disp5s]s ,! ,?irte5? & ,fifte5? ,battalions 7 at ,anz91 a small village ab\t ?ree kilomet]s di/ant f ,ecurie ,wood4 ,!re 0 a little brick *ur* "h ) a great hole ?r\gh ! base ( its t[]4 ,i us$ to g d[n !re on my bicycle e>ly ,sunday morn+s & he> confessions :ile ,fa!r ,pickett1 ( ! ,fir/ ,divisional ,artill]y1 said ,mass = my lads4 ,!n ,i w\ld ride back to ,ecurie ,wood & say ,mass at half-pa/ t5 = ! ,f\rte5? & ,sixte5?4 ,!re 7 n[ ?ree o!r prie/s qu>t]$ at ,ecurie ,wood & ^! w\ld he> confessions dur+ my ,mass4 ,9 ! ev5+s ! prie/s w\ld assemble 9 my hut--=1 x seem$1 ,i _h ! be/ billet 9 ! area--& talk ov] _m ?+s4 ,x 0 n (t5 s _m *apla9s 7 toge!r1 & ,i1 = "o1 enjoy$ ^! pleasant ev5+s 9 ! little hut be=e ! blaz+ fire4 ,x 0 a v dang]\s area1 h[ev]2 %ells 7 dropp+ all ov] ! camp & !re 0 great loss ( life4 ,"o morn+ on awak5+ f a v s\nd sleep a %ell came %riek+ ?r\gh ! air1 !n ! deaf5+ explosion z x /ruck j outside my hut4 ,i wait$1 sc>cely brea?+1 = ! next1 b no m came4 ,:5 ,i 0 dress$1 ,i /epp$ (f ! di/ance f my hut to :]e ! %ell _h /ruck4 ,x 0 j ?irte5 /eps4 ,!y 7 beg9n+ to come v ne>6 ,^? ga!r+s ( *apla9s 9 my corrugat$ iron hut !re on ! ,we/]n ,front 7 unique4 ,i (t5 us$ to ?9k ( x 9 ! ev5+s z we talk$1 or :5 "s *apla9 read exc]pts f a ,canadian pap] t _h come f home4 ,x 0 ?is--t :ile we talk$ away s casually ab\t ! ord9>y daily affairs ( ! _w1 9 ! pocket ( e "o pres5t dwelt humbly ,our ,eu*>i/ic ,"l 9 8 little home1 ! ciborium4 ,"o aft]noon :ile ,i 0 sitt+ 9 my hut1 alt]nately read+ my book & look+ into ! fire1 a knock s\nd$ on ! door & a "y (fic] walk$ 91 smil+ broadly4 ,he 0 a lieut5ant 9 ! artill]y4 ,i _h kn[n him :5 he 0 a little boy & ,i 0 9 s5ior philosophy at college4 ,i _h n se5 him = t5 ye>s till ,i met him at ! front4 ,aft] we _h talk$ = a :ile1 he ask$ me if he c\ld g to confession4 ,i put on my purple /ole & sat d[n on ! l>ge g5]al s]vice wagon seat1 :ile he knelt d[n on ! e>? floor--ov] :i* at times ,i saw worms mov+--& he began 8 little tale4 ,(t51 9 our old college days1 :5 ,i 0 walk+ sl[ly on ! track ( ! a?letic field he _h come runn+ up quickly beh9d me1 giv5 me a pun* on ! back1 & !n _h skipp$ ahead ( me1 smil+ pleasantly z he wait$ = me to cat* up to him4 ,n[ he knelt humbly on ! e>? & confess$ 8 s9s1 & ,i1 ) all ! p[]s ( ! prie/hood1 absolv$ him6 ,x 0 ) great joy 9 my he>t t ,i arrang$ my little portable alt> on a box1 spread out ! clean :ite corporal & gave him ,holy ,communion4 ,aft] ,i _h clos$ ! alt> & ! "y lieut5ant _h f9i%$ 8 ?anksgiv+1 we sat on ! seat4 ,he 0 ! fir/ to speak4 8,fa!r10 he said1 8^! are /range times we are liv+ 940 ,i agre$ ) him1 & among o!r ?+s ?\ght ( ! %ell t _h dropp$ j ?irte5 /eps f :]e we sat2 b he 0 n ?9k+ ( %ells4 8,?ree weeks ago10 he said1 8,i 0 9 ,rome on leave1 & on ,ea/] ,sunday all ! ,ca?olic (fic]s 9 ! city _h p]mission to assi/ at ,mass 9 ! ,si/9e ,*apel & receive ,holy ,communion f ! h& ( ,pope ,b5$ict ,,xv1 amid/ great spl5dor & solemnity4 ,today1 kneel+ on ! e>?1 ,i receiv$ ,our ,"l 9 ?is little corrugat$ iron hut on ! ,we/]n ,front60 ,i did n speak = a:ile2 "s /range emotion held me sil5t z ,i visualiz$ ! two sc5es4 ,ea/] 9 ,rome1 9 "o ( ! mo/ beautiful *apels 9 ! _w1 ! ,pope 9 ! ri*e/ ve/m5ts1 assi/$ by _m prie/s1 giv+ ,holy ,communion4 ,!n1 a small1 d>k hut1 ) n ev5 a w9d[ 9 x1 & no cov]+ ov] ! clay floor1 ! prie/ 9 a wr9kl$ khaki uni=m & heavy tr5* boots1 8 only ve/m5t a small :ite /ole worn ov] 8 tunic--yet1 9 ea* case ,jesus _h come to ! "y (fic]6 ,*apt] ,,lxiv ,,incapacitat$ ,! "w at ,ecurie ,wood 0 mo/ consol+1 b ! %ell+ 0 incessant & we 7 hav+ _m fun]als 9 ! milit>y cemet]y d[n ! hill at ,rocl9c\rt4 ,! ,f\rte5? ,battalion suff]$ mo/4 ,e>ly "o morn+ a %ell bur/ 9 ! headqu>t]s hut1 w\nd+ ! colonel1 kill+ ! second 9 comm& & ! adjutant1 & disabl+ o!r (fic]s & privates4 ,! :ole camp 0 "u obs]vation & ,fritz 0 do+ deadly "w4 ,"o ,sunday morn+1 z ,i prep>$ = ! ,holy ,sacrifice1 ,i seem$ to feel mu* bett] ?an ,i _h felt = "s "t2 & z ,i prea*$1 ! words came quickly & )\t any great ef=t4 ,i wond]$ :y ,i %\ld feel s well4 ,b aft] ,mass1 z ,i walk$ back to my hut aft] hav+ se5 s _m ( ^? wond]ful lads receive ,holy ,communion1 ,i rais$ my h& to my =ehead2 x 0 v w>m & ! day 0 cool--9 fact1 a f9e mi/ ( ra9 0 fall+4 ,i n[ began to feel slightly dizzy & m incl9$ to re/ on my camp b$ ?an to dr9k my cup ( tea4 ,george came 91 look$ at me once1 plac$ ! cup ( tea beside me on ! seat1 look$ at me aga91 & !n told me ,i didn't look v well4 ,i told him ,i did n feel v well4 ,bo? agre$ t ,i w\ld be bett] 9 b$1 s ,i w5t4 ,! corporal ( ! /ret*]-be>]s came 91 %ook 8 little !rmomet]1 look$ at x1 %ook x aga91 !n told me to op5 my m\?4 ,he plac$ x "u my tongue4 ,!n1 :ile ,i look$ at ! ceil+ ( ! hut1 he wait$4 8,"o hundr$ & two10 said ! corporal4 8,is t high80 ,i ask$1 = ,i c\ld n rememb] ev] hav+ my temp]ature tak5 be=e4 8,high en\gh10 he said4 ,!n he told me ,i _h a malady t 0 becom+ v preval5t 9 ! army4 ,he did n "k :at to call x4 ,lat]1 x 0 call$ ! 8flu40 ,i rema9$ 9 b$ = ne>ly a week1 & x 0 "o ( ! f9e/ weeks ,i sp5t 9 ! army2 s _m (fic]s & m5 came into ! little hut to see me4 ,i 0 j beg9n+ to und]/& ! *>ity ( ! army4 ,j z ,i 0 gett+ ab\t aga9 ! ,fifty-fir/ ,division ( ,scot* ,highl&]s came into our area4 ,?is 0 ! division t _h met almo/ e advance ( ! enemy1 s t ev5 ! ,g]mans !mselves c\ld n b admire !m4 ,a s]geant 9 "o ( ! battalions ( ! division possess$ a pap] = :i* he _h refus$ six p\nds3 = ! pap] _h be5 dropp$ into _! l9es f a ,g]man airplane1 & ?is is :at 0 writt5 on x3 8,good old ,fifty-fir/ /ill /ick+ x6 ,*e]io60 ,*apt] ,,lxv ,,anz9 ,,& ,,mon*y ,,breton ,! ,fifty-fir/ 8took ov]0 f u & we w5t to ,anz94 ,"h x 0 mu* quiet] & ! battalion prep>$ to re/4 ,i took *>ge ( ! village *ur*1 = ,i 0 ! only *apla9 9 ! area4 ,! fir/ day ,i swept x out & du/$ ! alt> & sanctu>y rail4 ,! next morn+ ,i said ,mass1 & aft] ,mass a little sanctu>y lamp tw9kl$ s(tly be=e ! alt>4 ,! ,gue/ _h come6 ,!re 0 a beautiful /atue ( ,our ,lady 9 ! *ur*1 & z x 0 h] mon? ,i decorat$ x z well z ,i c\ld4 ,a long walk by ! ,sc>pe ,riv]1 :i* fl[$ its n>r[ ?\gh v pretty way ?r\gh ,anz91 br\ght me to ! gr\nds ( :at _h once be5 a v f9e c\ntry resid5ce1 n[ t]ribly batt]$ f %ell-fire4 ,! road t l$ to x slop$ up f ! riv]1 & z ,i walk$ along x1 ?is beautiful ,may day1 f ! d>k recesses ( ! trees came ! repeat$ solit>y call ( ! cuckoo4 ,i /opp$ to li/54 ,! :ole c\ntryside seem$ v quiet & peaceful1 save = ! fa9t rumble1 f f> away1 ( our guns4 ,?\gh ! gr\nds 7 pitt$ 9 diff]5t places ) old %ell-holes1 _m fl[]s grew 9 ! g>d54 ,i pick$ "s :ite lilacs1 al?\gh ! season = ^! 0 n[ gr[+ late1 & a l>ge bun* ( ,p>ma violets4 ,x 0 v quiet & /ill !re 9 ! old ,fr5* g>d51 b ,i c\ld he> ,g]man %ells :9+ ?r\gh ! air & dropp+ 9 a little village n v f> away4 ,some:]e along ! l9e battles 7 be+ f\ght1 & ,i suppos$ ! ,briti% 7 los+ gr\nd & t _m m5 7 be+ tak5 prison]s4 ,up to ?is "t we ,canadians _h n lo/ any m5 z prison]s & _h giv5 no gr\nd except a mile 9 dep? ne> ,neuville-,vitasse :5 we f\nd ourselves plac$ 9 a v dang]\s position by ! g5]al retreat ( ,briti% troops1 :i* 9 "s places 0 m ?an tw5ty miles 9 dep?4 ,t[>ds ! end ( ,may good news came to u4 ,we 7 go+ back to re/4 ,& x 0 to be a long re/1 among gre5 fields1 f> f ! s\nd ( ! guns & ! sights ( ! battlefield4 ,x 0 ,saturday :5 we arriv$ 9 our re/ billets aft] a long m>* ?r\gh a peaceful c\ntryside4 ,my battalions 7 scatt]$ 9 f\r diff]5t villages & ,i 0 v busy ,saturday aft]noon arrang+ = ,masses4 ,up to ?is "t our re/ billets _h be5 always 9 m9+ t[ns or di/ricts1 b n[ we _h come to "o ( ! mo/ beautiful c\ntrysides ,i _h ev] se54 ,op51 unf5c$ f>ml&s /ret*$ be=e u1 :ile "h & !re clumps ( anci5t wide-spread+ trees1 almo/ hid+ f view ! little :ite-wall$1 r$-ro($ h\ses b5ea? !m1 rose z d>k-gre5 isl&s 9 a light-gre5 sea4 ,! memory ( t ,saturday aft]noon is v vivid ) me yet4 ,x _h be5 a w>m day & ! long1 du/y m>* _h be5 mo/ fatigu+4 ,i 0 f9d+ "s difficulty 9 arrang+ h\rs = ,masses1 & t[>ds ?ree o'clock ,i dism\nt$ f my bicycle1 sat by ! roadside & wip$ my =ehead4 ,ev]y?+ 0 int5sely quiet2 a ,sabba?-day /illness 0 ov] all ! l&4 ,x seem$ m l a beautiful dream ?an a reality4 ,= mon?s ,i _h be5 9 ! gruesome atmosph]e ( w>1 gaz+ on brok5 villages1 torn roads & ru9$ f>ml&s1 walk+ always 9 dang] & 89 ! %ad[ ( dea?0 ?r\gh a c\ntry utt]ly desolate1 & f\lly m>r$ by ! +5uity ( m54 ,n[ my eye 0 be+ fill$ ) ! beauty ( all ?+s ar\nd me1 ( ! wond]ful ?+s ( ,god4 ,i pick$ a wild fl[] ( a v>iety t grew 9 pr(usion along ! roadside4 ,x 0 ab\t "o-?ird ! size ( a morn+-glory & some:at simil> 9 %ape4 ,x 0 :ite1 & s delicate t x seem$ almo/ transp>5t4 ,z ,i gaz$ on its wond]ful =mation1 my m9d dwelt on ,god & all ! beautiful ?+s ,he _h creat$2 !n my ?\ghts 7 ( ! s\l & !n ( my m54 ,pres5tly ! plan ( my s]mon = ! foll[+ day 0 m5tally outl9$4 ,x 0 twelve o'clock ,saturday night :5 ,i f9i%$ my "w4 ,*apt] ,,lxvi ,a ,,new ,,%eep ,i awoke ! next morn+ to ! sweet s\nds ( s++ birds2 to ! glori\s view ( fre% gre5 fields & peaceful lanes4 ,i rode ab\t ?ree miles on my bicycle to a hamlet call$ ,bailleul-aux-,cornailles :]e ,i said ,mass at n9e o'clock = ! ,?irte5? ,battalion1 :i* 0 qu>t]$ "h1 & a great numb] ( ! ,fr5* civilian population4 ,! cur ( ! p>i% 0 a soldi] 9 ! ,fr5* army & 0 on duty 9 a l>ge milit>y hospital at ,/4 ,paul1 ab\t fifte5 miles away4 ,i made arrangem5ts to be at ! p>i% *ur* c]ta9 ev5+s 9 ! week = confessions4 ,aft] ?is ,mass ,i rode f\r miles fur!r to ,o/reville1 :]e ,i said ,mass = ! ,f\rte5?1 :i* 0 qu>t]$ "h4 ,! m5 7 all !re :5 ,i arriv$4 ,i f\nd !m sitt+ 9 ! cemet]y "u c5tury-old trees or along ! l[ /one f5ce4 ,i prea*$ ! same s]mon t ,i _h prea*$ = ! ,?irte5? & x made a rem>kable impression ^u !m4 ,fir/ ,i spoke to !m briefly ( ! awful sc5es we _h be5 witness+ = "s "t2 !n ,i dwelt on ! wond]ful beauty & peace all ar\nd u4 ,god _h made ! :ole _w beautiful2 we _h se5 h[ f\lly m5 _h m>r$ x4 ,b ,god's ma/]piece ( beauty 0 our own s\l1 & ea* "o ( u knew j h[ mu* we _h m>r$ t beauty4 ,!n ,i told ^? lads t p]haps !re 7 "s among/ u :o _h /a9$ greatly _! immortal s\ls1 :o _h done ?+s = :i* c]ta9 ( _! fri5ds might despise !m1 might turn !m d[n4 ,b ,god1 9 ,8 inf9ite love1 w\ld n turn !m d[n4 ,god 0 ready to receive !m1 to blot out all _! iniquities1 to cleanse !m1 to make _! s\ls beautiful aga94 ,z ,i cont9u$1 ,i saw a wond]ful sight4 ,i saw te>s 9 ! eyes ( big1 /rong m51 ,i saw !m b[+ _! heads z !y rea*$ = _! khaki h&k]*iefs4 ,x 0 "o ( ! /range/ & sweete/ exp]i5ces ,i _h 9 ! w>4 ,aft] ,mass1 :5 ,i _h got j beyond ! village1 ,i dism\nt$1 sat on ! side ( ! road & began to eat ! lun*eon ,i _h br\ght--"s s&wi*es ( *eese & jam & a wat]-bottle full ( cocoa4 ,rye 0 gr[+ all ab\t me1 & x 0 yet d>k gre5 9 color4 ,aft] ,i _h f9i%$ my lun*eon1 ,i /ood up to measure x1 & f\nd t x 0 almo/ z tall z ,i4 ,x mu/ h be5 at lea/ five feet 9 height4 ,two or ?ree weeks lat] ,i walk$ along a pa? ?r\gh a field ( rye :i* 0 s high t ,i c\ld see only ! /alks on ei!r side ( me & ! heads j above me4 ,on ,monday ,i le>n$ t we 7 out = a long re/4 ,our program includ$ drill+ 9 ! morn+s & games 9 ! aft]noon4 ,f ! nature ( ! drill+ x 0 cle> to all ( u t we 7 tra9+ = an attack on ,fritz4 ,"p ( ! morn+ ! m5 foll[$ ! tanks t clank$ _! unga9ly way ?r\gh beautiful fields ( rye & :eat4 ,we did n "k till ,augu/ :y !y 7 s ru?lessly de/roy$4 ,"o ev5+ :ile ,i 0 sitt+ 9 ! v small room :i* 0 my billet1 a /\t1 r$-fac$ soldi] 9 a r soil$ uni=m came 9 to see me4 ,he salut$ & ,i wait$ = him to /ate 8 bus9ess4 8,fa!r10 he said1 8,i %\ld l to become a ,ca?olic40 8,go+ to be m>ri$80 ,i que/ion$4 ,an amus$ smile /ole quietly ov] 8 face z he repli$3 8,no1 ,fa!r4 ,i am already m>ri$ & h five *ildr540 ,!n x 0 my turn to smile4 ,i _h judg$ him to be ab\t tw5ty-two or tw5ty-?ree1 b n[ ,i notic$ t 8 hair 0 turn+ grey ab\t ! temples4 ,i ask$ him to sit d[n1 :i* he did1 aft] remov+ 8 milit>y cap4 ,!n ,i saw t he 0 q bald4 ,we comm5c$ in/ructions1 & z ! days w5t by ,i f\nd him v quick to und]/& ! diff]5t ?+s ,i expla9$4 ,n[ & !n he w\ld ask su* intellig5t que/ions t ,i w\ld />t involunt>ily4 ,at la/ ,i ask$ him :at he did 9 civil life4 8,i am a solicitor1 ,fa!r10 he said quietly4 ,i 0 v mu* surpris$4 ,x _h nev] occurr$ to me t ! soldi] sitt+ be=e me 9 8 greasy uni=m 0 a lawy]4 ,on ,june #g?1 9 ! little *ur* ( ,mon*y ,breton1 ,i baptiz$ him & receiv$ him into ! *ur*4 ,*apt] ,,lxvii ,,notre ,,dame ,d',,ard5nes ,! soldi]s greatly enjoy$ ! re/ 9 ?is lovely di/rict4 ,x 0 v pleasant to bicycle ?r\gh ! c\ntry lanes to qua9t *ur*es :]e ,ca?olic lads wait$ 9 ! ev5+ to g to confession4 ,:5 ,i he>d confessions = ! ,?irte5? at ,bailleul-aux-,cornailles1 ,i (t5 /opp$ 9 ! presbyt]y = tea4 ,! "m & fa!r ( ! cur liv$ !re4 ,p]haps ,i %\ld n say tea1 = x 0 always milk & bread & honey t ! k9d old p gave me4 ,!y _h _! own api>y 9 ! beautiful g>d54 ,! prie/'s old fa!r 0 v int]e/+ & ,i enjoy$ greatly ! /ories he told me :ile he sipp$ 8 w9e & ,i drank my milk f ! l>ge :ite cup4 ,he _h liv$ 9 ,arras be=e ! w> & 0 eag] to he> :at ,i _h to tell him ( my exp]i5ces !re4 ,i recall h[ anxi\sly he inquir$ ab\t ! *ur* ( ,notre ,dame d',ard5nes1 :e!r x _h be5 /ruck4 ,i did n "k all ! *ur*es ( ,arras by "n1 b ,i 0 v sorry to say t ,i ?\ght ne>ly e "o _h be5 /ruck by ! ,g]mans4 ,i c\ld recall b "o1 :i* ,i _h pass$ frequ5tly on my way to ! railway /ation 7,g>e du ,nord71 t _h n be5 /ruck4 ,i w5t on to describe x--a l>ge r$-brick build+4 8,t's x6 ,t's x60 he cri$4 8,x's ! ,*ur* ( ,notre ,dame d',ard5nes40 ,! old man's eyes bright5$ z he spoke4 8,well10 ,i said1 8if t is ! ,*ur* ( ,notre ,dame d',ard5nes1 y ne$ n worry1 = x is /ill /&+ intact40 ,! old lady1 :o sat ne> me1 h] h& ne> en\gh to ! jug ( milk to repl5i% my cup almo/ z fa/ z ,i made room 9 x = m milk1 ex*ang$ looks ) h] husb&1 & al?\gh nei!r spoke = a :ile1 !re 0 su* significance 9 _! glances t ,i felt eag] to he> ! hi/ory ( ,notre ,dame d',ard5nes4 ,i did n h to wait long1 = pres5tly ! old man began to speak4 ,z ,i li/5$1 ,i held ! palm ( my h& spread wide ov] ! top ( my cup1 = !re 0 /ill pl5ty ( milk left1 & ! k9d old "m ( ! prie/ 0 beam+ ) hospitality2 b ,i felt ,i c\ld n dr9k all ! milk 9 ! jug6 ,dur+ ! f\r? c5tury--to be exact1 9 ! ye> #cga--!re _h be5 a sev]e fam9e 9 ,arras4 ,! p1 be+ v pi\s1 _h rec\rse to pray] & 9 answ] to _! supplications manna fell f heav54 8,! sacr$ ,manna10 z x 0 call$1 0 ga!r$ by ! p & = a long "t "s ( x 0 kept & v5]at$ by ! p ( ,notre ,dame d',ard5nes4 ,!n !re 0 8! holy c&le10 kept 9 ! ,*ur* ( ,notre ,dame d',ard5nes4 ,dur+ a sev]e epidemic 9 ! ye> #aaje ?is wax c&le _h be5 s5t f heav5 to ,bi%op ,lamb]t4 ,aft] x _h burn$ = "s "t1 ! plague /opp$4 ,i _h se5 _m /range ?+s on ! ,we/]n ,front1 s t ,i wond]$ n t ,notre ,dame d',ard5nes 0 unsca!d4 ,dur+ ^? beautiful ,june days f aft] ,mass till ?ree o'clock1 p4 m41 ,i _h n mu* to d4 ,i usually read books or wrote a little1 :ile ,i sat "u ! tall trees 9 ! op5 field beh9d ! h\se :]e ,i 0 billet$4 ,"o aft]noon :ile ,i 0 read+ "u ! trees a "y (fic] 9 ! t>tan ( ! ,sixte5? came up to see me4 ,he 0 a f9e look+ "y fell[ & _h b lately return$ to ! battalion aft] a long abs5ce4 ,he 0 v d[nhe>t$ &1 al?\gh n a ,ca?olic1 _h come to h a talk ) me4 7,non-,ca?olics (t5 came to h a talk ) me47 ,he 0 a capta9 & _h come back expect+ to hold 8 old position 9 ! battalion4 ,b1 at times1 promotion is rapid 9 ! army & he f\nd t m5 :o 7 8 subord9ates :5 he w5t away 7 n[ ( equal or sup]ior rank4 ,8 position 0 n[ held by "o :o _h come ?r\gh _m conflicts4 ,!re 0 no "w = him to d4 ,he felt a /rang] among ^! new (fic]s4 ,he 0 return+ to ! (fic]s' res]ve4 ,i li/5$ quietly till he _h told me all 8 tr\bles4 ,sometimes x is a relief to h "s "o li/5 :5 "o's he>t is weigh$ d[n1 b ,i am afraid ,i did n say v mu* t c\ld help him4 ,_h ,i possess$ ! gift ( =esight1 ,i c\ld h told ?is anxi\s "y (fic] t be=e ?ree mon?s ! (fic]s' ranks w\ld be s ?9n$ t ord]s w\ld come to him to report = duty imm$iately at ! front4 ,b ,i did n "k !n t ab\t ! end ( ,septemb] ,i 0 to meet him aga91 com+ up a %ell-swept road 9 a t]ribly deva/at$ c\ntryside1 ) ! eag] smile ( a boy on 8 f9e "y face4 ,j beyond :]e ,i 0 billet$ /ood a l>ge wood5 /ructure t 0 be+ us$ by ! ,y4 ,m4 ,c4 ,a4 z a mov+-picture !atre4 ,9 ! army ! "n giv5 to ^! places ( amusem5t 0 8c9ema40 ,dur+ ! day ! conc]t p>ty ( ! ,sixte5? 0 practic+ a play1 entitl$ 8,a ,little ,bit ( ,%amrock10 "o ( ! *ief *>act]s ( :i* 0 a prie/4 ,george _h spok5 to me ( ! play1 = he _h se5 "o or two practices4 ,n[1 ,i _h se5 a play /ag$ by ?is v ca/ "s "t be=e 9 :i* 0 portray$ a m9i/]1 a mo/ effem9ate "*1 ^: *ief mission1 x seem$1 0 to display a v great ignorance ( life 9 g5]al4 ,! amusem5t = ! audi5ce 0 furni%$ by him z (t5 z he 0 %ock$ or sc&aliz$4 ,! actor :o _h tak5 ! "p ( ! m9i/] 0 n[ to take ! "p ( ! prie/4 ,i w5t to ! director ( ! company1 :o 0 an (fic] f ! ,second ,division1 & told him quietly t ,i _h se5 ! play 8 company _h put on be=e1 & t ,i _h n admir$ 8 cl]gyman1 ?\gh ,i ?\ght ! actor _h done excell5t "w4 ,i hop$ ! "* ( ! prie/ 9 ! =?com+ play w\ld n be l t4 ,! director look$ at me1 & ,i lik$ ! bright smile t spread ov] 8 pleasant face4 8,don't worry1 ,padre10 he said4 8,i ?9k y w l ,fa!r ,o',flynn4 ,i h a lot ( fri5ds :o are prie/s4 ,i l !m4 ,i always l to talk to prie/s ( y\r *ur*1 ,padre4 ,!y are--!y are--oh1--s human1 ,padre40 ,& !n he smil$ a guileless smile1 s t ,i und]/ood t by #8human' ! "y (fic] _h meant some?+ complim5t>y4 ,_m days 7 to pass be=e ,i %\ld see ! play4 ,*apt] ,,lxviii ,,! ,,procession ,sunday )9 ! octave ( ,corpus ,*ri/i 0 a beautiful day4 ,j be=e ,i began ,mass = ! ,?irte5? at ,bailleul-aux-,cornailles ! fa!r ( ,m4 le ,cur came 9 to see me4 ,! usual great procession ( ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t _h be5 plann$1 b ^w _h come f ! p>i% prie/ t he c\ld n be pres5t = ,mass1 & t v likely he w\ld n be able to rea* ! *ur* 9 "t = ! procession1 :i* 0 to />t at half-pa/ ?ree 9 ! aft]noon4 ,if ,m4 le ,cur c\ld n come1 w\ld ,m4 l',aumoni] h ! goodness1 if x w\ld n inconv5i5ce him too mu*1 to c>ry le ,bon ,dieu 9 ! procession8 ,i assur$ ! good p t ,i w\ld be only too pleas$ to h ! great honor ( c>ry+ ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t 9 _! procession4 ,!y promis$ to s5d a mess5g] to let me "k :e!r or n ! cur w\ld come = ! procession1 z !y w\ld h def9ite ^w by twelve o'clock4 ,at "o o'clock1 :ile ,i 0 tak+ lun*1 a mess5g] arriv$ f ,bailleul-aux-,cornailles say+ t ,m4 le ,cur c\ld n come = ! procession1 & t ! :ole p>i% respectfully reque/$ me to c>ry ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t4 ,:5 ,i rea*$ ! village = a second "t t day1 ,i f\nd all along ! way evid5ces ( great prep>ations4 ,on ea* side ( ! road approa*+ ! *ur*1 = a long di/ance1 at int]vals ( ab\t tw5ty feet1 sapl+s ( diff]5t trees _h be5 plac$ s t !y appe>$ to be gr[+ !re4 ,little girls1 rob$ 9 :ite1 7 flitt+ along ! road1 "s c>ry+ bann]s1 o!rs hold+ decorat$ baskets ( cut fl[]s4 ,f "o side ( ! road a n>r[ lane1 ar*$ d>kly by old trees1 l$ to a brightly decorat$ alt> "u a l>ge ,calv>y4 ,j opposite ! ord]ly room ( ! ,?irte5?1 :]e ! road turn$ d[n to ! village *ur*1 a high gre5 ar* _h be5 erect$1 & on ei!r side appe>$ 9 silv] lett]s ! words1 8,panis ,angelicus40 ,alongside ! ar* 0 built ano!r repository4 ,:ile ,i 0 admir+ ?is1 = !re 0 yet mu* "t1 ! adjutant ( ! ,?irte5? came d[n f ! ord]ly room & ask$ me ! mean+ ( all ! great prep>ations4 ,:5 ,i expla9$ z briefly z possible :at 0 go+ to take place1 he seem$ surpris$ t ,i 0 go+ to take "p 9 ! procession4 ,he wond]$ h[ x happ5$ t ,i %\ld "k :at to d among ^! /range p4 ,! p 7 /range1 b ! religion 0 n4 ,at half-pa/ ?ree1 %>p1 ! procession left ! *ur*4 ,x 0 l$ by a :ite-surplic$1 r$-c9ctur$ sanctu>y boy1 c>ry+ ! processional cross4 ,beh9d him walk$ ab\t a doz5 confrres simil>ly clad2 !n came ! "y boys ( ! p>i%1 ) :ite ribbons on _! arms4 ,a lad p]haps elev5 ye>s ( age foll[$1 clad 9 ! sk9s ( animals & c>ry+ a small cross on :i* 7 ! words 8,ecce ,agnus ,dei40 ,! little girls1 9 sn[-:ite dresses1 came next1 & a few feet beh9d ! column walk$ a "y girl ( p]haps fifte5 or sixte51 we>+ a long cream-color$ dress ) :ite1 gold-bord]$ w+s com+ out f h] %\ld]s2 a b& ( gold encircl$ h] head1 to :i* 0 atta*$ a gold /> :i* %one above h] =ehead2 h] "r h& 0 rais$ & ! index f+] po9t$ always t[>ds ! sky4 ,!n came f\r "y girls 9 :ite c>ry+ on a p$e/al ! /atue ( ,our ,lady1 & f\r o!rs1 be>+ on high ! /atue ( ! ,sacr$ ,he>t4 ,! wom5 ( ! p>i%1 mo/ ( !m we>+ a k9d ( light-blue badge1 7 next1 foll[$ by ! m5 ( ! p>i%1 ) "h & !re ! blue uni=m ( a ,fr5* soldi] home on leave4 ,a few khaki-clad lads also walk$1 b ,i ?9k !y 7 /rang]s4 7,i wond]$ :]e my lads ( ! ,?irte5? 747 ,!n came ! *oir ( middle-ag$ m5 s++ hymns t today 7 be+ sung ov] all ! _w1 8,lauda ,sion ,salvatoris10 8,pange ,l+ua0 & 8,panis ,angelicus40 ,beh9d ^! walk$ six little girls /rew+ fl[]s 9 ! way & two sanctu>y boys sw++ c5s]s4 ,la/ly1 came f\r old m51 no caps on _! v5]able heads1 be>+ on high ! :ite & gold canopy ov] ,jesus ,ho/ 9 ! great gold mon/rance1 c>ri$ by a ,canadian prie/ 9 ! beautiful ,b5$iction ve/m5ts4 ,! v>i-color$ procession w5t sl[ly d[n ! village /reet1 bann]s c>ri$ al(t & ! beautiful old ,eu*>i/ic hymns s\nd+ on ! summ] air1 :ile v old p & o!rs :o = "o reason or ano!r c\ld n take "p 9 ! procession knelt rev]5tly 9 ! du/ on ! roadside1 z ,jesus pass$4 ,!n some?+ happ5$ t _h nev] be=e happ5$ 9 t little village dur+ a procession ( ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t4 ,l9+ ea* side ( ! road = q a di/ance 7 m5 ( ! ,?irte5? ,battalion1 ,ca?olic & ,prote/ant1 & z ! procession mov$ sl[ly along 9 all ! sweet simplicity ( ! deep fai? ( ^! ,fr5* peasants1 ! soldi]s /ood rev]5tly to att5tion4 ,i felt pr\d ( ^! lads4 ,we _h met toge!r 9 _m /range places2 b ,i am sure ,i %all nev] =get ^? gay1 light-he>t$ lads /&+ s quietly & rev]5tly z we pass$--,jesus & ,i6 ,*apt] ,,lxix ,,on ,,leave ,i _h n[ be5 9 ,france ab\t "o ye> & _h _h no 8leave40 ,dur+ ?is p]iod ( ! w> (fic]s 7 entitl$ to leave e six mon?s4 ,i _h n appli$ :5 ! fir/ six mon?s 7 up1 z ,i 0 too busy at ! "t4 ,n[ ,i _h appli$ & daily ,i 0 await+ my w>rant4 ,! ,sunday foll[+ ! procession ,i _h j return$ home aft] ,mass :5 a runn] f headqu>t]s arriv$ to tell me t my w>rant _h come f brigade headqu>t]s & t if ,i w\ld call at ! battalion ord]ly room & sign ! necess>y pap]s1 ,i c\ld procure x4 ,i left a little place call$ ,t9ques at five o'clock & al?\gh ! di/ance 0 only fifty miles1 x 0 six o'clock ! foll[+ morn+ :5 we arriv$ at ,b\logne4 ,! 8,pullman0 0 ( ! side-door v>iety2 sometimes x held eight horses & at o!r times =ty m54 ,x seem$ to me1 z we sat s closely pack$ on ! floor ( ! c>1 z if !re 7 m ?an =ty ( u4 ,i sat ! :ole night long ) my *9 almo/ re/+ on my knees4 ,x w\ld n d to /&1 = ! space ?us made w\ld be quickly fill$1 s t x w\ld be almo/ impossible to sit d[n aga94 ,al?\gh _m miles away f ! s\nd ( ! guns & *e]$1 fur!rmore1 by ! ?\ght ( f\rte5 days' leave1 ,i h always felt t t night-ride 0 "o ( ! h>de/ ( ! w>1 = sitt+ 9 t cramp$ position became actually pa9ful4 ,i long$ to /ret* my limbs1 b ?is 0 impossible4 ,x 0 cold 9 ! c>1 = ! doors 7 kept op5 s t we c\ld h air4 ,x is almo/ incr$ible h[ t boxc> bump$ u ab\t4 ,b ev5 ?r\gh ^! h>d%ips we 7 compell$ to laugh f "t to "t at "s witty joke or at "s incid5t t 0 funny1 ?\gh n meant to be s4 ,once q an alt]cation arose betwe5 an (fic] & a private2 ! (fic] 0 accus+ ! soldi] ( actually putt+ 8 feet 9 ! (fic]'s face4 ,! soldi] ?us accus$ 0 prote/+ 9 a v high-pit*$ voice3 8,!y a9't my feet6 ,!y a9't my feet60 ,ev]ybody 0 laugh+4 ,!n came ! gruff voice ( ! (fic]1 dem&+3 8,well1 ^: feet are !y80 ,b nobody seem$ to "k ^: feet !y 74 ,*apt] ,,lxx ,,/4 ,,mi*ael',s ,,club ,/4 ,mi*ael's ,club1 #ch ,grosv5or ,g>d5s1 ,london1 0 an ideal ho/el = prie/s1 z x 0 op5 only to m5 9 ,holy ,ord]s4 ,be=e ! w> x _h be5 ! city resid5ce ( ,lady ,lovat4 ,b %ortly aft] ! comm5cem5t ( ho/ilities x _h be5 r5t$ f h] by ! ,du*ess ( ,norfolk & v k9dly giv5 ov] z a club = prie/s4 ,?\gh !re 7 _m *apla9s 9 ! build+ :5 ,i arriv$1 ,i 0 lucky en\gh to secure an airy room4 ,i actually felt l a boy z ,i took (f my hav]sack & flung x on ! b$1 aft] ! hall port] _h left ! room4 ,x seem$ s good to ?9k t = f\rte5 days ! dang] ( be+ %ot or bl[n up by %ell 0 v remote4 ,!n !re 7 _m fri5ds & bro!r prie/s 9 ! h\se1 & outside ! door 0 ,london1 & 9 ,london !re 7 lots ( book%ops1 & to a booklov] ?is meant bliss4 ,! ca!dral 0 b t5 m9utes' walk f ! club1 b we _h our own little *apel 9 ! build+1 & ! *apla9s _h ! privilege ( say+ ,mass !re4 ,9 ! smok+-room1 :i* 0 on ! gr\nd floor1 !re 7 _m l>ge & deep-cu%ion$ arm*airs t 7 v com=table4 ,!re 0 a big op5 fire-place & :5ev] ! wea!r 0 damp or gloomy outside 9 ! ,london /reets a bright fire burn$ 9 x2 "o c\ld c\nt on !re be+ a fire v (t54 ,sometimes 9 ! ev5+s x w\ld be v quiet 9 ! great wide room1 z ! prie/s sat ar\nd read+ ! ev5+ pap]s1 ! only s\nds be+ ! occasional crackle ( a newspap]1 z x 0 turn$1 & ! purr+ ( ! fire4 ,f outside c\ld be he>d fa9tly ! dull ro> ( ! city1 made up ( a m$ley ( s\nds3 ! rumbl+ ( great elephant9e busses t bump$ along ! /reets2 ! :ir ( hundr$s ( taxis sp9n+ along ov] ! pavem5t1 ! rattle ( wagons & squeak+ ( innum]able horns4 ,n[ & !n ! h\se w\ld %ake v slightly1 ?\gh p]ceptibly1 z f> bel[ ! basem5t ! c>s ( ! und]gr\nd railway :izz$ ?r\gh ! tubes4 ,i /ay$ at ! club = f\r or five days & enjoy$ v mu* ! "t sp5t !re4 ,bi%op ,fallon1 a ,canadian prelate1 ^: diocese 0 ,london1 ,ont>io1 0 /ay+ at ! club4 ,he _h b rec5tly return$ f a visit to ! ,canadian soldi]s at ! front & 0 soon to g to ,rome4 ,i met !re1 also1 ! *apla9-g5]al to ! ,new ,york /ate =ces1 ,monsignor ,james ,n4 ,connolly4 ,he 0 a mo/ lovable man & ,i enjoy$ talk+ to him 9 ! ev5+4 ,he 0 vic>-g5]al to ! ,ca?olic *apla9-bi%op4 ,he gave me 8 address1 ,hotel ,ca/iglione1 ,p>is1 & told me to call on him if ,i ev] visit$ t city4 ,/ay+ at ! club 7 ,iri%1 ,engli%1 ,scot*1 ,am]ican1 ,au/ralian1 ,new ,zeal& & ,canadian prie/s4 ,& ( all ! *apla9s ,i f\nd ! ,am]icans ! f9e/4 ,!y 7 lovable1 fri5dly1 broad-m9d$ m52 "o ne$$ only to be 9 ! room a few seconds till he 0 on speak+ t]ms ) ! ,am]ican prie/4 ,!re 0 a c]ta9 fri5dl9ess ab\t him t 0 irresi/ible4 8,i'm ,fa!r ,:al51 f ,dubuque1 ,fa!r10 or1 8,i'm ,fa!r ,joyce f naval headqu>t]s 9 ,london1 ,fa!r10 or1 8,i'm ,fa!r ,w>+ f ,new ,york ,city1 ,fa!r10 w\ld greet y on meet+ = ! fir/ "t "o ( ^! prie/s4 ,:]eas an ,engli% prie/ w\ld look at y coldly1 & p]haps say 9 a *illy voice3 8,good-ev5+1 ,fa!r40 ,fa!r ,knox came up f ,bram%ott & invit$ me d[n4 ,he said he _h a surprise = me4 ,i wond]$ :at x 04 ,%ortly aft] see+ ,fa!r ,knox ,i receiv$ an invitation to sp5d a few days at ,an?ony ,place1 ,h9dhead1 ,surrey1 ! c\ntry home ( ,agnes & ,eg]ton ,ca/le1 co-au?ors ( _m books4 ,h9dhead 0 only ab\t ?ree miles f ,bram%ott4 ,i _h visit$ ,an?ony ,place :ile !re4 ,i promis$ ,fa!r ,knox to visit ,bram%ott f ,h9dhead4 ,*apt] ,,lxxi ,,p>km9/] ,,aga9 ,fa!r ,knox return$ to ,bram%ott ! foll[+ morn+ & 9 ! aft]noon ,i left = ,p>km9/]4 ,! life at ! front _h be5 "o ( su* excitem5t & turmoil & frequ5t *anges t ,i long$ = quiet & peace4 ,! v day ,i left = ,p>km9/] ,bi%op ,fallon & p>ty left by auto = ,ox=d ,univ]sity4 ,!y _h invit$ me to accompany !m1 b ,i _h already made arrangem5ts to revisit ,p>km9/] & did n wi% to *ange my program4 ,i %all always feel sorry1 h[ev]1 n only t ,i miss$ see+ ,ox=d ,univ]sity1 b also t ,i lo/ ! opportunity ( meet+ a numb] ( prie/s ^: names 7 !n fam\s 9 ! lit]>y _w1 among !m ,fa!rs ,m>t9dale1 ,plat] & ,ricaby4 ,x 0 a beautiful aft]noon :5 ,i walk$ up ! w9d+ drive t l$ to ! gates ( ! mona/]y4 ,?is "t ,i 0 greet$ z an old fri5d4 ,b ! ag$ monk :o _h be5 ,retreat ,ma/] on my =m] visit did n appe> ?is "t4 ,he _h be5 succe$$ by an al]t "y ,engli% prie/ :o1 ,i ?9k1 _h b lately come to ! mona/]y4 ,i miss$ greatly ! de> old prie/ ) :om ,i _h made my =m] retreat4 ,?is "t ,i did n settle d[n to ! deep quiet ( ! mona/]y4 ,! ye> at ! front _h done its "w too well1 & ,i n[ exp]i5c$ ! effects ( t t5sion :i* all :o h tak5 "p 9 ! ,_w ,w> "k s well4 ,a /range re/lessness possess$ me1 & ,i felt a di/9ct relief :5 my "t 0 up4 ,b a little surprise 0 await+ me4 ,i 0 told1 :5 ab\t to leave1 t ! prior wi%$ to see me1 & s ,i wait$ 9 ! p>lor till he came4 ,he 0 a v tall man & ,i ?9k _h he foll[$ ! r\t9e ( life t ord9>y mortals foll[ he w\ld h be5 fat4 ,b n[ he 0 slight4 ,he 0 f ,france1 b _h be5 at ,p>km9/] a numb] ( ye>s4 ,he enquir$ ab\t my "w & ,i relat$ "s ( my milit>y exp]i5ces4 ,he took a great int]e/ 9 all ,i told him1 & agre$ ) me t ! w>1 t]rible z x 01 0 br++ _m s\ls back to ,god4 ,:5 ,i told him ( ! procession ( ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t at ,bailleul-aux-,cornailles 8 eyes op5$ wide & he look$ at me /rangely1 s t = a second or two ,i became j a little p]turb$4 8,:]e10 he ask$ quickly1 8did ?is procession take place80 z if he felt he _h n he>d aright4 8,at ,bailleul-aux-,cornailles10 ,i repeat$4 ,!n he sat back 9 8 *air & ! t5se look w5t out ( 8 face & he reg>d$ me smil+ly4 8,:y10 he said1 8t is my own p>i%4 ,x 0 !re ,i 0 born60 ,x 0 n[ my turn to be surpris$1 & ,i am afraid ,i did n pay v mu* att5tion to 8 words z he cont9u$ speak+4 ,i j sat !re quietly wond]+ at ! /range ?+s t take place up & d[n ! ways ( ! _w4 ,*apt] ,,lxxii ,,ano!r ,,surprise ,f ,p>km9/] ,i w5t to ,h9dhead & ,i 0 delight$ ) ! cordial reception giv5 me by ,mr4 & ,mrs4 & ,miss ,ca/le4 ,_! home1 almo/ hidd5 f ! road1 look$ d[n into a valley1 & !n away across a moor t /ret*$ up & ov] a long1 high hill4 ,i 0 n ! only gue/ 9 ! h\se4 ,!re 0 a private *apel up/airs1 & !y _h be5 giv5 ! r>e privilege ( hav+ ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t res]v$ 9 ! little tab]nacle4 ,"h ,i said ,mass ea* morn+ = ! h\sehold1 & ne>ly all w5t to ,holy ,communion4 ,! foll[+ morn+ ,i w5t up to ,bram%ott to see ,fa!r ,knox4 ,he _h n[ a beautiful *apel built ne> ! ,c4 ,w4 ,l4 hut1 "u ! patronage ( ,/4 ,pet] & ,/4 ,paul2 s n[ ! ,ca?olics 7 no long] oblig$ to use ! g>rison *ur* hut4 ,aft] ,i _h talk$ ) him = a :ile1 he told me to g alone to ! hospital1 :i* 0 j a few hundr$ feet away4 ,somebody wi%$ to see me 9 ,w>d #ah1 b$ #bj4 8,y w see :at y w see10 said ,fa!r ,knox enigmatically1 z he foll[$ me to ! door4 ,?is is :at ,i saw aft] ,i _h ent]$ ,w>d #ah & _h walk$ a few /eps d[n ! aisle4 ,a "y fell[ 0 sitt+ up 9 b$ #bj1 8 f+] m>k+ ! place 9 a little black book ) r$ edges1 8 eyes smil+ a fri5dly greet+4 ,b :o 0 he8 ,i approa*$ /ill ne>]4 ,!n ,i recogniz$ him4 ,x 0 ! ,spani% lad :o _h come to ,fa!r ,knox's room ab\t "o ye> & a half be=e to tell him t he _h lo/ ! fai? & 0 no long] a ,ca?olic4 ,he seem$ glad to see me & held my h& aft] he _h %ak5 x4 ,i also 0 v pleas$ to see him1 = ! /ra9$ look t ,i _h notic$ :5 ,i fir/ met him _h gone f 8 eyes1 & in/ead !re 0 a look ( real joy !re4 ,! little book he held 9 8 h& 0 8,! ,imitation ( ,*ri/40 8,x is all "r6 ,x is all "r60 he kept repeat+1 z he smil$ up into my face4 8,i h gone to communion4 ,i h made peace4 ,i am v glad40 ,i1 too1 0 v glad4 ,i _h ?\ght ( him (t5 & _h ask$ o!r prie/s to br+ him back4 ,& "h he 0 n[1 safe 9 8 ,fa!r's h\se6 ,! /ray$ %eep _h come back into ! fold4 ,n = a long "t _h ,i felt s happy6 ,i rememb] n[1 z ,i return$ to ,an?ony ,place t day1 :ile walk+ along a seclud$ "p ( ! way1 twirl+ my cane ar\nd my f+]s z ! drum major does at ! head ( a procession4 ,*apt] ,,lxxiii ,,back ,,to ,,! ,,battalion ,! m5 7 nev] told on com+ back f leave :]e !y might f9d _! battalion2 & :5 ! troops 7 on ! move (t5 a soldi] 0 put to v great inconv5i5ce try+ to rea* 8 unit4 ,i1 h[ev]1 0 9 great good luck1 = j at ! base ( ,m\nt ,/4 ,eloi1 :ile ! tra9 /opp$1 ,i notic$ "s ( ! soldi]s ( ! ,sixte5? /&+ ne> by4 ,i call$ "o ( !m & ask$ ! :]eab\ts ( ! battalion4 8,j ov] "h 9 ,ecoivres1 sir10 he said4 ,i /epp$ out ( ! tra9 & 9 tw5ty m9utes 0 sitt+ 9 ! transport mess talk+ ( my leave4 ,i _h f\nd my fri5ds 9 ,engl& some:at d[nhe>t$1 :i* 0 b natural consid]+ ! great losses ! ,briti% army _h su/a9$ dur+ ! rec5t ,g]man advances4 ,on all sides "o he>d only gloomy =ebod+s z to future attacks4 ,b back aga9 among ! gruesome sc5es ( deva/ation & ru91 ,i 0 /ruck m ?an ev] by ! buoyancy & light-he>t$ness ( ! troops4 ,"h 7 no gloomy =ebod+s1 b on all sides 7 fri5dly faces & ! air 0 m]ry ) s\nds ( :i/l+1 s++1 bugle calls1 practic+ b&s1 & good-natur$ bant]4 ,( "o ?+ ,i felt sure--old 8,major ,gloom0 did n belong to ! ,?ird ,canadian ,brigade6 ,aft] ,i _h talk$ a:ile ) ! qu>t]ma/] & transport (fic]1 my mail 0 br\ght 94 ,x 0 v l>ge1 ! accumulation ( two weeks4 ,x 0 a long :ile be=e ,i _h f9i%$ read+ all ! lett]s4 ,! transport (fic] _h gone outside1 b ! qu>t]ma/] 0 9 ! room adjo9+ ! mess1 f :i* came n[ & !n little explosions ( p>tly suppress$ laught]4 ,& :il/ ,i read my lett]s ,i wond]$ :at 0 ! cause ( ! mir?4 ,9 a little :ile ! qu>t]ma/] came out ( ! room & /opp$ 9 pass+ to ask me if ,i _h ev] read 8,sev5te50 by ,boo? ,t>k+ton4 ,inde$1 ,i _h1 & ,i wond]$ no long] :y s\nds ( laught] _h drift$ out to me4 ,among my lett]s 7 a few edg$ 9 black4 ,"o ( ^!1 heavily cross$ by a blue p5cil1 0 regi/]$1 & :5 ,i op5$ x a t5-doll> bill dropp$ to ! table4 ,i _h be5 accu/om$ to receiv+ _m lett]s edg$ 9 black1 answ]s to ^? ,i _h writt5 to next ( k9 at home1 tell+ !m ( ! dea? ( de> ones1 & h[ !y _h be5 prep>$ to meet ,god4 ,x 0 n (t51 h[ev]1 t !y came regi/]$4 ,b z ,i read ! lett] ,i =got altoge!r t a t5-doll> bill _h dropp$ f x & 0 n[ ly+ on ! table4 ,! lett] 0 f ! wife ( ,capta9 ,waud1 ! "y (fic] :o _h fall5 at ! head ( 8 m5--he :o _h knelt s rev]5tly ) !m to receive ,holy ,communion t day 9 ,new ,plym\? ,cave4 ,x 0 n only a beautiful lett]1 ) a deep note ( ,ca?olic fai? s\nd+ ?r\gh\t x1 b x told me some?+ ( ! "y (fic] t ,i _h n kn[n4 ,he _h n always be5 a ,ca?olic4 ,i le>n$ f ! lett] t he _h be5 w\nd$ previ\sly4 8,y "k1 he did n h to g back to ,france10 wrote ,mrs4 ,waud1 8b duty call$1 s ,i let him g ) z brave a he>t z ,i c\ld1 & br\ght my little son home4 ,i _h pray$ s t my husb& w\ld be sp>$ to me1 b inde$ ,god kn[s be/ & ,he is help+ me n[4 ,ev]y?+ ( t la/ day is com=t+ & v beautiful4 ,& al?\gh ! he>ta*e & long+ w n leave1 ,i feel t ,i h a great deal to be ?ankful =4 ,i am enclos+ a little (f]+ = :atev] lies ne> y\r he>t4 ,x is little & ,i wi% x 7 m4 ,i ?ank y = all y h done = my husb&1 & inde$ ,i w pray = y\r lads4 ,tru/+ t y w rememb] me1 & t ,god w give me ! grace to d my duty z wor?ily z my husb& did 81 ,i am1 gratefully y\rs1 ,ru? ,waud40 ,= a long "t ,i sat !re ?9k+ ( ! lett] ,i held 9 my h&1 & !n ( o!r lett]s t _h come to me f "t to "t4 ,& ,i ?\ght h[ _m wom5 !re mu/ be ov] ! _w be>+ great sorr[s1 b ! eyes ( ! _w 7 n focus$ on ^!6 ,!y 7 on ! battalions t _h m>*$ away to ! w> :ile flags flutt]$ & b&s play$ & p *e]$4 ,!y wat*$ ! pap]s = acc\nts ( great de$s ( arms4 ,b :5ev] ,i read su* lett]s my ?\ghts w\ld g back to ! roads ov] :i* ! soldi]s _h m>*$ s bravely away1 & ,i w\ld see figures lean+ ov] gates1 :ite h&k]*iefs held to eyes t _h /ra9$ d[n ! :ite du/y road ov] :i* _! soldi] sons or husb&s _h m>*$ away4 ,!y w\ld g back into sil5t rooms :]e s _m little ?+s w\ld rem9d !m ( _! m54 ,!n1 z ! days w\ld pass1 to _m w\ld come words to *ill ! he>t & make homes desolate3 8,kill$ 9 ,action40 ,:5ev] ,i wrote to ^! poor mo!rs or wives1 ,i w\ld see a great lonely hill1 on :i* /ood a cross :]eon 0 nail$ a sc\rg$1 ?orn-cr[n$ ,figure ^: eyes re/$ ) great pity on "o :o /ood bel[--! ,mat] ,dolorosa4 ,x 0 on h] fea/1 ! ,fea/ ( ! ,sev5 ,dolors1 t ! bi%op _h decid$ ,i %\ld g to ! w>1 & p]haps x 0 %e :o help$ me to write ! lett]s ( sympa?y t br\ght com=t to s _m sorr[ful he>ts4 ,) ! t5-doll> bill ,i b\ght com=ts = ! m54 ,*apt] ,,lxxiv ,,no ,,man',s ,,l& ,,aga9 ,i 0 billet$ 9 a little hut ) ! billet+ (fic]4 ,x 0 a v t9y hut1 ) two b]?s 9 x1 "o above ! o!r4 ,z ,i 0 on leave :5 ! battalion came to ,ecoivres1 no provision _h be5 made = me1 s ,i 0 oblig$ to %>e ! billet+ (fic]'s hut :i* he s k9dly (f]$4 ,he 0 a g5ial companion1 b he us$ to sit up v late at night puzzl+ ov] a *ess-bo>d4 ,he 0 play+ a game ( *ess ) a p>tn] :o 0 actually resid+ 9 ,engl&1 & e night1 aft] great puzzl+ ov] ! bo>d1 he 0 oblig$ to write ! result ( 8 ef=ts to 8 p>tn] 9 ,engl&4 ,"o ev5+--,i suppose x 0 8 p>tn]'s turn to play & x 0 = ?is reason t 8 *ess-bo>d 0 idle--he took 8 ,bible f 8 table & said1 naively3 8,n[1 ,padre1 ,i won't try to *ange y\r views1 & y won't try to *ange m9e1 b j take y\r ,bible1 & ,i w read c]ta9 passages f m9e1 & y w read ! same passages f y\rs40 ,i c\ld n help smil+1 z ,i rea*$ = my ,bible1 at ! ?\ght ( ! billet+ (fic] n wi%+ to *ange my views1 = ^! words _h j come to my m9d3 8,^u ?is rock ,i w build ,my ,*ur*40 ,i c't recall ! texts he pick$ out & ask$ me to read f my ,bible1 b ,i rememb] t ea* "o seem$ contr>y to ! tea*+s ( ! ,ca?olic ,*ur* on ! subject treat$4 ,z e "o famili> ) ! ,d\ai-,rheims v]sion ( ! ,bible kn[s1 !re are little notes on texts t might be disput$1 giv+ ! true mean+ & also ref]5ce to o!r texts :i* w\ld prove ! tea*+4 ,glanc+ at ! footnote1 ,i w\ld give ! true int]pretation & !n ref] ! amateur exegete to ! o!r texts4 ,9 a little :ile he clos$ 8 ,bible4 8,:y1 ,padre10 he exclaim$1 8y "k ! :ole ,bible by he>t60 8,well10 ,i said mode/ly1 z ,i suppress$ a desire to smile1 8,i don't ?9k ,i "k x by he>t1 b y "k x is my bus9ess to tea* ! tru?s t are 9 x10--b ,i did n m5tion ! foot-notes6 ,! foll[+ morn+ ! billet+ (fic] came hurri$ly into ! room4 8,padre10 he said1 8we are leav+ "h tomorr[ night = ! tr5*es4 ,we're tak+ ov] ! l9e 9 front ( ,mon*y40 ,= j a second or two a peculi> numbness seem$ to spread ?r\gh e n]ve 9 my body3 x 0 no?+ new1 h[ev]1 = ye>s be=e1 :5 a boy at ! public s*ool1 aft] ! tea*] _h op5$ ! draw] 9 h] desk & remov$ a black1 snakelike piece ( lea!r1 & _h said quietly3 8,b5nie ,murdo*1 come up "h10 ?is /range numbness _h come ov] me toge!r ) a slight contraction ( ! muscles ( ! ?roat4 ,b x quickly pass$1 & aft] ,i _h swall[$ once or twice to make sure ( my ?roat1 ,i said ! obvi\s ?+3 8,well1 t means ano!r move60 ,go+ into ! tr5*es 0 n ! only h>d piece ( "w ,i _h to d4 ,a v difficult task 0 be=e me1 ?\gh ,i did n "k x till ,i w5t up to ! mess = lun*4 ,?ree or f\r lett]s 7 ly+ ne> my plate4 ,"o envelope 0 mu* l>g] ?an ! o!rs & bore 9 ! upp] left-h& corn] ! words 8,assembly ,*amb]1 ,/ate ( ,new ,york1 ,albany0 & b5ea?1 0 ! address ( ,joseph ,v4 ,mc,kee1 #hij ,ea/ #agf? ,/41 ,new ,york ,city1 ! bro!r ( "o ( my 8,canadians0 :o 0 an ,am]ican by bir?1 & _h liv$ all 8 life 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,!re 7 _m su*1 9 ! ,?ird ,brigade--,private ,mc,kee 0 9 ! ,fifte5? ,battalion4 ,i knew him well & he 0 "o ( my v be/ ,ca?olics4 ,i op5$ ! lett] & began to read x1 & z ,i did ,i felt t ,i 0 turn+ sick4 ,! lett] conta9$ a reque/ t ,i please notify ,private ,mc,kee t 8 "m _h dep>t$ ?is life4 ,aft] lun* ,i left on foot = ,anz91 = ,i _h le>n$ t ! ,fifte5? ,battalion 0 qu>t]$ !re4 ,x 0 a di/ance ( only ?ree miles1 yet x 0 "o ( ! h>de/ j\rneys ,i ev] made 9 ,france4 ,life at ! front 0 v h>d = ^! lads1 b x 0 always bright5$ by ! hope ( f9ally see+ ! de> ones at home4 ,x _h n be5 v long be=e1 t ,private ,mc,kee _h spok5 to me ( 8 "m4 ,"o ( ! lovelie/ ?+s 9 ?is _w is ! love ( a good man = 8 "m4 ,e /ep 0 br++ me ne>] ! lad1 & ,i s dread$ ! ?\ght ( tell+ him6 ,my head began to pa91 & ,i w5t back 9 memory to ! fir/ "t ,i 0 call$ on to break sorr[ful news4 ,i _h be5 a prie/ j a little ov] a ye> :5 "o night ! telephone bell rang1 & a trembl+ voice told me "o ( my m5 _h be5 kill$ by a fall+ log4 ,!re 7 fifte5 m5 9 ! small railway /ation :]e ! voice 0 com+ f2 !y 7 only ab\t two hundr$ y>ds f ! h\se :]e liv$ ! wid[ ( ! man t 0 kill$1 & ,i 0 six miles away4 ,yet n "o w\ld break ! t]rible news4 ,i 0 implor$ to come4 ,i %all nev] =get t night4 ,a full moon 0 ?r[+ its light ov] all ! :ite l&1 d>k5$ "h & !re by a clump ( gre51 :ite-pat*$ trees1 b ! ?\ght ( :at ,i _h to d _h numb$ me to all s5se ( beauty4 ,& z ,i drove along ev5 ! horse seem$ to feel :at t]rible "w _h to be done1 = once he actually /opp$ 9 ! road & ,i _h difficulty 9 />t+ him2 yet ,i c\ld see no reason = 8 hav+ /opp$4 ,z ,i walk$ along1 dread+ all ! "t :at 0 be=e me1 ,i notic$ t ! soldi]s :o 7 qu>t]$ along ! road wore ! purple pat* ( ! ,fif? ,division4 ,!y 7 artill]ym54 ,!n a sign on a door ( a %ell-torn h\se told me t an ,r4 ,c4 *apla9 dwelt )94 ,i inf]r$ t x 0 ,fa!r ,mc,pherson1 ! ,fif? ,divisional ,artill]y *apla91 "o ( ! holie/ prie/s 9 ,france2 (t5 ,i _h se5 him kneel+ d[n 9 a dug\t or "s poor billet read+ 8 ,brevi>y4 ,i knock$ on ! door & 0 %[n up to ,fa!r ,mc,pherson's room1 & ! sight ( 8 pleasant k9dly face did me good4 ,i told him ( ! task ,i _h to p]=m4 ,he spoke sympa!tically & invit$ me to call 9 on my return & h tea ) him4 ,aft] leav+ ,fa!r ,mc,pherson1 ! ?\ght ( :at ,i _h to d did n weigh s heavily4 ,p]haps x 0 t ! pray]s ( ! good prie/ ,i _h j left foll[$ me4 ,!y told me at ! ,fifte5? ,battalion ord]ly room t ,private ,mc,kee 0 qu>ant9$1--! 8flu0 0 n[ becom+ q preval5t among ! m54 ,i f\nd him sitt+ 9 a bell t5t1 "o ( a gr\p pit*$ 9 a l>ge g>d5 ( a *ateau4 ,i call$ him1 & :5 he came we walk$ up & d[n a long g>d5 pa? "u ! trees :ile ,i broke z g5tly z ,i c\ld ! t]rible news ,i _h = him4 ,he took x well--took x bravely & quietly l ! good soldi] he 01 ) great submission to ! holy w ( ,god1 l ! good ,ca?olic 8 de> "m _h br\ght him up to be4 ,i talk$ ) him a little :ile1 & :5 ,i left ,i ask$ ,our ,lady ( ! ,sev5 ,dolors to /ay ) ! lad & to com=t him4 ,*apt] ,,lxxv ,,no ,,man',s ,,l& ,! foll[+ day we took ov] ! l9e j be=e ,mon*y4 ,! qu>t]ma/]1 transport (fic] & ,i _h a nice little mess at ,b]neville1 ne> ,arras4 ,i 0 billet$ ) ! cur ( ,b]neville & he prov$ a fri5dly old man4 ,8 old si/] 0 h\sekeep] = him4 ,%e 0 v k9d1 & ,george receiv$ _m cups ( hot c(fee4 ,x did n happ5 v (t5 t battalion headqu>t]s 7 9 ! front l9e tr5*2 yet x s happ5$ :5 we 7 at ,mon*y4 ,inde$1 ! fir/ night1 on go+ up to ! tr5*es1 ,i actually walk$ ?r\gh ,no ,man's ,l& 9 ord] to rea* headqu>t]s' dug\t4 ,x 0 a "p ( ! l9e t we _h retak5 f ! ,g]mans1 & = ?is reason ! op5+ ( ! %aft lead+ d[n to ! dug\t fac$ ! ,g]man front in/ead ( our own back area4 ,! second night ,i sp5t 9 ! l9e at ,mon*y ,i 0 awak5$ sudd5ly by a t]rific bomb>dm5t by ! ,g]mans4 ,! dug\t 0 %ak+ f ! concussion ( ! %ells bur/+ on ! gr\nd above u4 ,i _h be5 sleep+ fully dress$ & ) my tr5* coat on2 = al?\gh x 0 ,july x 0 v cold und]gr\nd4 ,my b$ 0 a b]? ( me%$ wire /ret*$ betwe5 r\gh scantl+--no?+ else1 n ev5 a blanket2 my pill[ 0 my hav]sack4 ,:5 ,i awoke ,i 0 trembl+ viol5tly1 ,i 0 n sure :e!r ?r\gh cold or fe>4 ,yet aft] ,i /ood up & walk$ up & d[n a little :ile talk+ to ! (fic]s1 ,i ceas$ to tremble4 ,! ,g]mans 7 putt+ on a box b>rage1 t is1 !y 7 bomb>d+ u 9 su* a way t ! %ells 7 dropp+ beh9d u1 & to our left & "r1 s t we c\ld n retreat & no troops c\ld come to our aid4 ,! only way op5 to approa* u 0 f ! ,g]man tr5*es opposite1 by way ( ,no ,man's ,l&4 ,?is 0 ! way ! ,g]mans w\ld be com+ pres5tly1 ei!r to ord] u up or to ?r[ bombs or tubes ( am5ol d[n to bl[ u into m9ute/ fragm5ts4 ,we talk$ quietly z we wait$ !re at bay2 b we 7 all a little n]v\s4 ,i %all nev] =get ^? m9utes we sp5t !re1 caught l rats 9 a trap4 ,we wait$ & wait$2 ! v atmosph]e ( ! dug\t seem$ heavy & sick5+4 ,!n sudd5ly ! bomb>d+ ceas$4 ,surely1 ,fritz _h n *ang$ 8 m9d2 yet x 0 always "u cov] ( 8 own artill]y fire t he made 8 advances or raids4 ,we became a little *e]ful4 ,f9ally1 aft] half an h\r ( quiet we conclud$ t = "s unkn[n reason ,fritz _h decid$ n to come4 ,!n1 our he>ts fill$ ) relief1 we sat ab\t ! c&le-lit dug\t *att+ l happy boys on _! way home = vacation4 ,! foll[+ morn+1 ) ,god's beautiful sunlight ov] all ! l&1 ,i /epp$ out into ,no ,man's ,l& ) ,colonel ,peck & we took a little walk4 ,beautiful r$ fl[]s resembl+ 9 size & %ape ! sweet pea1 only !y 7 %ort-/emm$ & 9 clu/]s1 grew ne> an old pile ( /ones4 ,x 0 ! fir/ "t ,i _h ev] se5 fl[]s gr[+ 9 8,no ,man's ,l&10 & ,i began to pick a few4 ,! colonel1 h[ev]1 told me to hurry4 ,inde$1 x 0 no place to loit]1 = al?\gh ,no ,man's ,l& 0 v wide "h1 "o c\ld see ! p>apets ( ! ,g]man tr5*es4 ,*apt] ,,lxxvi ,,cambligneul ,"h we came = a week's re/ aft] our turn 9 ! l9e4 ,we little knew !n :at /r5u\s days 7 be=e u1 nor :at t]rible toll 0 to be tak5 ( our ranks be=e we w\ld re/ aga94 ,x 0 a v pretty c\ntryside1 ?\gh n s op5 z ! area we _h occupi$ 9 ,june4 ,x 0 n[ ! end ( ,july1 & al?\gh my troops 7 scatt]$ ov] v wide areas ,i manag$ to d good "w ) ! ,?irte5? & ,f\rte5?4 ,inde$1 "o ev5+ ,i f\nd "o hundr$ & tw5ty-five lads ( ! ,f\rte5? wait+ = me 9 a qua9t little *ur* at a place call$ ,*el]s1 or ,vill]s-,*atel4 ,?is 0 inde$ extraord9>y = an ev5+ dur+ ! week1 :5 !re 0 no h9t ( our soon leav+ = ! front l9e4 ,! ,fifte5? & ,sixte5? _h n be5 hav+ a v good *ance ( late to g to confession4 ,:5ev] ! f\r battalions 7 sep>at$1 ,i always gave ! ,?irte5? & ,f\rte5? ! pref]5ce = ,masses1 z !re 7 m ,ca?olics 9 ei!r "o ( ^! ?an 9 ! ,fifte5? & ,sixte5? toge!r4 ,^! two latt] battalions 7 (t5 oblig$ to att5d ! village ,mass said by ! cur ( ! p>i% 9 :i* !y happ5$ to be4 ,augu/ came1 & ! ri* promise t 0 ov] all ! l& 9 ,june 0 n[ be+ fulfill$3 great br[n /acks ( hay1 l d>k hillocks1 /ood ov] all ! gre5 l&1 & "h & !re 7 l>ge gold5 pat*es ( rye1 weigh$ & b5t l[ ) ! full k]nels1 s t n[ !y 7 n mu* high] ?an my wai/4 ,9 fields & g>d5s 7 l[ biv\acs1 ab\t ?ree feet 9 height1 :]e soldi]s slept at night4 ,cambligneul 0 a v small village & _h no resid5t prie/ b 0 s]v$ f ,cambla9 ,l',abbey1 :i* 0 only ab\t a mile & a half di/ant4 ,i 0 billet$ 9 a f>mh\se n f> f ! *ur*4 ,! old lady ( ! h\se resembl$ v mu* ! wife ( ! capta9 9 ! 8,katz5jamm] ,kids40 ,"o ra9y aft]noon ! old lady made bread1 & z ,i _h nev] se5 bread made 9 ,france1 ,i 0 v int]e/$ 9 ! process4 ,x 0 a diff]5t "o ?an t employ$ 9 c\ntry h\ses at home4 ,! old lady mix$ ! d\gh 9 a l>ge tr\gh-l affair t resembl$ a half-b>rel t _h be5 cut horizontally on a wood-horse4 ,into ?is 0 p\r$ a great quantity ( fl\r & wat] :i* ! capable arms ( 8mamma ,katz5jamm]0 work$ quickly into d\gh4 ,:5 x 0 knead$ suffici5tly1 an iron door 0 op5$ 9 a l>ge brick ov51 & f x a few emb]s 7 quickly drawn4 ,?is "p ( ! process surpris$ me v mu* z ,i did n "k t a wood fire _h actually be5 made 9 ! ov54 ,!n ! old lady took a long-h&l$ flat wood5 %ovel t /ood ne> ! knead$ d\gh1 :i* _h n be5 set to rise1 b _h be5 plac$ on pap] 9 flat wick] baskets4 ,%e pick$ up ea* basket & upset ! d\gh on ! %ovel2 ea* basket conta9$ j en\gh d\gh to cov] ! %ovel & /ill be ab\t two in*es 9 ?ickness4 ,! %ovel 0 pu%$ f> into ! ov5 & !n ) a quick j]k by ! exp]i5c$ h&s ( old ,madame1 0 drawn out empty4 ,:5 all ! d\gh 9 ! baskets _h be5 put 9 ! ov5 ! door 0 clos$ &1 if ,i rememb] rightly1 x 0 two h\rs be=e ! ov5 0 op5$ aga94 ,x 0 ,george :o came to tell me t ,madame 0 go+ to op5 ! ov54 ,i w5t out j 9 "t to see ! old lady pull to ! front ( ! ov51 by means ( a long-h&l$ hook1 ! great flat loaves ( d>k-br[n bread3 !re 7 fifte5 loaves 9 all1 ab\t "o foot & a half 9 diamet] & two in*es deep4 ,x 0 v good bread1 z ,i discov]$ :5 ,i ta/$ "s ! foll[+ day4 ,be=e ! foll[+ ,sunday ord]s came to m>*4 ,fir/ we w5t to ,b]neville1 & on ,saturday1 aft] ,i _h arrang$ = *ur* s]vice = ,sunday1 we 7 mov$ to ,lattre-,/4 ,qu5t94 ,! o!r battalions 7 qu>t]$ 9 ! same area4 ,x 0 late ,saturday night :5 ,i f9i%$ organiz+ = ,sunday2 b ! s]vices 7 n to be4 ,m m>*+ ord]s came4 ,we 7 to leave 9 ! morn+ at five o'clock = ,avesnes-le-,compte1 :]e we 7 to entra91 de/9ation n giv54 ,! h\r _h /ruck2 big ?+s 7 be=e u4 ,*apt] ,,lxxvii ,a ,,new ,,front ,x 0 half-pa/ ?ree ,sunday morn+ :5 ,i awoke4 ,i dress$ quickly1 w5t d[n to ! little *ur* & said ,mass4 ,:5 ,i left ! *ur* ! road 0 fill$ ) soldi]s mov+ 9 diff]5t directions1 c>ry+ mess t9s ( /eam+ porridge1 across ! top ( :i* 0 plac$ "s bread & butt] ) a /rip ( fri$ bacon2 9 ! o!r h& 0 ! cov] ( ! mess t9 fill$ ) hot tea4 ,!y 7 all jok+ & 9 excell5t spirits2 yet be=e ! foll[+ ,sunday-- ,we entra9$ betwe5 eight & n9e o'clock & all day long !re 0 great speculation z to our de/9ation4 ,"s ?\ght t ! division 0 return+ to ! ,ypres sali5t2 o!rs guess$ t we 7 on our way up to ! ,nor? ,sea coa/4 ,lat] 9 ! day x 0 rumor$ t we 7 go+ to ,etaples1 :]e !re 0 to be m drill+4 ,= a:ile x seem$ t we 7 return+ to ! area ab\t ,etaples4 ,b t[>ds ev5+ we knew ! tru?2 we 7 com+ into ! area on ! ,somme4 ,x 0 late 9 ! ev5+ :5 we detra9$1 & to ?is day ,i d n "k ! "n ( ! place4 ,we took supp] & !n began to m>*4 ,we cross$ ! ,somme ,riv] & !n 9 ! d>kness w5t ?r\gh :at seem$ to be a v pretty c\ntry1 "o m wood$ ?an ,i _h yet se5 9 ,france4 ,& z we w5t on & on "u anci5t wide-spread+ trees1 ,i began to wi% x _h be5 daylight1 = surely x mu/ h be5 "s fam\s =e/ ( ,france4 ,!re _h ei!r be5 "s confusion ( ord]s or else our guides did n "k ! way1 = we sp5t ! :ole night m>*+ ov] d>k roads1 ?r\gh quiet villages & d5se =e/s4 ,"o little sc5e /&s out 9 my memory q vividly4 ,we _h be5 m>*+ = a long "t :5 ! ord] came r++ ?r\gh ! d>kness3 8,fall out60 ,! m5 fell out & imm$iately began to sit ar\nd on ! damp e>?2 a f9e mi/ ( ra9 _h be5 fall+ = "s "t4 ,p]mission 0 giv5 to smoke1 & pres5tly hundr$s ( t9y r$ circles gl[$ 9 ! d>kness ( ! =e/4 8,:]e are we n[80 "s "o ask$4 ,( c\rse he 0 bomb>d$ ) replies1 b none ( !m prov$ correct2 inde$1 _m w5t v wide ( ! m>k z !y meant to d1 = !y 7 names ( ,canadian t[ns or c\ntries4 ,pres5tly ,i notic$ ! :ite circle ( light f a fla%-lamp move ov] a field map spread out on ! gr\nd1 & 9 ! relative sil5ce t _h n[ ensu$ ,i li/5$ int5tly1 z ! l[ murmur ( ! voices ( ! (fic]s reg>d+ ! map came to my e>s4 ,!y m5tion$ ! "n ( "s place b ,i did n cat* x2 !n "o (fic] spoke l\d]1 s t ,i he>d q di/9ctly3 8,x's ,pic>dy we are n[ 91 ,pic>dy40 ,he /opp$ speak+1 & f ! opposite side ( ! glade came ! s\nd ( a murmur$ conv]sation4 ,x ceas$1 & 9 ! sil5ce a wond]ful cle> voice began to s+ s(tly1 yet n s l[ b t all c\ld he>1 ! song 8,roses are ,bloom+ 9 ,pic>dy40 ,i _h nev] he>d ! song be=e4 ,x seem$ fitt+ = t "y soldi] to be s++ !re 9 ! damp =e/ :ile 8 companions li/5$ & jo9$ 9 ! *orus4 ,i suppose = _m ( ^? brave "y lads :o sang ! words _h a special significance4 ,we kept m>*+ sl[ly1 & re/+2 five o'clock %[$ on our wri/ wat*es4 ,!n we came to our halt+-place4 ,x 0 a /range little village to :i* we came4 ,p]haps ,i %\ld n say t x 0 8/range10 = x 0 built l all o!r f>m+ villages ( ,france1 b ! p 7 /range3 !y _h nev] se5 ,canadian soldi]s be=e1 & only r>ely s9ce ! beg9n+ ( ! w> _h !y se5 ! soldi]s ( _! own c\ntry4 ,all ! p turn$ out to see u z if a circus _h come to t[n4 ,! soldi]s 7 treat$ ) v mu* m consid]ation ?an !y _h be5 accu/om$ to1 & ! prices 9 ! village /ores 7 extremely l[4 ,i slept a few h\rs & !n took my bicycle & w5t out to try to f9d ! ,fifte5? ,battalion4 ,i c\ld get no in=mation f ! ord]ly room4 ,ev]y?+ 0 be+ done ) ! utmo/ secrecy2 we might move at any "t4 ,b ,george1 ev]-fai?ful ,george1 told me he _h se5 ! ,fifte5? transport (fic] go+ to a little village said to be only ?ree miles di/ant4 ,i />t$1 b f\nd progress v difficult once ,i _h left ! village4 ,! g5tle mi/ ( ra9 t _h be5 fall+ ?r\gh ! night _h increas$ t[>ds morn+ & caus$ ! wet1 oily clay to adh]e to ! tires ( my bicycle2 sometimes ! :eels skidd$1 & sometimes ,i 0 oblig$ to dism\nt & remove ! clay t clung s t5aci\sly to ! =k above ! front :eel4 ,once ,i saw a numb] ( ! ,?irte5? go+ t[>ds a village on my "r4 ,aft] ,i _h pass$ !m ,i became worri$4 ,i 0 n sure ( f9d+ ! ,fifte5? b ,i felt t ,i c\ld rea* ! billets ( ! ,?irte5? by foll[+ ! lads ,i _h j se54 ,i cont9u$ a little f>!r on my way1 /ill ?9k+ ( ! ,?irte5?4 ,i dism\nt$1 turn$1 & began to ride 9 ! direction ! ,?irte5? soldi]s _h gone4 ,i _h n gone f>1 h[ev]1 :5 ,i began to ?9k t aft] all ! ,fifte5? _h mu* great] ne$ ( my s]vices ?an ! ,?irte5?2 = all ,i knew !n1 we might be 9 ! l9e t v night4 ,i /opp$ aga9 9 ! road & /ood by my bicycle4 ,nev] 9 my life _h ,i felt su* indecision1 b x 0 s]i\s "w ,i _h to d--p]haps by tomorr[ _m ( ! lads w\ld be kill$4 ,& "h 0 ,i /&+ 9 ! road almo/ 9 a panic--do+ no?+6 ,i n[ began to pray to ! ,little ,fl[]4 ,i _h nev] pray$ to h] be=e2 ! ,bless$ ,virg9 _h always look$ aft] all my wants4 ,i rem\nt$ & pres5tly ,i 0 go+ d[n a long hill v swiftly1 f9d+ great difficulty 9 manag+ my :eel4 ,j :5 ,i 0 half-way d[n ,i met a runn] ( ! ,sixte5?4 ,he _h pass$ me be=e ,i c\ld /op1 s ,i turn$ my head a little to call to him4 ,! next ?+ ,i knew ,i _h %ot completely ov] my ma*9e & 0 on my h&s & knees on ! road1 a sev]e pa9 9 "o ( my knees4 ,! runn] turn$ quickly1 a look ( conc]n 9 8 eyes2 b ,i _h twi/$ my face into a smile & 8 face bright5$4 ,he po9t$ out a clump ( trees on ! opposite hill & told me ,i w\ld f9d ! ,fifte5? !re4 ,i did1 & gave "s ( !m ,communion4 ,*apt] ,,lxxviii ,,boves ,i return$ to ! ,sixte5? & succe$$ 9 giv+ ,holy ,communion to a few soldi]s1 among :om 0 ! solicitor :om ,i _h baptiz$ at ,mon*y ,breton4 ,b ,i 0 by no means pleas$ ) my day's "w1 = ,i _h n gott5 all ! ,ca?olics 9 ea* battalion4 ,at six o'clock we left ?is area1 & t[>ds morn+1 aft] m>*+ cont9u\sly1 7 met by a long l9e ( busses t br\ght u ?r\gh ! city ( ,ami5s to )9 ?ree or f\r miles ( ,boves4 ,we m>*$ = ne>ly two h\rs & ab\t t5 o'clock came into ! city ( ,boves1 f :i* all ! inhabitants _h gone4 ,i 0 v tir$ & hungry1 b ,i _h n brok5 my fa/1 = ,i wi%$ to say ,mass1 if ,i c\ld f9d "t1 9 ord] t ,i might (f] x = ! success ( my "w among ! soldi]s4 ,i easily f\nd ! *ur* ( ,boves1 & j z ,i ent]$1 met a *apla9 ( ! ,fr5* army com+ out4 ,i salut$ & told him :o ,i 04 ,he 0 a fri5dly prie/ & _h "o ( ! k9de/ faces ,i h ev] se54 ,we talk$ = a little :ile1 !n1 z !re 0 no p>i% prie/ at ,boves1 he came back to ! sacri/y to %[ me :]e to f9d ?+s4 ,!n he s]v$ my ,mass4 ,i _h lun* 9 ! mess ( ! ,fr5* *apla91 aft] :i* ,i w5t out into ! highways & byways seek+ my m54 ,i _h excell5t news4 ,! :ole ,?ird ,brigade 0 billet$ 9 ! city4 ,?is 0 ! fir/ "t s9ce ,m>* #bh? t ,i c\ld rememb] hav+ all my units toge!r4 ,n cont5t ) ann\nc+ confessions at ! ord]ly rooms ( ! diff]5t battalions1 fe>+ !re might be "s misc>riage ( ord]s & t "s ( ! m5 might n be notifi$1 ,i w5t all ov] ! city visit+ !m4 ,x _h n be5 v long s9ce ! majority _h gone to confession1 yet ,i wi%$ to give e "o an opportunity4 ,i _h le>n$ at brigade headqu>t]s t ! battalions w\ld n g into ! tr5*es till t5 o'clock t night4 ,at five o'clock1 :5 ,i ent]$ ! *ur* ( ,boves1 ,i 0 some:at n]v\s4 ,at ,mass t morn+ ,i _h =gott5 to look 9 ! ciborium to see h[ _m consecrat$ ,ho/s !re 74 ,i w5t /raight to ! alt>1 op5$ ! tab]nacle door1 took out ! ciborium & op5$ x4 ,z ,i fe>$1 !re w\ld n be en\gh ,p>ticles = "o-t5? ! numb] ,i expect$6 ,i clos$ ! door s(tly1 say+ a little pray] z ,i did s1 & walk$ back to ! confessional 9 ! re> ( ! *ur*1 = ! m5 7 beg9n+ to arrive4 ,i _h n rea*$ ! confessional :5 ,i notic$ ! ,fr5* *apla9 com+ into ! *ur*4 ,i w5t to him quietly & made kn[n to him :at ,i _h le>n$ f my visit to ! tab]nacle4 ,he 0 sympa!tic & imm$iately began to ?9k :at we c\ld d4 ,fir/1 he ?\ght ( say+ ,mass1 al?\gh x 0 !n five o'clock 9 ! aft]noon & he _h brok5 8 fa/2 x seem$1 h[ev]1 to ea* ( u t he w\ld be q ju/ifi$ 9 s do+4 ,!n sudd5ly he rememb]$ a conv5t *apel1 ab\t sev5 kilomet]s di/ant1 :]e he felt sure !re w\ld be a ciborium ) a suffici5t numb] ( consecrat$ ,ho/s4 ,he said he w\ld g on horse-back4 ,seldom h ,i felt m grateful ?an ,i did to him t night4 ,i began to he> confessions & ! lads came 9 great numb]s4 ,soon ! light became dim 9 ! great *ur* & lads :o _h come fir/ began to be a little re/less3 !y wond]$ :y ,i did n give !m ,holy ,communion4 ,x 0 n[ becom+ s d>k t ,i c\ld j di/+ui% ! cr[ds ( kneel+ soldi]s4 ,i 0 he>+ confessions v quickly4 ,once a fell[ knock$ on ! confessional door & told me he hop$ ,i w\ld soon give communion1 z he _h "s ?+s to d be=e go+ into ! l9e4 ,he _h n[ be5 wait+ a long "t1 he said4 ,i ask$ him if he c\ld wait a few m9utes long]1 z "t 0 s preci\s & su* cr[ds ( m5 7 com+ t ,i did n wi% to leave my confessional = a m9ute4 ,i 0 pray+ betwe5 ! draw+ ( slides = ! appe>ance ( ! ,fr5* *apla94 ,no soldi] _h yet left ! *ur*1 yet ,i fe>$ !y might4 ,!n away up 9 ! sanctu>y ,i notic$ a little flame fla% out 9 ! d>kness & !n move quickly to "o side ( ! tab]nacle1 :]e x t\*$ ! responsive wick ( a c&le & ano!r gleam ( light %ot up1 !n1 on ! o!r side ( ! tab]nacle1 ! o!r c&le fla%$4 ,z ,i he>d ! sl[ mov+ ( _m feet t[>ds ! alt>-rail1 ,i ?ank$ ,god4 ,= a long :ile ! prie/1 aft] plac+ two light$ c&les on ! sanctu>y rail+1 mov$ up & d[n betwe5 !m disp5s+ ! ,bread ( ! ,/rong to ^? ,canadian soldi]s4 ,:5 all :o 7 ready _h receiv$1 he put ! ciborium 9 ! tab]nacle & knelt to pray till ,i _h prep>$ m lads = him4 ,i did n move f my confessional till aft] t5 o'clock1 & x 0 aft] ?is h\r be=e ,i left1 = /ill m5 came4 ,!y 7 n[ com+ fully equipp$ = battle1 hop+ to cat* up ) _! companions1 :o mu/ h already left4 ,:5 ! la/ man _h be5 %riv51 ! *apla9 came d[n to h a little talk ) me4 ,i 0 almo/ ov]come z ,i ?ank$ him = :at he _h done1 = ,i 0 n[ beg9n+ to be v tir$4 8,well10 he said1 ) a beam+ face1 8are y happy8 ,are y happy80 8,happy80 ,i repeat$4 8,inde$1 ,i am1 = wond]ful ?+s h be5 done tonight = ,god60 ,z ,i walk$ d[n to my billet t night ,i 0 sway+1 z ,i w5t1 f %e] exhau/ion2 ,i tri$ to recall :5 x 0 t ,i _h a night's sleep4 ,x seem$ mon?s1 yet x 0 b a few days4 ,my billet 0 up/airs 9 a h\se t _h n be5 /ruck by enemy fire4 ,george met me at ! door & told me to g to my room1 t he w\ld br+ my d9n]4 ,i /umbl$ up/airs1 = ,i 0 weak ) hung] & fatigue4 ,i sat 9 a *air & 0 almo/ fall+ asleep :5 ,george came 9 ) a l>ge granite plate fill$ ) roa/ beef1 ma%$ potatoes & gre5 peas4 ,he _h kept x hot = me4 ,i pick$ up ! knife & =k & !y seem$ heavy4 ,george began to arrange my b$4 ,new /r5g? came z ,i ate ! excell5t food--we 7 always well f$ be=e a battle2 9 fact1 ! m5 c\ld always =etell a battle by ! quantities ( /rawb]ry jam !y receiv$ two or ?ree days prec$+ action4 ,i _h n f9i%$ ! meat & vegetables :5 ! cook himself came up ) "s /rawb]ry jam1 little cakes & a huge granite mug ( hot cocoa4 ,:5 ,i _h f9i%$ ! cocoa1 ,i c j rememb] ,george say+3 8,hadn't y bett] take (f y\r boots1 sir80 ,& ! next ?+ ,i knew x 0 broad daylight1 & z ,i look$ at my wri/-wat* ! h&s po9t$ to half-pa/ t5 a4 m4 ,i _h slept ab\t t5 & "o-half h\rs4 ,i _h le>n$ ! prec$+ night t ! battle w\ld n beg9 till v e>ly 9 ! morn+ ( ,augu/ #h?4 ,x _h tak51 ,i suppos$1 ! :ole night = ! troops to assemble4 ,v likely !y w\ld sleep or re/ today4 ,!re 0 no ne$ = me to g up till ev5+4 ,i look$ ab\t ! room4 ,! d9n] di%es _h be5 remov$ & s _h my boots1 b ) ! exception ( boots & legg+s ,i 0 completely dress$4 ,x did n take me v long to put on my boots & %ave1 yet x 0 twelve o'clock :5 ,i came out ( ! *ur* ( ,boves aft] ,i _h said ,mass4 ,t ev5+1 ,augu/ #g?1 ,i w5t up to ,g5telles ,wood4 ,*apt] ,,lxxix ,,! ,,battle ,,( ,,ami5s ,x 0 a wond]ful sight t met ! eye z ,george & ,i left ,boves t ev5+ & turn$ our /eps t[>ds ! battle-gr\nd4 ,! artill]y _h assembl$1 & on all sides 7 great guns 9 cutt+s ( embankm5ts or hidd5 9 woods1 or cam\flag$ 9 ! op54 ,at times ! roads 7 block$ ) ! heavy l9es ( traffic1 b z we drew ne>] ! l9e ! movem5t 0 n s great2 yet com+ ?r\gh fields & woods 7 ! huge1 clank+ tanks4 ,!re mu/ h be5 at lea/ "o hundr$ ( !m c>e5+ along up hill & d[n dale4 ,no?+ seem$ to be able to /op _! unwieldly bulk4 ,i le>n$ aft]w>ds t great bomb+ planes _h swoop$ l[ ov] ,fritz's tr5*es1 mak+ a great noise s z to dead5 ! s\nds ( ! assembl+ tanks4 ,i did n sleep at all t night4 ,inde$1 v few slept1 = dur+ ! night ! troops 7 tak+ _! place = ! assault & x 0 n till #b3aj a4 m4 t ! assembly 0 complete4 ,at #d3aj a4 m41 ,augu/ #h?1 a t]rific cra% ( heavy & light guns broke ! sil5ce ( ! dawn on a tw5ty-mile front4 ,i _h nev] be=e be5 9 a great battle & 0 n prep>$ = action on su* a /up5d\s scale4 ,! e>? seem$ to be rock+4 ,! full-leav$ tree-tops ( ,g5telles ,wood beh9d u twi/$ & broke1 z %ells f our back areas %riek$ _! way t[>ds ,fritz's l9e4 ,i /ood = a:ile wait+ = ,fritz's 8come back10 b ! ,g]mans _h be5 s completely surpris$ by ! unexpect$ bomb>dm5t t _! artill]y gave b a v fa9t-he>t$ reply4 ,on see+ ?is we felt t victory 0 assur$4 ,i did n h long to wat* ! tide ( battle1 = pres5tly a long l9e ( /ret*]-be>]s1 _! burd5s rais$ %\ld] high1 told me my "w 0 to beg94 ,all day long ,i walk$ up & d[n among ! w\nd$1 he>+ confessions1 giv+ ,holy ,communion1 ano9t+ ^? mortally w\nd$1 & tak+ messages = de> ones at home4 ,among ! dy+ 7 _m ,g]mans1 & a numb] ( ^! 7 ,ca?olics4 ,i knew only "o s5t5ce 9 ,g]man3 8,s9d sie ,ka?olis*80 8,are y a ,ca?olic80 b x 0 suffici5t1 = ,i und]/ood :5 ! reply 0 8,yes10 or 8,no40 ,:5 a ,g]man w\ld say he 0 a ,ca?olic1 ,i w\ld put on my /ole1 op5 my little ciborium1 hold up ! ,sacr$ ,ho/1 & !n ,i w\ld look at him4 ,always 8 two h&s w\ld fold1 & ,i w\ld wait kneel+ by 8 side till he _h f9i%$ 8 act ( contrition2 !n ,i w\ld give him ,holy ,communion4 ,x 0 a beautiful sight to see ! te>s ( gratitude come into ! eyes ( ^? dy+ ,g]mans aft] !y _h receiv$ _! ,"l2 & aft] ,i _h ano9t$ !m1 inv>iably !y rea*$ out & gripp$ my h& be=e pass+ out4 ,_m lads 7 u%]$ up to ! gates ( heav5 t day4 ,! foll[+ morn+ ,george & ,i w5t up to ,caix4 ,my own brigade 0 n[ out ( ! fight = a :ile1 b ,i 0 foll[+ ) ! ,second ,field ,ambulance4 ,= a long "t we wait$ on ! side ( ! road1 z ! place we int5d$ to hold = an advanc$ dress+ /ation _h n yet be5 tak54 ,ab\t #a3aj p4 m4 ,i /ood on a hill & wat*$ ! m5 ( ! ,fir/ ,brigade come up into action4 ,an ,iri% *apla9 :om ,i _h once met at ,/4 ,mi*ael's ,club 0 rid+ beh9d !m4 ,he told me t he _h j giv5 !m a g5]al absolution4 ,all t aft]noon1 & late into ! ev5+1 ,i work$ ) ! ,second ,field ,ambulance4 ,a great numb] ( w\nd$ pass$ ?r\gh4 ,once "s enemy airplanes swoop$ l[ & dropp$ bombs among/ u1 b !y fail$ to kill any "o4 ,we 7 n[ 9 op5 w>f>e1 & = ! fir/ "t ,i saw ! cavalry 9 action4 ,!y came cant]+ across an op5 field1 _! spe>s1 held at _! sides1 po9t+ heav5w>ds1 ribbons flutt]$ f ! long h&les1 & ! burni%$ po9ts fla%$ 9 ! sunlight4 ,t ev5+ ,i 0 reliev$ by ,fa!r ,lo*>ay & ,i f\nd a small dug\t :]e ,i got a few h\rs ( sleep4 ,*apt] ,,lxxx ,,at ,,! ,,wayside ,e>ly 9 ! morn+ ,george & ,i left to f9d ! ,sixte5? :i* _h pass$ ?r\gh 9 ! ev5+4 ,we anticipat$ "s tr\ble1 = to f9d "o's battalion aft] an attack is n ! easie/ ?+ 9 ! _w4 ,h[ev]1 we saw ! ,sixte5? ,battalion wat] c>t 9 ! great procession t fill$ ! road be=e u1 s1 keep+ our eyes on x1 we slipp$ 9 beh9d a transport wagon & foll[$ along on ! "r side ( ! road4 ,we w5t sl[ly1 & at times halt$ = five & sometimes t5 m9utes4 ,n[ & aga9 "s ( ! horses 9 ! procession1 z we pass$ dead horses on ! side ( ! road1 w\ld beg9 side-/epp+ 9 _! fe>1 & ?is w\ld int]f]e some:at ) ! progress ( ! l9e4 ,we _h be5 walk+ ) _m halts = ov] an h\r1 & ,i rememb] h[ surpris$ ,i 0 t our soldi]s _h advanc$ s f>4 ,all ! m>ks ( ! advance 7 along ! way3 brok5 w>-wagons ( e description1 dead ,g]mans & dead ,canadians1 deep %ell-holes1 %att]$ build+s1 & always 9 ! air m+l$ ) ! du/ t rose f ! busy road 7 ! odors ( gas & sulphur4 ,we _h be5 walk+ on ! "r ( ! procession1 & to ?is day ,i _c say :y ,i decid$ to *ange my place4 ,= no reason t ,i c rememb] ,i /epp$ 9 front ( a team ( mules hit*$ to a g5]al s]vice wagon & cross$ to ! left ( ! road4 ,!n ,i notic$ two soldi]s approa*+ c>ry+ a w\nd$ comrade on a /ret*]4 ,i am c]ta9 t if ,i _h n cross$ to ! left ( ! road ,i w\ld n h notic$ !m4 ,j z ! lads came alongside me !y halt$ & ,i he>d "o say3 8,he a9't dead yet40 ,!n g5tly !y l[]$ _! burd5 to ! road 9 ord] to take a %ort re/4 ,i /epp$ ov] to ! w\nd$ lad & a glance told me t he _h n mu* long] to live4 ,i knelt quickly on "o knee & pull$ out ! little r\nd id5tification disc atta*$ to ! /r+ ar\nd 8 neck4 ,i look$ at x & saw ! lett]s 8,r4 ,c40 ,i rememb] ?r[+ (f my %rapnel helmet 78t9 lid10 ! lads call$ x7 & x rattl$ on ! h>d road1 ?\gh ! noise 0 dead5$ by ! rumble ( ! pass+ traffic4 ,!n ,i spoke to ! lad1 tell+ him ,i 0 a ,ca?olic prie/4 ,f9d+ him consci\s1 ,i told him to make a good act ( contrition = all ! s9s ( 8 pa/ life & t ,i w\ld give him absolution4 ,!n1 z ! great procession w5t lumb]+ by ,i pron\nc$ ! words ( absolution1 & ano9t$ him !re on ! roadside4 ,9 a little :ile he pass$ away peacefully4 ,i copi$ f ! little lea!r disc 8 "n1 numb] & battalion3 ,private ,w4 ,j4 ,daze1 ,no4 #ghhefg1 ,?ird ,canadian ,infantry ,battalion4 ,a few days lat] ,i got 8 "m's address f ! ,?ird ,battalion ord]ly room & wrote h]1 tell+ h[ grace _h come to ! lad4 ,*apt] ,,lxxxi ,,9 ,,an ,,apple ,,or*>d ,we rema9$ on ! ,ami5s front ne>ly ?ree weeks1 & we 7 lucky en\gh n to h mu* ra91 = we 7 9 tr5*es :]e !re 7 no dug\ts4 ,! transport mess 0 9 an apple or*>d1 "o ( ! great old or*>ds ( ,pic>dy :]e 9 days be=e ! w>1 happy peasants pick$ ! apples to make ! gold5 cid]4 ,!re 7 _m troops qu>t]$ 9 ?is or*>d1 z ! trees (f]$ %ade & scre5$ u fairly well f ! ev] baleful eye ( enemy airplanes4 ,yet almo/ e ev5+ we 7 bomb$4 ,we w\ld he> ! signal ( 8 approa* long be=e ! :ir ( 8 motor became audible4 ,we w\ld be sitt+ 9 gr\ps1 sometimes ar\nd little fires ( wood or *>coal1 talk+ 9 l[ voices1 :5 sudd5ly !re w\ld come ?ree %rill bl[s ( a :i/le1 ! k9d us$ by ref]ees ( football mat*es4 ,in/antly wat] w\ld be p\r$ on fires1 or a few %ovelfuls ( e>? w\ld be ?r[n ov] ! bright emb]s1 & !n a hurry+ & scurry+ to tr5*es2 ! s\nds ( laught] & pleasant talk w\ld die away ) ! hiss+ ( ! expir+ fires4 ,!n pr(\nd sil5ce1 save = ! *amp+ ( horses te!r$ at "o end ( ! or*>d "u ! trees4 ,pres5tly f f> up 9 ! sky1 com+ ne>] & ne>]1 w\ld s\nd t peculi> err-rum1 err-rum1 err-rum1 :i* left no unc]ta9ty 9 our m9ds z to ^: airplanes 7 approa*+4 ,sometimes !y w\ld g f> beyond u & we w\ld he> ! t]rific cra% & explosion z _! bombs dropp$ 9 our back areas2 sometimes !y w\ld drop ne> our own l9es & we w\ld lie !re wait+4 ,f a c]ta9 po9t 9 ! or*>d we _h a v good view ( _m ( our obs]vation balloons1 f> 9 our re>4 ,i rememb] "o day1 :ile a gr\p ( u 7 sitt+ talk+1 sudd5ly he>+ f high 9 ! air ne> "o ( our balloons ! quick rat-tat-tat ( ma*9e-gun fire4 ,imm$iately all eyes 7 rais$ 9 "t to see a ,g]man airplane swoop d[n f a bank ( cl\ds p]il\sly ne> our obs]vation balloon4 ,! enemy 0 fir+ f 8 ma*9e-gun1 = e ?ree or f\r seconds we c\ld see ! fla% ( phosphor\s z ! trac] bullet sp$ ?r\gh ! sky4 ,if "o ( ^? t\*$ ! great silk bag ( gas--x did1 & almo/ simultane\sly !re 0 a bur/ ( d>k-r$ flame1 fr+$ ) black1 wav+ out f ! balloon4 ,!re 0 a cry ( con/]nation f _m voices 9 ! or*>d z two figures 7 se5 to jump f ! a]ial c> ( ! balloon4 ,we held our brea?4 ,!n ) a spr+1 "o aft] ! o!r1 ! :ite p>a*utes op5$1 & we brea!d a sigh ( great relief z !y came gracefully to ! e>?4 ,our obs]vation balloons mu/ h be5 do+ excell5t "w1 = aft] ?is ,fritz 0 v busy br++ !m d[n4 ,"o aft]noon ! same airplane actually br\ght d[n1 "o aft] ! o!r1 five balloons4 ,!n1 z x />t$ on its return flight1 x seem$ to be fly+ v l[4 ,imm$iately e ma*9e-gun 9 ! area began fir+ on him4 ,!re mu/ h be5 ?\s&s ( bullets so>+ t[>ds ! spe$+ 'plane2 b x is v difficult to judge1 f ! gr\nd1 di/ances 9 ! air4 ,sudd5ly ! ma*9e /opp$ 9 its c\rse & came spirall+ sl[ly d[nw>ds4 ,a great *e] bur/ f hundr$s ( ?roats & simultane\sly ! ma*9e-guns ceas$ to fire4 ,!re 0 complete sil5ce 9 ! camp z we wat*$ ! fall+ airplane4 ,b we _h reckon$ )\t our ho/2 = sudd5ly x ceas$ to fall1 !n l a l>k %ot gracefully up1 up1 till x rea*$ a safe di/ance4 ,!n ) admirable audacity x loop$ ! loop1 & f9ally w+$ its way t[>ds home4 ,:at did we d1 g5tle read]8 ,= a few seconds1 ov]come ) amazem5t1 we /ood !re gaz+ skyw>ds1 !n f all ov] ! area !re 7 s\nds ( clapp+ h&s z we good-humor$ly applaud$ 8,old ,fritz40 ,*apt] ,,lxxxii ,a ,,/range ,,int]ruption ,e morn+ ,i said ,mass 9 ! "p ( ! tr5* :]e ,i slept1 :i* 0 cov]$ ov]head ) a piece ( cam\flag$ burlap1 spread across pieces ( scantl+4 ,! tr5* 0 s l[ t ,i 0 oblig$ to dig a hole 9 ! gr\nd1 s t ,i c\ld /& upright at my little portable alt>4 ,"o morn+ :ile ,i 0 say+ ,mass1 a little fox-t]ri]1 belong+ to ,george & ! transport cook1 began walk+ on ! burlap above my head4 ,z ! burlap 0 taut1 ! small paws made a k9d ( drumm+ s\nd above me4 ,bo? ,george & ! cook1 al?\gh !y 7 non-,ca?olics1 wi%$ to %[ e respect to ! *apla92 kn[+ ,i 0 say+ ,mass1 !y began to call (f ! dog4 ,! little fell[1 h[ev]1 0 /ubborn & wi%$ to rema9 on ! burlap4 ,i ?9k t ! cook & ,george !n got /icks & tri$ to poke him (f1 = ,i c\ld he> him danc+ up & d[n z ! po9ts ( ! /icks tapp$ ! burlap ro(4 ,x 0 a long "t be=e he 0 captur$1 & x 0 at ! co/ ( s mu* extra noise t ,i ?9k x w\ld h be5 bett] _h !y left him to foll[ 8 own incl9ations--b ! lads' int5tions 7 good4 ,new drafts n[ began com+ to ! battalions to re9=ce ! ranks1 brok5 9 ! ,battle ( ,ami5s4 ,"o aft]noon ! adjutant told me t a draft ( sev5ty m5 _h come & t !y 7 go+ into ! front l9e t night4 ,! s5ior *apla9 ( ! division1 ,canon ,scott1 an ,anglican cl]gyman1 0 go+ to address !m fir/1 aft] :i*1 he said1 if ,i wi%$ ,i might say a few words to !m4 ,i w5t to ! ord]ly room1 :]e ,i le>n$ t ?irte5 out ( ! sev5ty soldi]s 7 ,ca?olics4 ,i wait$ a long "t t ev5+ = ! ,canon to f9i%4 ,:51 at la/1 he _h ceas$ speak+ & _h invit$ ^? :o wi%$ to att5d ! communion s]vice to /ep ov] to ! side ( ! l9es1 ,i spoke to ! m54 ,my talk did n take v long4 ,i fir/ ask$ ! ,ca?olics to fall out4 ,imm$iately1 f diff]5t sections 9 ! ranks1 ?irte5 m5 /epp$ out be=e me4 ,i told !m t z !y 7 go+ into ! front l9e & did n "k :at might be be=e !m1 p]haps !y w\ld wi% to g to ,holy ,communion4 ,i told all :o wi%$ to d s1 to foll[ me d[n into ! tr5* :]e ,i w\ld he> _! confessions & give !m ,holy ,communion4 ,i turn$ & proce$$ t[>ds ! tr5*4 ,?irte5 m5 foll[$ me4 ,t night1 aft] ,i _h wrapp$ myself 9 ! blankets ( my b$-roll1 a lieut5ant1 a middle-ag$ man :o 0 %>+ "p ( ! tr5* ) me1 came d[n to retire = ! ev5+4 ,z he lay smok+ a la/ pipe be=e draw+ ! curta9s ( sleep1 ,i 0 surpris$ to he> him give utt]ance to ?is monologue3 8,self-e/eem6 ,self-e/eem6 ,too mu* self-e/eem4 ,t's :at's ! matt]60 ,i wond]$ to :om he ref]r$1 & aft] wait+ a few seconds to see if he _h any m to say1 ,i ask$ him if he 7 speak+ to me4 8,no1 no1 ,padre10 he exclaim$4 8,i'm ?9k+ ( ^? fell[s ?is ev5+4 ,did y see !m :5 ,canon ,scott invit$ !m out to ! communion8 ,only ab\t half a doz5 w5t1 out ( all ! cr[d4 ,self-e/eem1 self-e/eem--t's x60 8,well10 ,i repli$1 8,i didn't notice4 ,i ask$ my m5--,i _h only ?irte5 9 ! draft--if !y wi%$ to g to ! sacram5ts ( _! *ur*1 & imm$iately ! ?irte5 foll[$ me d[n to ! tr5*40 ,he look$ at me ke5ly & !re 0 n ! slighte/ rancor 9 8 voice z he spoke aga93 8,t's x1 ,padre6 ,t's x6 ,( c\rse y\r m5 w\ld g6 ,t's to be expect$40 ,a k9d ( mus+ note came into 8 voice1 z he cont9u$3 8,:at is ! secret8 ,:at is ! secret8 ,!y don't fe> y4 ,inde$1 !y love y40 ,i told him z cle>ly z ,i c\ld ! secret1 & z he cont9u$ smok+ quietly1 ,i felt h[ truly he _h spok5 ( our ,ca?olic lads4 ,h[ !y lov$ ! prie/1 h[ on battlefield or muddy tr5* _! eyes light$ ) love z ! prie/ drew ne>4 ,no wond] ?irte5 m5 foll[$ me d[n to ! tr5*3 !y knew :at ,i c\ld d = !m4 ,!y knew 9 a few m9utes !y w\ld be fri5ds ) ,*ri/2 t ,he w\ld visit !m1 abide 9 _! s\ls4 ,!y 7 s absorb$ 9 ! sublimity ( :at 0 to take place t no ?\ght ( :at o!rs might say fla%$ across _! m9ds4 ,!re 0 no human respect !re4 ,*apt] ,,lxxxiii ,,boves ,,aga9 ,! fir/ ,sunday on ! ,ami5s front we _h no *ur* p>ade4 ,b ! second ,sunday we manag$ to h "o = ! lads out ( ! tr5*es4 ,we _h ,mass on a wood$ hill t _h be5 heavily %ell$ dur+ ! week by ! ,g]mans1 ?\gh !y left u quiet on ,sunday4 ,!re 0 a huge crippl$ tank on ! hill1 & workm5 7 busy repair+ x4 ,i f\nd a r\gh table plac$ aga9/ ! tank1 & on ! table a portable alt> already set up = ,mass2 gr\p$ ab\t ?is 7 "s m5 f o!r brigades & a few ( my own m51 ) a draft t _h come = ! ,?irte5?4 ,fa!r ,mac,donnell _h j f9i%$ ,mass4 ,he & ,fa!r ,fallon he>d confessions1 & ! workm5 repair$ ! tank1 :ile ,i (f]$ up ! ,holy ,sacrifice = ! m54 ,! foll[+ ,friday ev5+1 aft] a long1 we>y m>*1 we came back into ,boves4 ,x 0 a diff]5t look+ city f ! "o we _h ent]$ almo/ ?ree weeks be=e4 ,on ! outskirts1 high on a hill1 doz5s ( great m>quee t5ts rose 9 ! d>k5+ twilight1 & f a l>ge flag-/aff wav$1 on a :ite backgr\nd1 ! r$ cross3 x 0 "o ( our ,canadian cle>+ /ations t _h mov$ up4 ,we came ar\nd a turn 9 ! road & !re1 /&+ 9 a gr\p1 7 ! nurses1 ord]lies1 & _m pati5ts f ! t5ts on ! hill4 ,!y *e]$ & *e]$ z ! lads m>*$ by & ! nurses flutt]$ _! :ite h&k]*iefs1 :ile ! b& play$ a m]ry m>*4 ,d[n ! /reet ( ! city ! m]ry pip]s pip$ our way1 :ile h\se aft] h\se op5$ its doors wide & ! good ,fr5* p :o _h return$1 :ole families ( !m1 came out & *e]$ u z we pass$ up ! /reet4 ,i _h a f9e billet 9 ! class-room ( a s*ool j next door to ! *ur*2 yet x seem$ some:at /uffy & clos$ 9 aft] hav+ liv$ = almo/ ?ree weeks 9 an apple or*>d4 ,! foll[+ morn+1 aft] ,i came 9 f ,mass1 ,i notic$ ! cook /&+ on ! out] sill ( ! w9d[1 look+ closely at ! grape-v9es :i* grew up ! sides ( ! build+2 _m bun*es ( :ite grapes grew among ! ?ick gre5 leaves4 ,a few m9utes lat]1 z ,i sat d[n to breakfa/1 ,george walk$ 9 ) a great clu/]1 almo/ z l>ge z a p9eapple1 on a di% & plac$ !m ne> my plate4 ,all day long ,i 0 hop+ to h ! opportunity ( hav+ my m5 to confession be=e leav+ ,boves1 = x 0 be+ rumor$ ab\t ! city t we 7 on our way back to ! ,arras front :]e we 7 to take "p 9 o!r big battles4 ,i c\ld n le>n f headqu>t]s at :at "t we 7 to leave1 b ,i surmis$ x w\ld be e>ly ,sunday morn+4 ,i 0 pray+ ! ,bless$ ,virg9 to let me h ! m51 b at sev5 o'clock p4 m4 x seem$ c]ta9 t we 7 to move e>ly 9 ! morn+4 ,at eight o'clock ! qu>t]ma/] came to me1 say+3 8,! move's (f1 ,padre4 ,we don't leave "h till tomorr[ ev5+40 ,i call$ ,george1 & soon he & ,i 7 out organiz+ a *ur* p>ade ( all ! troops 9 ! city4 ,i call$ at ! ,c4 ,c4 ,s4 on ! hill1 ?9k+ !re might be a *apla9 !re :o c\ld help me ) confessions4 ,i le>n$ t !re 0 a ,ca?olic *apla9 atta*$ to ! unit1 b t at pres5t he 0 abs5t on leave4 ,i he>d confessions = ab\t an h\r be=e ,mass1 b z ! "t = ,mass drew ne> x became evid5t t ,i w\ld n be able to he> "o-qu>t] ( ! great ?rong ( khaki-clad lads t fill$ ! *ur*2 all ! pews 7 fill$ & _m 7 /&+4 ,:5 ! h\r = ,mass _h come1 ev5 ! l>ge sanctu>y 0 fill$ ) soldi]s1 "s ( !m we>+ ! blue uni=m ( ,france4 ,i 0 j ab\t to leave ! confessional to say ,mass :5 ,i he>d "s "o knock+ on ! door4 ,i look$ up quickly3 !re /ood ,fa!r ,mac,donnell 9 8 ,scot* uni=m4 ,i 0 s ov]joy$ t ,i /epp$ out quickly & cri$3 8,! ,bless$ ,virg9 s5t y "h60 ,he look$ at me ) 8 %rewd1 k9d eyes1 & !re 0 n ! %ad[ ( a smile 9 !m z he said3 8,nev] m9d1 n[1 :o s5t me "h4 ,:at c ,i d = y80 ,i ask$ him :i* he pref]r$1 to say ,mass or to he> confessions4 ,he said he _h already said ,mass & _h tak5 8 breakfa/4 ,s ,i ask$ him if he w\ld k9dly he> confessions4 ,i walk$ up ! aisle t[>ds ! alt>1 pa/ r[ & r[ ( ^? great-he>t$ ,ca?olic lads1 & z ,i w5t ,i ?ank$ ! ,bless$ ,virg9 = :at %e _h done4 ,b x 0 a little too e>ly3 %e _h n yet f9i%$ answ]+ my pray]s1 = j z ,i ent]$ ! sanctu>y ,i notic$ "o ( ! ,fr5* soldi]s sitt+ on a b5* read+ 8 ,brevi>y4 ,i t\*$ him on ! %\ld] & ask$ him if he 7 a prie/4 ,he 04 ,!n ,i ask$ him if he w\ld he> ! ,fr5* confessions1 = m ?an half ! m5 ( ! ,f\rte5? ,battalion 7 ,fr5*4 ,he clos$ 8 ,brevi>y1 aft] he _h m>k$ ! place ) a color$ ribbon4 ,!n he b[$ & said he w\ld4 ,ab\t two ye>s aft] ! ,armi/ice _h be5 sign$ ,i 0 travell+ 9 ,new ,brunswick :5 a "y man came d[n ! c> to %ake h&s ) me4 ,he _h be5 "o ( ! (fic]s ( ! ,f\rte5? ,battalion assi/+ at ,mass 9 ! *ur* at ,boves t ,sunday4 ,aft] we _h talk$ a little :ile1 he rem>k$3 8,fa!r1 ,i h (t5 ?\ght ( t ,sunday at ,boves4 ,x seem$ to me a beautiful ?+ to see (fic]s ( high rank go+ ov] & kneel+ d[n at ! feet ( "o clad 9 ! uni=m ( a ,fr5* private ( ! ranks to h _! s9s absolv$40 ,j be=e ,mass ,i ann\nc$ t dur+ ! celebration ( ! ,holy ,sacrifice ,fa!r ,mac,donnell w\ld he> confessions 9 ,engli% :ile ! ,fr5* ,fa!r w\ld he> ! ,fr5* confessions1 & t aft] ,mass1 if !re 7 /ill "s :o _h n gone to confession1 ! two prie/s w\ld cont9ue to he> & ,i w\ld help !m4 ,i add$ t confessions w\ld be he>d & communion giv5 aga9 t aft]noon4 ,i said my ,mass sl[ly & prea*$ ab\t tw5ty m9utes4 ,dur+ my s]mon ,i saw some?+ t gratifi$ me v mu*4 ,among ! (fic]s ( "o ( ! battalions 0 "o :om ,i _h nev] se5 at ! sacram5ts4 ,i _h approa*$ him "s "t be=e1 & _h met ! greate/ rebuff ,i _h ev] receiv$ f a ,ca?olic3 he told me q gruffly t he _h no "t = t k9d ( ?+4 ,8 words _h actually /ruck me dumb = a few seconds1 s t ,i walk$ away f him )\t say+ any?+ fur!r4 ,b z ,i prea*$ t ,sunday at ,boves1 look+ out ov] t sea ( rev]5t faces1 ,i saw ! (fic] /& up & walk rev]5tly to ! confessional1 & :5 ,i gave ,holy ,communion ,i saw him at ! rails4 ,z ,i write ^! words !re /&s on ! little table be=e me a t9y pla/] /atue ( ! ,immaculate ,conception4 ,s9ce ,i began writ+ ?is /ory x has be5 always pres5t on ! table4 ,x 0 giv5 to me by a soldi] ( ! ,f\rte5? ,battalion j aft] ! ,battle ( ,ami5s4 ,cut into ! base ( ! /atue is ! "o ^w 8,boves10 & ! d5ts made by ! lett]s are fill$ ) ! r$ clay ( ,france4 ,i w keep ?is /atue always1 = x br+s back memories ( a t[n :]e great ?+s 7 done = ,god among my ,canadian soldi]s1 & ( h] :o br\ght ^! ?+s ab\t4 ,t ev5+1 z ,i ent]$ ! class-room t 0 my billet1 two figures look$ up quickly3 "o 0 ,george1 :o _h a "r to be !re2 ! o!r 0 "o ( ! assi/ants 9 ! vet]9>y section4 ,!re 0 a v /rong odor ( iod(orm 9 ! room4 ,on a b5* betwe5 ! two soldi]s 0 my wa%-bas9 fill$ ) "s solution1 & ! little dog1 :o _h brok5 8 paw1 0 hav+ x wa%$ 9 ! solution4 ,i said no?+4 ,i 0 n ev5 cross1 = ,i knew h[ difficult x 0 to procure a vessel 9 :i* to wa% dogs' brok5 paws4 ,*apt] ,,lxxxiv ,,! ,,battle ,,( ,,arras ,our j\rney 0 unev5tful1 save t we 7 d]ail$ at ,/4 ,paul2 no "o1 h[ev]1 0 kill$4 ,all along our j\rney we spoke ( ! ,battle ( ,ami5s1 8! greate/ isolat$ victory to ! cr$it ( ,canadian arms40 ,x _h tak5 b five days to free ,ami5s & its railway4 ,! alli$ troops engag$ 9 ! battle 7 "o ,am]ican division1 five ,au/ralian divisions1 f\r ,canadian divisions & f\r ,engli% divisions4 ,!re 7 also f\r hundr$ tanks & ?ree ,briti% cavalry divisions4 ,^! troops _h met & r\t$ tw5ty ,g]man divisions1 & tak5 tw5ty-two ?\s& prison]s & ov] f\r hundr$ guns4 ,! l9e 0 advanc$ twelve miles f po9ts held at ! h\r ( attack on ,augu/ #h?4 ,( ^! totals ! ,canadians claim$ t5 ?\s& prison]s1 ne>ly "o hundr$ & sev5ty guns1 "o ?\s& ma*9e-guns1 ov] "o hundr$ tr5* mort>s1 & great quantities ( o!r mat]ials4 ,!y _h fre$ ov] sixty miles ( t]ritory4 ,!y _h be5 ! apex ( ! w$ge t attack$4 ,x 01 inde$1 a great victory6 ,lat]1 ,i read 9 ,h9d5burg's acc\nt ( ! w>1 entitl$ 8,out ( ,my ,life0 7,h>p] ,bro!rs1 ,new ,york71 ! foll[+3 8,i _h no illusions ab\t ! political effects ( our defeat on ,augu/ #h?4 ,our battles f ,july #ae? to ,augu/ #d? c\ld be reg>d$1 bo? abroad & at home1 z ! consequ5ce ( an unsuccessful b bold /roke1 su* z may happ5 9 any w>4 ,on ! o!r h&1 ! failure ( ,augu/ #h? 0 reveal$ to all eyes z ! consequ5ces ( an op5 weakness4 ,to fail 9 an attack 0 a v diff]5t matt] f be+ vanqui%$ on ! def5se4 ,! am\nt ( booty :i* our enemy c\ld publi% to ! _w1 spoke a cle> language4 ,bo? ! public at home & our allies c\ld only li/5 9 great anxiety4 ,all ! m urg5t 0 x t we %\ld keep our pres5ce ( m9d & face ! situation )\t illusions1 b also )\t exagg]at$ pessimism4 8,! milit>y situation _h c]ta9ly become s]i\s4 ,( c\rse ! position on ! "p ( our front :i* _h be5 attack$ c\ld be re/or$1 ! lo/ w> mat]ial made good1 & fre% res]ves br\ght up4 ,b all ?is did n exhau/ ! effects ( our defeat4 ,we c\ld only expect t1 enc\rag$ by 8 great victory1 our enemy w\ld n[ op5 simil> attacks at o!r po9ts40 7,vol4 ,,ii1 pp4 #bag & #bah47 ,?is is j :at we did4 ,on ,augu/ #bf? ! ,second ,canadian ,division _h op5$ ! ,battle ( ,arras &1 z we ha/5$ t[>ds !m1 7 9 ! ?ick ( ! fight4 ,we detra9$ at ,aubigny & 7 tak5 f !re to ,arras 9 busses4 ,dur+ ! night ( ,augu/ #bh? we mov$ up f ! ru9s ( ,arras to relieve ! ,second ,division4 ,we _h be5 wait+ 9 res]ve at ,arras4 ,already ! ,second ,division _h be5 ga9+ victories4 ,be=e ,septemb] #a/ we _h ga9$ a m9or engagem5t or two4 ,on ! morn+ ( ,septemb] #a/ ,i receiv$ ^w t we 7 prep>+ = a great attack2 we 7 to break ! ,droc\rt ,quant l9e4 ,! l9e _h be5 acc\nt$ impregnable1 = ! :ole sy/em 0 ! result ( ye>s ( pati5t toil on ! "p ( ! ,g]mans4 ,9 ! attack1 ! ,canadian ,corps 0 to be ! batt]+ ram ( ! advance4 ,! night ( ,septemb] #a/ 0 v d>k1 & ra9 fell z ! m5 assembl$ = ! attack4 ,z]o h\r 0 to be #e a4 m4 ,capta9 ,%ea1 "o ( ! m$ical (fic]s ( ! ,fir/ ,field ,ambulance1 ) :om ,i 0 go+ to "w ! foll[+ day1 f\nd a squ>e hole 9 ! gr\nd ab\t two feet deep1 & he & ,i roll$ ourselves 9 our blankets & tri$ to sleep4 ,! ,g]mans 7 %ell+ ?is area v h>d & %ells 7 dropp+ all ab\t u1 & ! ra9 ^u u4 ,e little :ile ,i c\ld he> ! doctor1 :o 0 a v dev\t ,ca?olic1 give voice to ! foll[+ soliloquy3 8,?9k ( a prie/ ly+ out 9 ! mud a night l ?is6 ,:at awful times we are liv+ 96 ,i wond] :at 8 p at home w\ld say if !y c\ld see him n[4 ,a prie/ sleep+ 9 a mud-hole60 ,!n1 p]haps1 a %ell w\ld drop v ne> u & ,i c\ld he> him say1 optimi/ically3 8,well1 ! wor/ we c expect is to be buri$ alive60 ,i c\ld n help laugh+ z ! doctor cont9u$4 ,ev]y?+ seem$ s /range to him1 = he _h b lately come to ! front4 ,& ,i _h n[ be5 long en\gh 9 ! army to take ?+s z !y came4 ,at five o'clock a4 m4 ! e>? began to ?und] & rock z ! t]rible b>rage began t 0 to s\nd ! dea?-knell ( ! ,droc\rt ,quant l9e4 ,we wat*$ ! m5 advance1 !n we 7 busy ) ! w\nd$4 ,a great numb] pass$ ?r\gh our h&s1 includ+ "s ,iri% lads f ! ,naval ,division on our "r4 ,x took b an h\r or two = ! ,canadians to break ! ,droc\rt ,quant l9e :i* _h be5 consid]$ impregnable4 ,pass+ ?r\gh ! tr5*es & ov] ! battlefield t day1 ,i m>vell$ at ! sy/em ( deep tr5*es f :i* l$ great dug\ts light$ ) electricity4 ,we enc\nt]$ _m w\nd$ ,g]mans ly+ 9 %ell-holes1 & dispat*$ ,g]man prison]s to br+ !m to ! ,field ,ambulance t _h n[ be5 e/abli%$ ne> ,cagnic\rt4 ,we _h n be5 %ell$ v mu* t day1 b two or ?ree days be=e1 9 "o ( ! m9or engagem5ts1 ! %ell+ _h be5 t]rific4 ,george & ,i _h run ! gauntlet ( %ell-fire kn[n z a 8creep+ b>rage40 ,wall aft] wall ( bur/+ %ells _h swept ov] u1 kill+ ne>ly all our companions4 ,george & two privates & ,i 7 ! only ones out ( f\rte5 :o 7 n casualties4 ,t[>ds ev5+1 z ,i 0 ano9t+ "s ,g]man w\nd$1 "o ( our prison]s1 an (fic]1 /epp$ ov] & began to speak to ! lad to :om ,i 0 adm9i/]+4 ,! (fic] told me 9 ,fr5* t he w\ld int]pret1 z he 0 a ,ca?olic4 ,i ask$ him to try to dispose ! dy+ soldi] = absolution4 ,he did1 & !n help$ me :ile ,i ano9t$ ! lad4 ,:5 ,i 0 ?r\gh ,i ?ank$ ! (fic] = 8 aid & rem>k$ t he seem$ well gr\nd$ 9 8 religion4 ,he smil$ a little at ?is1 z he said3 8,i %\ld be1 = ,i am an orda9$ deacon40 ,i 0 /ill talk+ to ?is "y ecclesia/ic :5 ,i he>d a fri5dly call f a /ret*]1 &1 look+ 9 t direction1 ,i saw x 0 ,lt4 ,maxwell-,scott--he :o _h fir/ s]v$ my ,mass at ,fosse-dix4 ,x seem$ ye>s ago4 ,he 0 w\nd$1 ?\gh n s]i\sly4 ,! foll[+ day ,i wait$1 ) an ,anglican *apla9 f ! ,?ird ,brigade1 till all ! dead 7 br\ght 9 f ! battlefield4 ,among ! (fic]s ( ! ,sixte5? 7 two or ?ree ( my de> fri5ds4 ,"o 0 ! g5tle (fic] :o _h slept 9 my billet at ,c>5cy1 mon?s be=e--! "o :o _h be5 call$ 8,wild ,bill20 ev5 9 dea? !re 0 a g5tle expression on 8 k9d face4 ,we buri$ "o hundr$ & tw5ty-five t day1 & call$ ! place 8,dom9ion ,cemet]y40 ,few & %ort 7 ! pray]s we said1 ,& we spoke n a ^w ( sorr[1 ,b we /eadfa/ly gaz$ on ! face ( ! dead ,& bitt]ly ?\ght ( ! morr[4 ,we rema9$ 9 ?is area till ,septemb] #d?1 & ea* night we 7 bomb$ almo/ cont9u\sly4 ,x 0 t]rible & !re 7 _m casualties4 ,"o c\ld sc>cely c\nt ! airplanes4 ,we c\ld he> !m com+ f a great di/ance & ea* mom5t draw+ ne>] & ne>]4 ,we w\ld lie on ! gr\nd unprotect$--no?+ betwe5 u & ! airplanes b ! ?9 %eets ( our biv\acs4 ,:5 !y w\ld arrive ov] our camp+ gr\nd1 great lights resembl+ arc light w\ld drop sl[ly d[n1 light+ up ! entire area4 ,!n w\ld come 9 quick succession ! awful cra% ( bur/+ bombs4 ,(t5 ,i h gripp$ ! grass beside me ) bo? h&s1 z ,i lay !re wait+ to be bl[n into a ?\s& fragm5ts4 ,!n1 "o fleet ( 'planes hav+ exhau/$ its supply ( bombs !re w\ld be relative sil5ce till ! next 0 he>d approa*+4 ,dur+ ! int]im1 sl[ly1 sil5tly1 & anxi\sly1 our se>*lights swept ! sky1 ! great long %afts ( light cross+ & recross+ ea* o!r4 ,*apt] ,,lxxxv ,,b]neville ,,aga9 8,:5 !y _h a day or two ( good sleep1 regul> meals & re/1 !y seem$ quickly to =get all !y _h suff]$1 ev5 _! m5tal torture4 ,( c\rse1 = ?is purpose ! re/ _h to be real re/1 undi/urb$ by enemy %ells & bombs1 &1 if possible1 some:]e :]e ! ?und] ( ! guns c\ld n be he>d40 ,i quote ^! words f ! second volume ( 8,out ( ,my ,life0 by ,von ,h9d5burg1 = !y apply to all soldi]s4 ,! ,g]mans _h retreat$ to ! opposite bank ( ! ,canal du ,nord1 :]e !y 7 prep>$ to def5d !mselves /\tly4 ,to c>ry a position l ! ,canal du ,nord1 c>eful plans mu/ fir/ be made4 ,our troops 7 tir$1 & !y ne$$ a re/2 !re=e1 on be+ reliev$ we came out to ! areas ab\t ,arras & ! ,sixte5? came to ,b]neville4 8,! op]ations :i* broke ! ,droc\rt ,quant ,l9e clos$ ) ! dep>ture ( ! victors4 ,^! m5 _h accompli%$ great de$s4 ,!y _h won a great moral victory1 :i* _h f>-rea*+ effects4 ,!y _h conqu]$ a tr5* sy/em ( :i* ! _w _h spok5 ) bat$ brea? 9 "o triumphant ru%4 ,_m mat]ial ?+s _h pass$ f ! enemy's possession into !irs4 ,among ^! %\ld be numb]$ eight ?\s& prison]s1 sixty-five guns & f\r hundr$ & sev5ty-five ma*9e-guns4 ,_! l9e 0 only sev5 miles f ,cambrai40 7,f 8,! ,canadians 9 ,france10 by ,capta9 ,h>wood ,/eel--,copp ,cl>k ,co47 ,! above quotation 0 writt5 ( u4 ,s we came out to ,b]neville to re/4 ,^? days ( ,septemb] 7 v pleasant at ,b]neville4 ,roses /ill bloom$ 9 ! g>d5 ( ! old cur1 ) :om ,i 0 aga9 billet$2 grapes 7 pl5tiful all ov] ! c\ntryside4 ,!y grew 9 ! g>d5 ( ! old h\se :]e we _h our mess & (t5 !y 7 s]v$ at our meals4 ,e morn+ :5 ,i came back f breakfa/ to my billet ,i f\nd on ! table a l>ge yell[1 r$-*eek$ pe>4 ,^! little acts ( k9dness ( ! old cur's si/] us$ to affect me almo/ to te>s4 ,i ?9k ! awful /ra9 ( battle 0 beg9n+ to affect u all4 ,i said ,mass e morn+ 9 ! *ur* & a "y fell[ f ! ,fifte5?--:i* 0 also qu>t]$ 9 ,b]neville--us$ to s]ve x4 ,e morn+ he w5t to ,holy ,communion4 ,! old si/] ( ! cur seem$ v mu* int]e/$ 9 ! "y man1 = %e also att5d$ my ,mass & receiv$ ,holy ,communion daily4 ,%e us$ to talk to me ab\t him & say he mu/ be a bro!r f "s religi\s community4 ,s "o morn+ ,i ask$ ! lad 8 "n4 ,he 0 ,james ,diamond1 & 8 home 0 9 ,philadelphia--ano!r ( my ,canadian lads :o hail$ f ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,he 0 n a memb] ( any religi\s community ?\gh he _h two bro!rs :o 7 prie/s4 ,i told ! old lady ?is1 & al?\gh %e 0 some:at disappo9t$ to le>n t ! "y man 0 n a religi\s1 /ill %e 0 delight$ to "k t he _h two bro!rs :o 7 prie/s4 ,i visit$ my battalions e day & we _h confessions e ev5+4 ,! m5 came 9 great numb]s4 ,al?\gh we 7 9 re/1 ! lads knew by ! tra9+ !y 7 und]go+ t ano!r attack 0 imm95t4 ,dur+ ! day ,i (t5 walk$ up & d[n ! old rose g>d5 ( ! cur4 ,x 0 a beautiful old g>d5 ) high /one walls1 aga9/ :i* pe> trees & pea* trees _h be5 tra9$ to gr[ s t ! bran*es spread out aga9/ ! wall4 ,!re 7 roses "h ( almo/ e v>iety4 ,(t51 z ,i walk$ up & d[n ! pa?s ( ! g>d5 read+ my ,brevi>y1 ,i /opp$ & gaz$ = a long "t on ! wond]ful beauty be=e me4 ,soon we w\ld be into ! w> aga96 ,*apt] ,,lxxxvi ,,lett]s ,,( ,,sympa?y ,dur+ ^! days ( re/ ,i devot$ a l>ge portion ( e morn+ to writ+ lett]s ( sympa?y to relatives ( ^? :o _h fall5 9 ! rec5t attacks4 ,i _h _m ( ^! lett]s to write1 & ,i always w5t to "w ) a heavy he>t2 b x 0 always v consol+ to receive ! wond]ful replies t came4 ,i quote f a few t ,i manag$ to keep1 al?\gh ! read] w le>n lat] t ,i lo/ ne>ly all my possessions be=e ! end ( ! campaign4 ,?is "o comes f ,morn+side ,av5ue1 ,new ,york3 ,rev]5d de> ,fa!r3 ,y\r com=t+ lett] has j be5 receiv$4 ,fa!r1 words w\ld be useless to try to express :at relief & consolation y\r message br\ght1 = naturally my he>t a*$1 wond]+ :e!r my poor son _h an opportunity to (f] up 8 rep5tance be=e ,god took him4 ,! cross is inde$ a heavy "o to be>1 b ) ! k conta9$ 9 y\r lett] & ! fact t 8 sacrifice 0 made = s glori\s a cause1 ,i %all reconcile myself to ! w ( ,almighty ,god1 & pray = ! repose ( 8 s\l4 ,my daily pray]s %all inde$ be (f]$ = y1 ,fa!r1 :o br\ght su* happ9ess to my he>t1 & = y\r _m soldi] boys4 ,v s9c]ely y\rs1 ,! next is f ,front5ac ,/reet1 ,montreal3 ,rev]5d & de> ,fa!r3 ,words fail to convey h[ soo?+ 0 ! intellig5ce t previ\s to 8 la/ attack my son _h _h ! happ9ess ( receiv+ our de> ,"l1 & t aft] he _h paid ! 8,supreme ,sacrifice0 he _h "o ( ,god's repres5tatives ne> him4 ,9 life he 0 devot$ to religion1 9 dea? he mu/ assur$ly be happy ) ,god4 ,b to u :o are left x has be5 a cru%+ bl[1 & especially to me1 8 "m1 to :om a k9d] & m dutiful son nev] 0 giv54 ,our ,lady ( ,sorr[s is c]ta9ly ! "o to turn to 9 ?is h\r ( trial1 = %e likewise gave up h] son4 ,s1 l h]1 ,i %all endeavor to c>ry my cross1 b ,i fe> x %all n be c>ri$ s well4 ,& n[1 de> ,fa!r1 all[ me to ext5d to y my mo/ s9c]e ?anks4 ,y w always be rememb]$ 9 ! pray]s ( 8 sorr[+ "m4 ,! next is f ,grims>y1 ,engl&3 ,de> ,fa!r ,murdo*3 ,i %\ld feel ,i 0 neglect+ a great duty if ,i did n write a l9e to ?ank y = y\r k9dness 9 in=m+ u ( my de> bro!r's dea?4 ,r4 ,i4 ,p4 ,x 0 inde$ a great consolation to "k t he receiv$ ,holy ,communion be=e go+ into battle1 also to "k t he 0 buri$ 9 a cemet]y4 ,we %all be ev] grateful to y = y\r k9dness & = y\r pray]s4 ,) e be/ wi% = y\r safety1 ,i am1 ,y\rs s9c]ely1 ,! next is f ,gil=d ,p4 ,o4 ,co4 ,d[n1 ,irel&3 ,de> ,rev4 ,fa!r3 ,x is ) a sad he>t ,i write to ?ank y = y\r consol+ lett] to my "m conc]n+ ! dea? ( my poor bro!r4 ,y\r lett] gives u all /r5g? to be> our heavy burd5 ( sorr[4 ,x is h>d to ?9k t he has really gone f u4 ,b ,god's w be done6 ,we all lift our he>ts 9 ?anksgiv+ to "k t he 0 prep>$ to die4 ,he 0 a good boy1 & 8 y\nge/ si/] w miss him4 ,my "m is 9 great sorr[ at ! loss ( h] only son4 ,%e has _h great tr\ble1 z my fa!r di$ :5 we 7 v "y4 ,b ,god w give h] /r5g? to be> & p]sev]e until we %all all meet nev] to "p4 ,de> ,rev4 ,fa!r1 ,i w close ?is lett] n[ & ,i wi% y to "k t all ( u w nev] =get y 9 our pray]s4 ,& ,i e>ne/ly implore ( ,god to rew>d y = all y h done = my poor bro!r & = u1 & t our ,mo/ ,holy ,"m w int]c$e = y\r safety ?r\gh ?is suff]+ y are endur+4 ,i am go+ to confession & ,communion ,sunday = y\r int5tions4 ,always rememb] t !re are ?ree he>ts rais$ to ,god night & morn+ implor+ ,8 bless+s & m]cy = y4 ,?ank+ y aga91 ,fa!r1 ,i wi% to rema9 y\r grateful fri5d :o w nev] =get y4 ,?is "o f a non-,ca?olic3 ,rev4 ,b4 ,j4 ,murdo*1 ,de> ,sir3 ,i receiv$ y\r v k9d lett] today4 ,?ank y s mu* = writ+4 ,al?\gh ,i am n ( ! ,ca?olic fai?1 ,i "k j h[ mu* he w\ld value y\r s]vices be=e go+ into battle4 ,god s5ds u a cross to be>1 no matt] :at fai? we own4 ,i w rememb] y & ! o!r soldi]s :o are fight+ 9 my pray]s j ! same4 ,i w write & tell 8 fa!r ( y\r k9dness1 & ask him to ?ank y4 ,i =got to say t ,i belong to ! ,*ur* ( ,engl&1 b t does n make any diff]5ce1 = ,god he>s all pray]s4 ,i %all pray = y & y\r boys & tea* our little girl to d ! same4 ,k9dly p>don any mi/akes1 & believe me to rema9 v grateful to y = y\r sympa?y4 ,y\rs s9c]ely1 ,^! are b samples ( lett]s f diff]5t c\ntries t ,i receiv$ dur+ ! campaign4 ,! p seem$ mo/ grateful to me = writ+4 ,true1 ! c5sor prev5t$ me f say+ mu* t ,i %\ld l to h said2 b always ,i 0 free to write :at ,i _h done = ! lads 9 my m9i/ry4 ,sometimes ,i h writt5 _m lett]s at a "t1 & = ?is reason ! message s5t 0 brief4 ,i %all try to give ! read] a sample ( ! simple lett] t evok$ su* grateful replies3 ,de> ,mrs4 ---- ,no d\bt y h already receiv$ f ! ,w> ,(fice ! sad news ( y\r son's dea?4 ,i am writ+ ^! words to let y "k t j be=e ! battle ( ---- ,i gave all ! soldi]s ( 8 unit ,holy ,communion 9 a little %ell-torn *ur* on ! ,we/]n ,front4--,if ,i _h ano9t$ him ,i w\ld add ?is1 & if x 7 ,i :o _h laid him to re/ ,i w\ld say--,i buri$ him 9 a peaceful milit>y cemet]y beh9d ! l9es1 f> f ! s\nd ( ! guns4 ,?is k %\ld give y "s consolation 9 c>ry+ ! heavy cross t ,god has s5t y to be>4 ,i %all rememb] y\r son's s\l 9 ! ,holy ,sacrifice ( ! ,mass1 & ,i %all ask ,our ,lady ( ,sorr[s to pray = y t y may be com=t$4 ,ask+ y to pray = my lads & = me1 ,i am ,y\rs s9c]ely 9 ,*ri/1 ,b4 ,j4 ,murdo*1 ,r4 ,c4 ,*apla9 #af?4 ,c4 ,*apt] ,,lxxxvii ,a ,,little ,,bit ,,( ,,%amrock ,al?\gh ,i _h _m lett]s to write1 ?is did n keep me f hav+ a little enjoym5t4 ,we _h n be5 v long 9 re/ billets :5 x 0 ann\nc$ t ! ,sixte5? ,canadian ,battalion conc]t p>ty 0 to put on soon ! play entitl$ 8,a ,little ,bit ( ,%amrock40 ,?is 0 ! play ! soldi]s 7 practis+ :ile we 7 at ,mon*y ,breton1 & because ( ! fact t "o ( ! *>act]s 0 a prie/ ,i 0 v anxi\s to see ! play4 ,! conc]t p>ty 0 to be ) u ?ree nights1 s ,i hop$ to be able to att5d at lea/ "o p]=mance4 ,! company _h be5 play+ = ! l>ge base hospitals :ile we 7 tak+ "p 9 ! rec5t heavy fight+4 ,i _h met a ,presbyt]ian *apla9 9 ,arras :o told me t he _h se5 ! play & t x 0 "o ( ! f9e/ 9 ,france4 ,!y _h be5 furni%$ ) hundr$s ( doll>s' wor? ( sc5]y & co/umes4 ,s we look$ =w>d ) pleasure to see+ x4 ,i notic$ z ,i work$ among ! m5 t ! re/ 0 do+ !m v mu* good4 ,! village /reets us$ to r+ ) laught] & m]ry jokes1 especially 9 ! ev5+4 ,x 0 wond]ful h[ mu* l boys ^? soldi]s w\ld become1 giv5 a few days' re/4 ,i rememb] "o day1 :ile sitt+ 9 ! mess wait+ = lun* to be s]v$1 li/5+ to an animat$ conv]sation go+ on among a gr\p ( soldi]s1 ( :i* ,george 0 ! dom9at+ _s4 ,george held 9 8 h& a pair ( ,g]man field-glasses :i* evid5tly he wi%$ to b>t] = some?+ "s o!r soldi] _h4 ,! o!r soldi] ?\ght ,george _h plac$ a too high valuation on ! glasses1 & _! voices rose & fell 9 debate4 ,f9ally1 all ! voices 7 sil5t2 !n ! voice ( ,george s\nd$ cle> & di/9ct1 z he said impressively3 8,g5tlem51 ,i tell y1 ^! glasses are s p[]ful t !y w br+ a *ur*1 miles di/ant1 s ne> t y c actually he> ! *ur* bells r++ 9 ! t[]60 ,al?\gh a few d]isive groans greet$ ?is /atem5t1 ! great bur/s ( m]ry laught] t accompani$ !m did my he>t good & %[$ me h[ light-he>t$ 7 ! troops4 ,a day or two foll[+ ! episode ( ! field-glasses1 ,i 0 aga9 sitt+ 9 ! mess wait+ = lun* to be s]v$4 ,! transport (fic] & qu>t]ma/] 7 ) me4 ,sudd5ly ! lieut5ant :o _h be5 billet+ (fic] :5 we 7 at ,ecoivres walk$ 9 & sat d[n4 ,he _h a little bus9ess ) ! qu>t]ma/]1 & z he /at$ x 8 eyes turn$ t[>ds ! table1 :i* 0 set = lun*1 & re/$ long+ly on a di% ( cold bread-pudd+ ) rais9s 9 x4 ,! pudd+ 0 cut 9 pieces resembl+ 9 size & %ape an ord9>y help+ ( ,wa%+ton pie2 !re 7 ?ree slices 9 all4 ,n[1 ,i nev] lik$ bread-pudd+1 n ev5 9 w> "t2 nei!r did ! o!r two (fic]s ( ! mess4 ,s :5 ! billet+ (fic] made kn[n to u 8 weakness = bread-pudd+ we gave him a mo/ press+ invitation to h a piece4 ,he took "o piece1 & z he ate x ) great reli% we c\ld n help smil+4 ,he /opp$ = a second or two & look$ ar\nd on u4 8,my10 he said1 8,i l ?is6 ,our cook nev] ?9ks ( giv+ u any?+ l ?is40 ,!n he cont9u$ e>ne/ly to devote 8 att5tion to ! pudd+4 ,we (f]$ him ano!r piece1 & ) boyi% delight he accept$ x4 ,:5 he _h f9i%$ ?is1 ,i (f]$ him ! rema9+ slice4 ,! o!r two (fic]s 7 n[ laugh+4 8,ah1 ,padre60 he said reproa*fully1 b 8 eye wav]$ & 8 h& )\t any app>5t reluctance rea*$ out & took ! ?ird piece4 ,he /ay$ = a little :ile long]1 & ,i wond]$ if he c\ld be q well aft] eat+ s great a quantity ( su* soggy food4 ,i began1 inde$1 to feel a slight tw+e ( consci5ce4 ,p]haps ,i %\ld n h (f]$ him t la/ ?ick slice ( heavy bread-pudd+4 ,he 0 n[ quiet1 & = a second or two a f>-away look came into 8 eyes4 ,!n1 sudd5ly1 he seem$ to recollect some?+4 ,he /ood up quickly4 8,well10 he said1 8,i ?9k x is ab\t "t = me to be go+ home to lun*40 8,w he be all "r80 ,i ask$ ! o!r (fic]s1 z he disappe>$ on 8 way4 8,sure10 !y bo? said1 & !n ! qu>t]ma/] ,cont9u$3 8,:y1 ,padre1 t's j a little hors d'oeuvres = him1 j a little appetiz]1 j en\gh to conv9ce him t x's "t to take a little sub/antial food40 ,!n1 z we lun*$1 !y told me su* wond]ful /ories ( ?is (fic]'s capacity = food t ,i laugh$ & laugh$ all ?r\gh ! meal4 ,i c\ld n att5d ! play till ! ?ird ev5+2 ,george1 :o _h gone bo? nights1 seem$ v anxi\s t ,i %\ld see x4 ,i _h tea ) ! conc]t p>ty ! aft]noon ( ! ?ird day & 9 ! ev5+ ,i w5t to ! play1 & 0 giv5 a v good seat4 ,i %all nev] =get t play giv5 by ^? spl5did boys on ! ,we/]n ,front4 ,ev5 z ,i write ^! words ! te>s come to my eyes z !y did t night1 b !y are te>s ( joy4 ,x 0 a wond]ful play--wond]ful 9 its pres5tation1 wond]ful1 especially1 9 its beautiful int]pretation ( ! "* ( ! ,ca?olic prie/--bubbl+ ) gaiety & gladness1 & spotless humor4 ,i 0 transport$ ) joy & amazem5t4 ,! curta9 rose1 disclos+ ! libr>y ( an ,iri% prie/'s h\se1 ?r\gh ! op5 w9d[ ( :i* came 9 excell5t h>mony ! s\nd ( male voices s++3 8,o*1 ,fa!r ,o',flynn1 y've a wond]ful way wid y4 ,all ould s9n]s are wi%ful to pray wid y1 ,all ! "y *ildr5 are wild = to play wid y1 ,y've su* a way wid y1 ,fa!r avick6 ,/ill = all y've s g5tle a s\l1 ,gad1 y've y\r flock 9 ! gr&e/ control3 ,*eck+ ! crazy ones1 coax+ unaisy ones1 ,lift+ ! lazy ones on ) ! /ick4 ,"h's a heal? = y1 ,fa!r ,o',flynn1 ,slant & slant & slant ag91 ,p['rfule/ prea*] & t9dire/ tea*] ,& k9dlie/ creature 9 ould ,donegal40 ,z ! la/ s\nds ( ! *orus di$ away1 a "y ,iri% girl1 attir$ 9 typical colle5 fa%ion1 & a boy ( ab\t n9ete5 or tw5ty1 9 knee-bree*es1 ent]$4 ,! colle5 0 a p]fect imp]sonation4 ,! "y man1 :o c>ri$ a gun & an empty game-bag1 _h return$ f ! *ase4 ,he 0 tell+ ,molly h[ _m birds he _h se5 & h[ _m he might h %ot _h x n be5 =--etc41 etc4 ,! m voluble ,%aun became1 ! m ,molly %rugg$ h] %\ld]s4 ,x seem$ ,%aun _h (t5 hunt$ be=e1 & _h (t5 come 8v ne> hitt+ a bird40 ,j z good-natur$ ,%aun 0 becom+ m eloqu5t & ,molly m disda9ful1 a /ately old figure 9 cassock & c9cture walk$ sl[ly into ! room1 c>ry+ 8 brevi>y & biretta4 ,!re 0 a look ( b5ign int]e/ on 8 face z he reg>d$ ,%aun & ,molly4 ,! two greet$ ! prie/ w>mly1 9 true ,iri% fa%ion2 yet ! ?ree actors 7 non-,ca?olics4 ,i am c]ta9 ,i did n foll[ ! plot ( ! play4 ,i 0 too delight$ ) ,fa!r ,o',flynn4 ,he 0 ! ideal prie/1 g5ial1 k9d1 grave4 ,he possess$ all ^? lovable qualities t we ,ca?olics always associate ) ! prie/hood4 ,i 0 really delight$ ) ! imp]sonation ( ! "*4 ,:]e _h he1 ! actor1 acquir$ 8 wond]ful k ( ! prie/hood8 ,if x _h be5 a play t ! lads _h procur$ already writt51 ,i w\ld n h be5 s surpris$2 b !y !mselves _h compos$ x4 ,!re 0 "o sc5e t 0 almo/ uncanny 9 its fai?ful reproduction ( "o ( ! little dialogues t take place (t5 9 ! (fice ( a c\ntry p>i% prie/4 ,old ,mrs4 ,nolan--(f ! /age 8%e0 0 ,private ,m4 ,dawes1 ,no4 #a ,platoon1 ,sixte5? ,battalion1 & 9 civil life an actor :o _h tak5 p>ts ) ! great ,du ,mauri]--_h come to call on ,fa!r ,o',flynn conc]n+ h] husb&1 :o 0 n work+1 & :o = reasons kn[n only to himself _h no incl9ation to "w4 ,%e spoke quietly at fir/1 b gradually1 animat$ by righte\s indignation1 a c]ta9 piquancy & =cefulness color$ h] words4 ,%e _h j begun rightly to d5\nce 8himself0 :5 ,fa!r ,o',flynn1 ) a g5tle rais+ ( "o h& f 8 knee1 :]e x _h re/$ palm d[nw>ds1 said s(tly3 8,!re1 n[1 ,mrs4 ,nolan6 ,!re1 n[6 ,don't m9d1 x w be all "r6 ,x w be all "r4 ,9 a little :ile ,timmy'll be at "w aga940 ,!n ,mrs4 ,nolan1 some:at mollifi$1 w\ld conc$e3 8,yis1 ,fa!r6 ,yis1 ,fa!r6 ,p]haps y're "r1 ,fa!r4 ,indade1 he's n s bad2 if he w\ld /ay away f t ,d9ny ,o',%ea1 he might be bett]4 ,& look1 ,fa!r de>1 ,i w\ldn't be m9d9' :at t ,liz ( 8 w\ld ev] be say+4 ,look "h1 ,fa!r1 if %e'd /ay at home & look aft] h] man & n g galavant9' ov] ! p>i%6 ,look "h1 ,fa!r1 %e's "o ( ! wor/--0 ,!n ) a g5tle smile ,fa!r ,o',flynn w\ld aga9 quiet ! indignant ,mrs4 ,nolan4 ,b %e 0 irrepressible4 ,& z %e cont9u$ h] rapid-fire talk1 ! h\se ro>$ ) laught]1 s t we =got t we 7 9 a build+ on ! ,we/]n ,front into :i* at any m9ute a long-di/ance %ell might fall1 kill+ & w\nd+ half ! p !re4 ,we =got ?is completely z we cont9u$ to enjoy "o ( ! f9e/ plays ev] /ag$ on ! ,we/]n ,front4 ,z ,i look$ on1 laugh+ he>tily1 ano!r emotion began to manife/ itself2 gradually1 z ,i li/5$ to ! dialogue1 ! :ole sett+ be=e me took on a c]ta9 famili>ity3 x 0 a prie/'s room1 my own language 0 be+ spok51 a sc5e 0 be+ enact$ ) :i* e prie/ is famili>4 ,i felt z if ,i saw my ,ca?olic p at home2 !n a k9d ( mi/ seem$ to pass ov] me1 & my eyes fill$ up--yes1 g5tle read]1 ,i 0 lonesome6 ,! old cur & 8 si/] _h wait$ up = me1 to he> ab\t ! play4 ,i _h told !m be=e leav+ t ,i 0 go+ to see a non-,ca?olic take ! "p ( a ,ca?olic prie/1 & !y _h be5 v int]e/$4 ,!y 7 l two *ildr5 9 _! delight :5 ,i came bur/+ 9 on !m ) ! news ( ! play4 ,!y rejoic$ ) me :5 ,i told !m h[ spl5didly ! "p ( ,fa!r ,o',flynn _h be5 tak5 by "o ( ! lads4 ,! old lady seem$ ! m en?usia/ic ( ! two1 until ,i told ! /ory ( ,mrs4 ,nolan1 !n ! cur broke into rippl+ laught]2 b ,madame j smil$ quietly4 ,we talk$ = a long "t t ev5+ = ! ?ree ( u 7 v pleas$4 ,i _h told !m be=e go+ t ,i _h my fe>s le/ ! actor assign$ ! "p ( ! prie/ %\ld n int]pret x accord+ to ! be/ traditions ( ! prie/hood4 ,b n[ !y 7 q reliev$1 & v joyful :5 ,i told !m t ! play w\ld be %[n :]ev] !re 7 ,canadian soldi]s 9 ,france4 ,*apt] ,,lxxxviii ,,left ,,beh9d ,i 0 well satisfi$ ) my "w among ! soldi]s dur+ ^! ev5+s & we 7 all b5efit+ v mu* by our re/4 ,b we did n "k j h[ soon we w\ld be go+ into action4 ,"o ev5+ t[>ds sev5 o'clock1 on com+ back to ,b]neville aft] hav+ att5d$ a meet+ at corps headqu>t]s1 ,i f\nd m5 ( ! ,f\r? ,division walk+ up & d[n ! /reet4 ,i 0 some:at surpris$ at ?is1 = :5 ,i _h left 9 ! morn+ ! village _h be5 occupi$ only by ,fir/ ,division troops4 ,n[ ,i saw no m5 ( ! ,?ird ,brigade4 ,i /opp$ ! fir/ soldi] ,i met & ask$ him :]e 0 ! ,sixte5?4 ,he told me he did n "k1 t ! ,sixte5? _h 8pull$ out0 ab\t f\r o'clock & t ano!r battalion _h 8tak5 ov]0 ^! l9es4 ,i w5t quickly to ! place our mess _h be51 only to f9d o!r (fic]s occupy+ x4 ,!y 7 j ab\t to sit d[n to d9n]1 & invit$ me to rema91 b ,i 0 too eag] to h news ( my troops4 ,?is 0 ! fir/ "t !y _h ev] /ol5 a m>* on me4 ,i op5$ ! gate ( ! old cur's g>d51 hop+ to see ,george /&+ 9 ! twilight some:]e among ! roses2 b !re 0 no khaki-clad figure !re4 ,9 fact1 !re 0 no "o 9 ! g>d52 ev]y?+ 0 v quiet4 ,knock+ on ! door :i* l$ to ! (fice & d9+-room comb9$1 ,i advanc$ into ! lamp-lit room to f9d ! cur & 8 si/] j ab\t to sit d[n to _! ev5+ meal4 ,!y welcom$ me w>mly4 ,x 0 good to see ! k9dly1 beam+ faces ( my old fri5ds2 & z my eyes w&]$ f !m to ! table ,i saw t places _h be5 set = ?ree4 8,come10 said ! old prie/ z he motion$ me to ! seat beside him4 8,come1 y are j 9 "t1 = we 7 ab\t to beg91 fe>+ y w\ld n arrive40 ,i sat d[n quickly1 = ,i did n wi% to delay any long] ^! good p4 ,! memory ( t ev5+ is /ill v vivid2 ! l[1 lamp-lit room1 ) its qua9t engrav+s on ! wall1 ! old-fa%ion$ furniture1 ! spotless :ite l95 clo?1 heavy silv] & ?ick *9a1 ) blue scroll-"w bord]+ ( old *ateaux & ru/ic-bridg$ /reams4 ,a l>ge roll ( co>se ?\gh :olesome br[n bread1 su* z ,i _h se5 old 8,mamma ,katz5jamm]0 make "s "t be=e1 0 on a plate 9 ! middle ( ! table1 & beside ?is 0 a black-h&l$ bread knife2 a huge bottle ( gold5 cid] /ood ne> ! bread4 ,opposite me 0 a wood5 b[l ( salad & a l>ge wood5 =k & spoon4 ,madame br\ght f ! kit*5 a small br[n e>!nw>e cass]ole & plac$ x be=e ,m4 le ,cur4 ,! removal ( ! cov] disclos$ ?ree plump little pigeons4 ,simultane\sly ,m4 le ,cur & ,madame look$ at me4 8,9 y\r honor10 said ! prie/ z bo? b[$1 jok+ly4 ,i rememb]$ h[1 :5 a boy1 ,i _h %ot a few pigeons1 :i* :5 cook$ ,i 0 unable to eat1 because !y 7 s t\gh4 ,b ! pigeons ( old ,madame 7 n t\gh4 ,inde$1 ,i _h nev] eat5 any meat m t5d]4 ,!y _h be5 pot roa/$4 ,x 0 "o ( ! pleasante/ ev5+s ,i _h ev] sp5t 9 re/ billets4 ,z we sat at table !y told me t ! battalion _h left = ! front at f\r o'clock4 ,george _h pack$ my b$-roll1 & _h plac$ x & my portable alt> on ! g5]al s]vice wagon1 leav+ my hav]sack ) articles ,i w\ld ne$ = ! night4 ,he _h left ^w t we w\ld n be go+ into action = a day or two & t ,i w\ld be q safe 9 /ay+ t night 9 ,b]neville4 ,z we sat talk+ 9 ! quiet lamp-lit room1 & ,i realiz$ all t 0 be=e me1 ,i c\ld n help ?9k+ h[ pleasant x w\ld be to live on 9 ?is peaceful old h\se1 f> f ! horrors ( w>1 & prea* to ! quiet peasants1 & tea* !m ! ways ( ,god4 ,b quickly ,i put ?is ?\ght f my m9d4 ,! ,ma/] = :om ,i labor$ _h /]n] "w = me to d4 ,& tomorr[ morn+ e>ly ,i mu/ leave1 to g once m into ,! ,r$ ,v9ey>d4 ,*apt] ,,lxxxix ,,) ,,! ,,f\rte5? ,e>ly ! foll[+ morn+ aft] ,mass ,i said 8au revoir0 to ! old prie/ & 8 si/]1 :o walk$ d[n to ! gate to see me (f4 ,on ! way1 fe>+ x might be ev5+ be=e ,i w\ld f9d my battalion1 ,i b\ght an ord9>y ?ree-ounce t9 ( s>d9es & paid sixty-five c5ts = x2 b ,i nev] ate x4 ,i _h ! great good =tune to meet a lorry1 go+ t[>ds ! front1 :i* br\ght me to )9 a few hundr$ y>ds ( ! ,sixte5? ,battalion1 :i* 0 camp$ 9 a wide gre5 valley4 ,i 0 =tunate 9 f9d+ my unit1 b soon ,i 0 to le>n ( :at 0 ! fir/ ( a s]ies ( mis=tunes4 ,george met me z ,i came along & !re 0 a look 9 8 face t ,i _h nev] se5 !re be=e4 8,i'm sorry1 sir1 b ,i h bad news = y10 he said4 8,y\r b$-roll & all y\r belong+s h be5 burn$40 ,poor ,george turn$ 8 face away4 ,x really hurt him to h to tell any?+ s unpleasant4 8,my portable alt>1 too1 ,george80 ,i que/ion$1 z fe> tugg$ at my he>t4 ,george turn$ t[>ds me1 8 face bright5+4 8,no1 sir4 ,we sav$ t4 ,ev]y?+ 9 ! little *ur* is all "r40 ,george always call$ ! alt> ! 8little *ur*40 ,!n he w5t on to tell me t a fire _h brok5 out1 dur+ ! night1 9 ! corrugat$ iron hut :]e ,i 0 to h slept1 & t :5 x 0 discov]$ x 0 too late to save two b$-rolls2 he _h manag$1 h[ev]1 to br+ out "o b$-roll & my portable alt>4 ,x 0 n[ late 9 ,septemb] & ! ev5+s 7 becom+ q cold4 ,i w\ld miss v mu* my blankets1 cloak & ov]coat1 all ( :i*1 toge!r ) _m o!r articles1 _h be5 burn$4 ,i /ill _h my tr5* coat1 :i* ,i 0 we>+ at ! "t4 8,well1 ,george10 ,i said f9ally1 8x c\ld h be5 a great deal worse4 ,i am v ?ankful t ,i did n lose my tr5* coat40 ,a few ev5+s lat]1 :ile ,i 0 /&+ outside my hut exam9+ a new bicycle t _h come to me f headqu>t]s1 a runn] came up & pass$ me a ,d4 ,r4 ,l4 ,s4 lett]4 ,z ,i read x1 ,i felt my h& tremble4 ,i 0 to report imm$iately to ! ,f\rte5? ,battalion1 :]e ,i 0 n[ atta*$ = qu>t]s & rations2 ,capta9 ! ,rev4 ,g4 ,col?ur/ 0 to ex*ange places ) me4 ,he 0 a ,*ur* ( ,engl& *apla94 ,t ev5+ ,i left1 my he>t fill$ ) regrets2 b a soldi] mu/ obey4 ,i said good-bye to ,george1 al?\gh ,i hop$ to see him (t54 ,he ?ank$ me = ! way ,i _h treat$ him1 ?\gh ,i _h only giv5 him ! consid]ation :i* z a ?or\gh g5tleman he des]v$4 ,i ?ank$ him 9 return = all he _h done = me4 ,twice1 if n (t5]1 dur+ ! rec5t heavy fight+ he _h come ?r\gh a t]rific b>rage ( %ell-fire & gas to guide me to ! transport mess4 ,he _h actually risk$ 8 life :]e he 0 n b\nd to d s4 ,! second 9 comm& ( ! ,f\rte5?1 ,major ,price1 welcom$ me cordially to ! battalion4 ,! colonel 0 !n abs5t4 ,major ,price1 ?\gh a v k9d man ) a mo/ g5tle disposition1 held "o ( ! f9e/ records 9 ! army1 ris+ f a private 9 ! ranks to be colonel ( ! battalion4 ,! (fic]s ( ! ,f\rte5? 7 a f9e lot ( m51 yet !y nev] fill$ ! place 9 my affections t ! (fic]s ( ! ,sixte5? _h won4 ,*apt] ,,xc ,,telegraph ,,hill ,! foll[+ ,sunday ,i said ,mass on ,telegraph ,hill4 ,x 0 a v high elevation & on all sides we c\ld see1 f> bel[1 ! great gre5 valley4 ,i c\nt$ z _m z six light railway tra9s /eam+ _! way f diff]5t po9ts t[>ds ! front4 ,i ?9k we 7 !n ab\t sev5 or eight miles f ! ,canal du ,nord1 :]e ! next big battle 0 to take place4 ,"s ( ! m5 came e>ly & ,i /ood talk+ to !m till all ! soldi]s1 except+ ! ,?irte5? ,battalion1 _h come up4 ,?9k+ t !re mu/ be "s mi/ake 9 ord]s & t !y _h fail$ to receive notice ( *ur* s]vice1 ,i began to say ,mass4 ,i _h a l>ge cr[d ( lads & !y 7 =m$ up v ne> ! alt>2 "s /ood almo/ t\*+ ! alt> 9 ord] to keep ! w9d f ext+ui%+ my c&les4 ,ne>ly all my m5 _h receiv$ ! ,sacram5ts :ile 9 re/1 s ,i gave a g5]al absolution today1 !n all w5t to ,holy ,communion4 ,j z ,i _h giv5 ! la/ m5 ,holy ,communion ! ,?irte5? came up1 _! pipe b& play+ m]rily4 ,!re 0 no?+ left = me to d b say ano!r ,mass = !m4 ,x 0 v gratify+ to notice1 z ,i turn$ to make an ann\ncem5t be=e beg9n+ ! second ,mass1 t _m ( ! m5 :o _h receiv$ ,holy ,communion at ! fir/ ,mass /ill rema9$ kneel+ on ! gr\nd z !y made _! ?anksgiv+4 ,dur+ ! second ,mass a numb] ( ,g]man airplanes tri$ to fly ne> u1 b f d[n 9 ! valley our anti-aircraft guns b>k$ & %ells %riek$ upw>ds1 bur/+ ne> ! 'planes4 ,all ! m5 ( ! ,?irte5?1 aft] a g5]al absolution1 w5t to ,holy ,communion4 ,i came d[n f ,telegraph ,hill t morn+ feel+ t my m5 7 n[ ready1 spiritually1 = battle4 ,*apt] ,,xci ,,canal ,,du ,,nord ,on ! night ( ,septemb] #bf? we mov$ up to ! tr5*es j be=e ! ,canal du ,nord4 ,x 0 a ra9y night & q d>k4 ,we m>*$ a long "t1 = our guides _h lo/ _! way4 ,f9ally1 z we approa*$ ! tr5*es1 ,v]ey lights hiss$ a trail ( light ?r\gh ! sky & z !y broke to desc5d we /ood v /ill4 ,e little :ile ord]s came = u to fall on our faces1 & we lay motionless on ! gr\nd li/5+ to t /range1 sweep+ s\nd ( ma*9e-gun bullets z !y tore _! way ?r\gh ! air j above u4 ,be=e we ent]$ ! tr5*es we _h suppos$ all ! ,g]mans to be on ! opposite bank ( ,canal du ,nord4 ,b we 7 n 9 ! tr5*es v long till we le>n$ t !re 7 ma*9e-gun outpo/s on our own side4 ,inde$1 n =ty-eight y>ds f :]e we /ood 0 a ma*9e-gun ne/4 ,e "t a fla%-light w\ld %[1 or "s "o w\ld speak above a :isp]1 !re w\ld be a rat-tat-tat f almo/ beside u1 & !n a patt]+ ( ma*9e-gun bullets4 ,i li/5$ to ! grim prep>ations t 7 be+ made to surr\nd ! ne/ j z soon z our b>rage w\ld op5 up4 ,at #e3bj a4 m4 two ?und]+ cra%es f an eighte5-p\nd gun broke ! /illness1 !n ! :ole b>rage op5$ up1 ! l ( :i* _h nev] be=e be5 he>d on ! ,we/]n ,front4 ,i quote bel[ f 8,! ,canadians 9 ,france40 8,nev] _h ! _w kn[n any?+ to comp>e ) ! /r5g? & maje/y ( t t]rible artill]y fire4 ,x 0 z if ! pill>s ( ! e>? _h fall5 & ,god _h /ruck ! ,g]mans 9 8 ang]4 ,! gloom beh9d ! advanc+ troops 0 blaz+ ) fire1 & ! gloom 9 front4 ,! night ov]head %riek$ & moan$ & h[l$ ) ! pass+ ( ! %ells1 hurry+--hurry+--hurry+ to keep _! appo9tm5t ) dea?4 ,! ,g]man ma*9e-gunn]s 9 ! ,canal & imm$iately beh9d x 7 bl[n to pieces & ! ,g]man guns 7 ?rottl$ ) _! answ]s to _! lips40 ,we /ood 9 ! tr5*es li/5+ to ! t]rible ro>+ & cra%+ ( ! guns4 ,:5 we spoke we 7 oblig$ to yell 9 ord] to make ourselves he>d4 ,x 0 /ill q d>k1 yet all ab\t u 7 %>p yell[ fla%es ( light f our guns4 ,9 a little :ile ! m5 7 ready to />t ov] ! ,canal4 ,! (fic] 9 comm& look$ at me4 8,com+1 ,padre80 he ask$4 ,i smil$4 ,i 0 n free to g !n4 ,i mu/ /ay ) ! doctor1 to att5d ! w\nd$ t w\ld be br\ght 9 by ! /ret*]-be>]s4 ,lat] ,i 0 to g ) ! field ambulance4 ,%ortly aft] daylight ,i 0 mov+ along ! ,canal look+ = ! ,second ,field ,ambulance1 ) :i* ,i 0 to foll[1 :5 ,i saw com+ up ?r\gh a %[] ( %ell explosions ! "y (fic] :o _h come to see me at ,mon*y ,breton4 ,he 0 look+ = ! ,sixte5? ,battalion4 ,he 0 no long] d[nhe>t$4 ,! light ( battle 0 9 8 cle> blue eye4 ,he %ook h&s ) me & smil$ a bright1 fe>less smile z ! %ells dropp$ ab\t u4 ,he told me he _h be5 s5t up to ! battalion1 :i* 0 sadly 9 ne$ ( (fic]s4 ,z he spoke1 all ab\t u 7 dead m5 & horses4 ,i f\nd ! field ambulance at a cross-roads ne> ,in*y & ,i work$ ) !m till noon4 ,x 0 t]rible "w1 p]=m$ "u great difficulties1 z all morn+ long a con/ant ra9 ( enemy %ells p\r$ ov] ! roads4 ,a great numb] ( w\nd$ pass$ ?r\gh4 ,z ! morn+ advanc$1 ! day became v w>m4 ,i took (f my tr5* coat & began to c>ry x on my arm4 ,i rememb] lay+ x d[n on ! side ( ! road z ,i w5t to m9i/] to a w\nd$ lad4 ,:5 ,i _h f9i%$ my "w & _h wip$ ! blood f my h&s on ! ?ick grass alongside ( ! road1 ,i turn$ to pick up my tr5* coat4 ,x 0 no long] :]e ,i _h put x4 ,i look$ ev]y:]e b ,i c\ld n f9d x4 ,x 0 a v s]viceable coat1 l9$ ) oil$ silk & rubb] & imp]vi\s to ra9 & w9d4 ,n[ ,i _h no coat :atsoev]4 ,my ov]coat & cloak _h be5 burn$1 & n[ my tr5* coat 0 gone6 ,i (t5 smile :5 ,i recall t morn+4 ,i worri$ m at ! "t ov] ! loss ( :at 0 9 ! pockets ?an ,i did ov] ! loss ( ! coat itself4 ,9 "o pocket 0 ! t9 ( s>d9es t ,i _h b\ght a few days be=e4 ,i _h n yet brok5 my fa/ & ,i did n "k :5 ,i might d s4 ,9 ! o!r pocket 0 a 8,baby ,b50 al>m clock3 x 0 v useful sometimes :5 ,i want$ to sleep betwe5 attacks4 ,i nev] f\nd ! coat4 ,i ?9k "s /ret*]-be>]s mu/ h plac$ x on a w\nd$ man ?9k+ x _h be5 left by "s (fic] :o _h be5 w\nd$ or kill$4 ,x 0 n[ ! #bg? ( ,septemb] & ,i 0 n fitt$ out v well to /& ! rigors ( a fall campaign4 ,j be=e ,i left ! ,sixte5? ,i _h be5 giv5 an old wagon cov]1 :i* ,george & ,i _h conv]t$ into a b$-roll1 & ,i _h be5 able to procure two army blankets2 b n[ ,i _h no ov]coat4 ,dur+ a little lull 9 ! aft]noon ,i made my way to headqu>t]s ( ! ,f\rte5?1 :i* 0 9 a dug\t t ! ,g]mans _h left !m4 ,!re ,i _h "s food1 aft] :i* ,i made my way back to ! field ambulance4 ,t night ,i slept on ! opposite side ( ! ,canal du ,nord4 ,we _h ga9$ ano!r great victory & _h captur$ "o ( ! /ronge/ positions t ! enemy /ill held4 ,ne>ly five ?\s& prison]s _h be5 tak5 & ab\t "o hundr$ field-guns1 toge!r ) a great numb] ( ma*9e-guns & l>ge quantities ( /ores4 ,= sev]al days "o battle foll[$ ano!r2 at almo/ e h\r ( ! day "s brigade ( ! ,canadian corps 0 attack+4 ,i foll[$ ) ! field ambulance & ,i 0 kept v busy4 ,*apt] ,,xcii ,,! ,,mo/ ,,t]rible ,,day ,on ,sunday ,i c\ld n h a *ur* p>ade1 b ,i said ,mass 9 a bell t5t ne> ! ,canal du ,nord4 ,t morn+ ,i jo9$ ! ,fir/ ,field ,ambulance 9 a little village n v f> f ,cambrai4 ,i ?9k ! "n ( ! village 0 ,raill5c\rt4 ,z ,i approa*$ its outskirts1 ,i saw t x 0 "u fire4 ,%ell aft] %ell 0 :i/l+ ov] f ! enemy l9es1 bur/+ 9 black cl\ds ( smoke & yell[ cl\ds ( gas t m+l$ ) r$ cl\ds ( du/ ris+ f ! ru9$ brick build+s4 ,no traffic 0 com+ along ! road4 ,i mu/ walk alone into ! village4 ,my w said1 ,g6 yet e n]ve 9 my body seem$ to rebel2 my feet 7 heavy z lead & x seem$ an ef=t = me to lift !m f ! gr\nd4 ,i 0 n[ v tir$ f ! "w ( ! pa/ week4 ,almo/ sick ) fe>1 ,i cont9u$ to advance4 ,x 0 a /range exp]i5ce2 my feet kept go+ heavily =w>ds :ile ! re/ ( me seem$ to be try+ to hold !m back4 ,i felt t t hurt daz$ look :i* ,i _h se5 s (t5 9 ! eyes ( ! m5 0 9 my own eyes4 ,i rememb] go+ d[n ! little /reet ( ! village bewild]$ & almo/ /upefi$ :ile %ells cra%$ into build+s & ! sick5+ fumes ( gas poison$ ! air4 ,!n1 sudd5ly1 ,i saw :at ,i 0 9 se>* (--a little r$ cross on a :ite backgr\nd1 float+ f a w9d[ ( a small h\se4 ,i ent]$ ! y>d2 a ru9$ field-kit*5 lay 9 a lake ( porridge1 & ne>by1 :]e !y _h c>ri$ him to die1 0 ! cook4 ,i f\nd ! cell> fill$ ) w\nd$ m5 ) :om ! doctors 7 v busy4 ,my old fri5d ,capta9 ,o',%ea 0 "h & two o!r ,ca?olic doctors4 ,i /ay$ 9 ! cell> two days4 ,^? 7 horrible h\rs4 ,i c\ld n be reliev$1 z ,fa!r ,o',reilly ( ! ,second ,brigade _h be5 w\nd$ a day or two be=e ,i came to ! cell>4 ,x 0 8 troops :o 7 n[ 9 action4 ,my own 7 back 9 res]ve4 ,:ile ,i work$1 ,canon ,scott1 an ,anglican *apla9 :o _h be5 9 ! w> s9ce ! beg9n+1 0 br\ght 9 w\nd$4 ,x 0 a miracle t we 7 n /ruck4 ,at diff]5t times dur+ ! day ! ,g]mans %ell$ ! little h\se heavily2 _m %ells dropp$ 9 ! g>d5 j outside ! w9d[s ( ! cell>4 ,! nauseat+ fumes f ! gas %ells p5etrat$ into ! cell> & (t5 we work$ ) our gas masks on4 ,at two o'clock ,tuesday morn+ ^w came t my brigade 0 go+ ov] ! top ne> ,haynec\rt4 ,z soon z x 0 daylight1 ,i left to jo9 my troops4 ,i f\nd ! ,second or ,?ird ,field ,ambulance1 :i* 0 cle>+ t day at a cross-road ne> ,cambrai4 ,i c\ld see ! city f :]e we work$4 ,i 0 v busy all day4 ,at times ! ,g]man airplanes swoop$ l[ ov] u & swept our w\nd$ ) _! ma*9e-guns4 ,"o poor fell[ ne> me 0 riddl$ ) bullets & ,i _h j "t en\gh to prep>e him = dea?4 ,t[>ds ?ree o'clock ,i felt some?+ 0 wrong4 ,w\nd$ f ! ,f\rte5? & ,sixte5? 7 no long] com+ 94 ,! m5 ( ! ,fifte5? 7 9 res]ve j beh9d :]e ,i work$4 ,see+ ?is1 ,i />t$ =w>d4 ,! %ell-fire 0 int5se1 b ,i pray$ ! ,bless$ ,virg9 to see me ?r\gh4 ,i met a soldi] f ! ,sixte5? :o %[$ me :]e ! soldi]s 71 b he advis$ me n to g any f>!r4 ,i'm afraid ,i 0 too worri$ ab\t my m5 at ! mom5t to he$ advice ( ?is k9d4 ,i f\nd a numb] ( !m 9 a cutt+ ( a railway1 toge!r ) a lot ( o!r troops4 ,! battle 0 n go+ well2 _m memb]s ( ! ,f\rte5?1 cut (f1 _h be5 tak5 prison]s4 ,! "y (fic] did n "k :]e ! re/ 74 ,i /ay$ ) !m1 cr\*+ 9 little holes 9 ! side ( ! sunk5 road1 & read my ,brevi>y :ile ! clay scatt]$ by bur/+ %ells fell on its op5 pages4 ,pres5tly1 ,i jo9$ a p>ty ( /ret*]-be>]s go+ out ^u ! field4 ,! %ell+ 0 t]rible z we pass$ d[n ! cutt+ ( ! railroad4 ,i 0 n[ gett+ among ma*9e-gunn]s ( ! ,?ird ,division :o _h _! guns set up 9 ! side ( ! cutt+4 ,! /ret*]-be>]s _h no soon] rea*$ ! field1 ?an ! ,g]mans1 see+ !m1 comm5c$ fir+ ) small %ells at po9t-blank range ov] op5 sights4 ,?ree ( ! /ret*]-be>]s w5t d[n1 two ( !m mortally w\nd$4 ,i ran quickly to !m & began to ano9t "o ( !m4 ,! o!r be>]s ran to po9ts ( safety & ,i 0 alone on ! field4 ,^? 7 ! mo/ t]rible m9utes ( my life4 ,i knew ! enemy c\ld see me & 0 fir+ at me = %ells 7 cra%+ all ab\t me4 ,t]rifi$1 ,i cr\*$ flat on my /oma* until ,i f9i%$ ano9t+ ! lad1 :o pass$ away be=e ,i _h done my "w4 ,!n ,i roll$ ov] & lay /ill1 z if ,i 7 dead2 a little lat]1 ,i crawl$ f %ell hole to %ell hole1 (f ! field4 ,:5 ! roll 0 call$ t night sev5ty-"o m5 out ( six hundr$ answ]$4 ,we _h lo/ _m prison]s4 ,i c\ld n f9d my battalion to m>* out ) !m4 ,i _h n eat5 any food all day & x 0 n[ six o'clock4 ,i _h gone ?r\gh ! mo/ t]rible day ( my life1 & ,i 0 utt]ly dispirit$4 ,i _h nev] be=e felt s /rangely4 ,( c\rse1 we _h _h _m engagem5ts dur+ ! pa/ week1 & con/antly ,i _h be5 look+ on m5 mangl$ & brok5 & torn2 &1 besides ,i _h eat5 sc>cely any?+4 ,i seem$ to be mov+ 9 a _w t 0 all upset2 someh[1 sudd5ly1 ev]y?+ _h gone wrong ) ! allies6 ,i bump$ along till f9ally ,i came to ! dug\t t _h be5 occupi$ by ! m$ical (fic] ( ! ,f\rte5?4 ,he _h gone1 b he _h left beh9d a :ite bag1 resembl+ 9 size & %ape an ord9>y pill[-slip1 half fill$ ) sug>4 ,i ?\ght ( tak+ x along ) me1 b ,i left x4 ,z ,i mov$ on daz$ly1 sudd5ly ,i rememb]$ ,i _h se5 ! ,fifte5? back 9 res]ve4 ,i _h come ?r\gh !m 9 ! morn+ on my way up to ! ,f\rte5?4 ,i w\ld g to !m & ask = some?+ to eat4 ,h[ ,i miss$ ,george6 ,george w\ld h _h a breakfa/ = me 9 ! morn+1 & w\ld h f\nd me 9 ! ev5+4 ,headqu>t]s ( ! ,fifte5? 7 9 a cell>1 & a k9d-he>t$ kilt$ laddie guid$ me to ! door4 ,i 0 greet$ v k9dly1 & 9 a little :ile ! wait] plac$ on ! table "s :ite bread & m>g>9e & a plate ( cold beef4 8,i'm sorry10 said ,major ,girv91 ,o4 ,c41 ( ! ,fifte5? ,battalion1 8t we h no sug>1 ,padre40 ,i !n rememb]$ ! bag ( sug> ,i _h se5 9 ! m$ical (fic]'s hut4 ,if ,i _h only br\ght x1 ,i c\ld h giv5 x to ! ,fifte5? ,battalion6 ,i did n m9d ! lack ( sug> 9 ! tea4 ,& ,i 0 n bo!r$ t mo/ ( ! smoke f ! improvis$ fire-place 0 float+ out ov] ! cell> in/ead ( ris+ ?r\gh ! *imney4 ,b ,i began to feel my spirits revive ) ! k9dly talk ( ! (fic]s4 ,!y seem$ pleas$ t ,i _h dropp$ 9 on !m4 ,! ,fifte5? 0 ! "o battalion ( ! brigade t _h no *apla94 ,!y us$ to say jok+ly t !y 7 s good t !y did n ne$ a *apla94 ,i relat$ my exp]i5ces ( ! day to ! (fic]s4 ,!y 7 sympa!tic1 = !y _h _h _m simil> ones4 ,i /ay$ ) !m = an h\r or two till ! ,tw5ty-six? ,battalion came to relieve !m4 ,! (fic] :o took ov] f u 0 an old fri5d1 & "o ( ! v be/ ,ca?olics ( ! old ,"o ,hundr$ & ,?irty-,second ,battalion4 ,i 0 delight$ to see ,capta9 ,b>ry & we talk$ = a long "t 9 ! cell>4 ,*apt] ,,xciii ,,9 ,,res]ve ,dur+ ! night we m>*$ back to ,in*y4 ,v e>ly 9 ! morn+ ,i f\nd ! transport ( ! ,f\rte5? &1 lat] 9 ! day1 ! remnants ( ! battalion4 ,!y 7 9 res]ve1 "s miles f ! fir+ l9e1 yet 9 a v h>d-%ell$ area2 to make matt]s worse1 we 7 9 an ammunition dump1 "o ( ! l>ge/ ,i _h ev] se54 ,x 0 a v poor place to br+ m5 to re/ aft] battle6 ,!re 0 a little ,ca?olic *apel-t5t "h1 simil> to ! "o we _h _h at ,ecurie ,wood4 ,9 ! aft]noon ,i w5t up to ?is & f\nd ,fa!r ,o',sullivan ( ! ,fir/ ,divisional ,eng9e]s 9 *>ge4 ,i slept 9 ! *apel-t5t t night4 ,j be=e ,i retir$1 a numb] ( lads came 9 to see me4 ,! la/ "o 0 a runn] f ! ,f\rte5?4 ,he _h _h a t]rible "t c>ry+ messages to diff]5t companies ( ! battalion 9 ! battle ! previ\s day4 ,he %[$ me 8 tunic1 f :i* a bullet _h torn a /rip across ! *e/4 ,he _h only begun to speak ( 8 n>r[ escape :5 he bur/ out cry+ & imm$iately left ! t5t4 ,fa!r ,o',sullivan 0 sleep+ d[n 9 ! l9es ( ! eng9e]s4 ,! %ell+ 0 t]rible2 beyond description4 ,n f> away :ole tra9-loads ( munitions 7 be+ hit by ,g]man %ells & c> aft] c> 0 explod+ ) a deaf5+ noise4 ,a great _m horses 7 be+ hit1 = !re 7 horse l9es ( ! artill]y ne>by4 ,%ell aft] %ell 0 dropp+ ar\nd my t5t2 b ,i felt too tir$ to move4 ,i rememb] my consci5ce bo!r+ me a little z to :e!r ,i 7 ju/ifi$ 9 rema9+ 9 ! t5t :5 at any m9ute ,i might be bl[n up4 ,aft] a little puzzl+1 ,i decid$ ,i 01 & = ?is reason--p]haps1 9 look+ = a place ( safety1 ,i might be /ruck by "o ( ! %ells4 ,& at any m9ute ,fritz might /op4 ,i said ,mass ! foll[+ morn+1 & no words c express ! consolation x gave me4 ,i _h n said ,mass = five days--n s9ce ! previ\s ,sunday4 ,we rema9$ ano!r night1 b ! %ell+ 0 s int5se t x 0 no fit place = troops to re/ 93 s on ,saturday aft]noon we m>*$ f>!r back4 ,_m m5 :om we ?\ght _h be5 tak5 prison]s f\nd _! way back to ! battalion2 !y _h become sep>at$ f _! companies & _h la9 hidd5 9 %ell-holes till !y c\ld come back 9 safety4 ,z we n[ numb]$ ne>ly ?ree hundr$1 we did n pres5t an unfavorable appe>ance z we m>*$ along4 ,! b& at ! head ( ! column play$ 8,! ,great ,little ,army0 & 8,sons ( ! ,brave0 & _m o!r old favorites2 already ! lads 7 becom+ m *e]ful4 ,*apt] ,,xciv ,,frequ5t ,,moves ,x 0 aft]noon :5 we came into our area1 & x 0 ,saturday4 ,! doctor & ,i _h be5 giv5 a hut almo/ fill$ ) ,g]man high explosives--b>rels ( cordite1 rolls ( gun-cotton & boxes ( am5ol 7 on all sides4 ,!re 0 j room = u to spread two b$-rolls on ! floor4 ,woe unto any "o :o smok$ 9 ?is p[d] magaz9e6 ,! cook-h\se 0 almo/ t\*+ u1 & sp>ks flew f ! %ort /ove-pipe t pi]c$ ! l[ ro(4 ,if a sp>k or two %\ld happ5 to fall on our little room6 ,! doctor became uneasy1 & he>+ t a field ambulance 0 qu>t]$ a few hundr$ feet away he left & f\nd %elt] ) 8 bre?r54 ,dur+ ! aft]noon we receiv$ a draft ( ?ree hundr$ fre% m5 to re9=ce our %att]$ ranks4 ,i wat*$ !m z !y /ood to att5tion & 7 inspect$ by ! colonel4 ,tomorr[ ,i w\ld h !m at ,mass1 = x w\ld be ,sunday4 ,sunday morn+ ! w9d 0 bl[+ a r /iff breeze1 & z ,i 0 to say ,mass out ( doors1 ,i knew x w\ld be impossible to keep my c&les light$ unless ,i %\ld build a w9d%ield--or break-w9d4 ,accord+ly1 at n9e o'clock ,i call$ ! ,engli%man :o _h be5 appo9t$ to look aft] my wants1 & we w5t up to ! field & tri$ to build ! w9d%ield4 ,= ne>ly an h\r we labor$ unsuccessfully ) ! mat]ial we _h at h&4 ,i 0 q disc\rag$ :5 ,i he>d ! pipes ( ! ,?irte5? ,battalion com+ up ! road--& ,i _h no place arrang$ to say ,mass6 ,i look$ ar\nd1 n kn[+ :at to d next1 & !re1 n m ?an a hundr$ y>ds away /ood ! remnants ( ! corn] walls ( a h\se--exactly :at ,i _h be5 try+ to build4 ,! two walls 7 j ab\t five feet high & !re 0 a tr\gh ab\t two feet high & ?ree feet long built into ! corn]4 ,quickly ! ,engli%man & ,i fill$ ?is ) brick & 9 five m9utes my alt> 0 fitt$ up & ready = ,mass4 ,i _h be5 told by ! /aff capta9 ( ! brigade to hurry1 z ! place :]e ,i 0 to say ,mass 0 "u ,g]man obs]vation4 ,i said ,mass v quickly1 disp5s$ ) ! s]mon1 & gave a g5]al absolution to ! m5 z !y knelt on ! gre5 field among piles ( %att]$ masonry4 ,t ev5+ we mov$ back to support tr5*es & ,i 0 n sorry to leave my munition /ore-room4 ,! doctor & ,i 7 giv5 a dug\t to ourselves4 ,z x 0 v cold1 we made a little tr5* heat] out ( an old bean-t91 cutt+ a numb] ( holes 9 ! sides ( x & fill+ x ) pieces ( p>aff9e c&les & torn %r$s ( burlap4 ,:5 we set fire to ?is we _h q a brazi]4 ,headqu>t]s 0 "s di/ance f our tr5* 9 a corrugat$ iron hut1 & z ,fritz 0 %ell+ a balloon headqu>t]s n f> away1 we (t5 _h to run ! gauntlet ( %ell-fire4 ,we rema9$ "h ne>ly a week & x 0 relatively quiet4 ,on ,octob] #i?1 :5 we w5t ov] to lun*1 ! colonel told u t ! ,canadians _h tak5 ,cambrai4 ,! tak+ ( ,cambrai clos$ ! battle ( ,arras-,cambrai1 begun on ,augu/ #bf?1 aft] we _h come back f ,ami5s4 ,f ?is date ! ,canadian ,corps _h advanc$ tw5ty-?ree miles1 fight+ = e y>d ( gr\nd & ov]com+ trem5d\s ob/acles4 ,we _h tak5 ov] eighte5 ?\s& prison]s1 ?ree hundr$ & sev5ty guns & two ?\s& ma*9e-guns4 ,we held ! front l9e = a few days1 !n came out to res]ve1 :]e ! ,pr9ce ( ,wales review$ u4 ,*apt] ,,xcv ,,soma9e ,on ,octob] #ag? ^w 0 br\ght t ! ,g]mans 7 fall+ back4 ,! foll[+ day we cross$ ! ,canal de la ,s5see4 ,cycli/s1 cavalry & motor ma*9e-guns 7 9 imm$iate pursuit ( ! enemy4 ,i %all nev] =get ,saturday1 ,octob] #ai?1 on :i* day ^w 0 br\ght to u by runn]s t !re 0 a ?ickly populat$ city n f> away call$ ,soma9e1 f :i* ! enemy 7 m>*+ out4 ,9 a little :ile we w\ld be m>*+ 94 ,x 0 ev5+ :5 ! draft ,i 0 accompany+ m>*$ into ,soma9e4 ,! b& 0 accompany+ u4 ,x _h be5 sil5t = q a :ile1 z we did n "k b t "s lurk+ ne/ ( ma*9e-gunn]s might be ne> to fire on u4 ,x 0 d>k z we pass$ ! fir/ gr\p ( h\ses ne> ! city4 ,i suppose ! soldi]s 7 wond]+ :y ! b& 0 sil5t1 = x 0 our inv>iable cu/om to play :5 ent]+ a t[n4 ,sudd5ly1 f ! re> ( ! ranks1 a voice calls out 9 ! d>kness3 8,give u ! b&60 ,& !n1 8,good old b&60 says ano!r voice above ! sw++1 grat+ s\nd ( m>*+ feet ov] muddy cobble/ones4 ,!n !re is a great m$ley ( calls1 ( :i* ! motif is 8,b&6 ,b&60 8,give u ! b&60 ,usually :5 ! lads voice _! reque/ = music ! b& always plays4 ,tonight1 h[ev]1 ! lads call long] ?an usual & ! "y (fic] wr9kles 8 br[ a little z he wond]s if x w\ld be wise to give ! ord]4 ,he beg9s to ?9k t ! responsibilities ( a subord9ate (fic] are great4 ,mean:ile1 ! lads keep call+ = ! b&4 ,f9ally1 ! "y (fic] decides to risk x & ^w goes relay$ up to ! b&ma/]3 8,let's h ! b&40 ,! b&ma/] turns slightly 9 ! d>kness & calls out1 8,ov] ,!re40 ,! b&sm5 sw+ _! in/rum5ts into position1 :ile insi/5t dem&s = ! b& /ill come %\t$ f ! re> ( ! ranks4 ,! lads d n yet "k t ord]s to play h be5 giv54 ,! sn>e-drums roll2 ! l>ge drum booms ?ree times1 twice2 !re is a cla% & a clang ( cymbals4 ,a *e] ( satisfaction goes up f ! m>*+ lads4 ,!n cle>ly 9 ! d>kness s\nd ! inspir+ notes ( 8,ov] ,!re40 ,z we m>* d[n ! /reets1 doors fly op5 9 ! h\ses & grateful ,fr5* peasants1 :o h be5 prison]s ( ! ,g]mans = ! la/ f\r ye>s1 come runn+ to ! /reet3 old m5 /&+ by ! wayside &1 hold+ _! hats 9 _! h&s1 b[ _! heads4 ,wom5 pass waffles & cups ( c(fee to ! m51 & little *ildr5 run up & d[n ! pavem5t %\t+ & danc+ 9 _! glee4 ,b no bells r+ f t[]s4 ,^! h be5 tak5 long ago to be melt$ into bullets & made into %ells4 ,we 7 billet$ 9 v com=table qu>t]s 9 ! t[n ( ,soma9e4 ,i call$ on ! old cur & made arrangem5ts = ,mass = my lads ! foll[+ morn+4 ,he ask$ me if ,i c\ld say ,mass at n9e o'clock1 z 8 ,mass 0 to be at t54 ,?is 0 done1 & at t5 o'clock ,i return$ to ! *ur* to be pres5t at ! ,mass ( ! p>i%4 ,! *ur* 0 cr[d$ ) p z ! old prie/1 look+ l ! cur ( ,ars1 ) 8 beautiful :ite hair hang+ d[n to 8 %\ld]s1 came to ! alt>4 ,he 0 naturally r pale1 b today 8 ?9 face 0 flu%$ & 8 cle> blue eyes 7 light$ by excitem5t4 ,i c\ld n keep my eyes f ! /raight old figure t w5t s quickly up into ! pulpit & fac$ 8 p4 8,gratias agamus ,dom9o ,deo no/ro60--8,let u give ?anks to ! ,"l ,our ,god60 ,! words r+ cle>ly out ov] ! *ur*4 ,"o wond]s at ! /r5g? & cle>ness ( ! prie/'s voice4 ,z he cont9ues3 8,?irty ye>s ago1 my de> fri5ds1 :5 ,i receiv$ ! holy oils ( prie/hood ^? words ( gratitude came to my m9d4 ,five ye>s ago1 :5 ,i knelt at ! feet ( our ,sov]eign ,pontiff to receive 8 bless+ on ! occasion ( my silv] jubilee ( prie/hood1 aga9 ,i said ^? words3 #8,gratias agamus ,dom9o ,deo no/ro'--#8,let u give ?anks to ! ,"l our ,god4' ,b today z ,i /& at ! alt> ( ,god1 kn[+ t my p are free1 kn[+ t aft] f\r ye>s ( cont9u$ int]cession ( ! ,sacr$ ,he>t ( ,jesus our pray] has be5 he>d1 my he>t breaks =? 9 gratitude ! l ( :i* ,i h nev] be=e exp]i5c$4 #8,gratias agamus ,dom9o ,deo no/ro'--#8,let u give ?anks to ! ,"l our ,god'60 ,!n ! old prie/ cont9u$ 8 s]mon1 ask+ 8 p if !y did n rememb] h[ he _h told !m nev] to give up2 to keep on pray+2 t surely _! pray]s w\ld be he>d4 ,_m eyes 7 wet :5 he f9i%$ 8 s]mon4 ,! foll[+ day1 we pursu$ ! enemy a few miles1 = he 0 /ill retreat+1 b on ,tuesday we 7 ord]$ back to re/4 ,my brigade 0 9 ,f5a9 & ,soma9e & ,i 0 billet$ ) ! sa9tly old cur4 ,*apt] ,,xcvi ,,! ,,end ,,draws ,,ne> ,e day = ab\t a week troops 7 almo/ cont9u\sly pass+ ?r\gh ,soma9e & all ! heavy guns 7 be+ br\ght up4 ,soon railway communications 7 e/abli%$ & "s ( ! p ( ! city 7 mak+ visits to ,p>is4 ,e ev5+ ,i us$ to sit ) ! cur 9 8 little kit*5 be=e ! fire & tell him /ories ( ! w>4 ,! old prie/ 0 kept v busy2 8 assi/ant1 a "y prie/1 _h be5 tak51 toge!r ) all ! m5 ( milit>y age1 by ! ,g]mans 9 _! retreat4 ,almo/ e day ,i saw ! he>se drawn up be=e 8 *ur* & ,i knew ano!r fun]al cortege 0 soon to pass along ! way4 ,he spoke to me "o ev5+ ( ! frequ5t dea?s1 & !n add$3 8,! p are dy+ ( joy40 ,true1 ! p _h be5 s weak5$ ?r\gh hung] t _m 7 n able to /& ! great joy ( deliv]ance4 ,x 0 pitiful to see ! little boys & girls play+ 9 ! /reet4 ,at fir/ x seem$ to me t !y 7 all too tall = _! ye>s2 !n ,i knew x 0 t !y 7 "u-n\ri%$4 ,a t\*+ incid5t occurr$ "o day :5 ,i 0 call$ ^u to bury a ,ca?olic lad f "o ( ! battalions ( ! ,?ird ,division1 !n fight+ t[>ds ,val5ci5nes4 ,z ,i read ! pray]s ov] him1 a little ,fr5* girl ( ab\t eight or n9e ye>s approa*$ ! grave1 c>ry+ 9 h] h& an oblong box ( ,canadian biscuits4 ,! little "o 0 hold+ ! box close to h] side4 ,i assum$ t "o ( our lads _h giv5 x to h]2 !y 7 =ev] do+ su* k9d acts4 ,pres5tly %e saw t x 0 "o ( h] gallant lib]ators ov] :om ,i 0 say+ ! la/ pray]s4 ,imm$iately %e began to sob & ! big te>s ran d[n h] *eeks4 ,%e actually %ook 9 a p>oxysm ( grief4 ,x 0 h>d = ! lads /&+ ne>1 & = me1 to g on ) our "w4 ,always dur+ ! w> our he>ts _h be5 /eel$1 n kn[+ :at 0 to come next4 ,9 a few m9utes ! "m came f some:]e beh9d u1 took ! *ild by ! arm & g5tly l$ h] away4 ,we 7 9 ,soma9e ne>ly ?ree weeks & ! m5 7 greatly b5efit$ by ! re/4 ,i recall a humor\s incid5t t occurr$ dur+ our /ay !re4 ,"o day ! cur ( ,f5a91 :i* 0 j five m9utes' run on my bicycle f ,soma9e1 invit$ me ov] to a dis9t]m5t t 0 to take place 9 8 cemet]y4 ,hav+ se5 en\gh ( gruesome ?+s1 ,i politely decl9$ to be pres5t4 ,!n z ,i saw ! cur's face break into a smile1 ,i felt !re mu/ be "s joke1 s ,i promis$ to att5d4 ,9 my pres5ce ! casket 0 exhum$1 & lo6 g5tle read]1 !re appe>$ beautiful ve/m5ts & preci\s alt>-vessels1 toge!r ) ! municipal books & docum5ts4 ,!n ! cur told me ! /ory4 ,! c(f9 _h be5 fill$ ) its /range cont5ts & drawn solemnly 9 ! he>se ?r\gh ! /reets j z ! ,g]mans _h tak5 ov] ! t[n2 & z ! fun]al procession mov$ ?r\gh ! /reet ! ,g]mans !mselves _h salut$ ?r\gh respect to ! 8,dead60 ,*apt] ,,xcvii ,,novemb] ,,elev5? ,novemb] came1 & ,i help$ ! p>i% prie/ ( ,soma9e to give ,holy ,communion to ! va/ cr[ds ( 8 p :o receiv$ on ,all ,sa9ts ,day4 ,9 return1 he help$ me ) ! confessions ( my m51 = n[ ne>ly all ! memb]s ( ! ,f\rte5? ,battalion & v _m ( ! ,?irte5? 7 ,fr5*-speak+ soldi]s4 ,i 0 beg9n+ to feel t all 7 ready spiritually = m battles :5 ,novemb] #aa? arriv$ & we le>n$ t ho/ilities _h ceas$4 ,if ?is 7 fiction1 ,i might write a l5g?y description ( h[ ! troops w5t wild ) joy1 etc41 etc42 b z x is ! tru?1 ,i am con/ra9$ to say we took x 9 a /rangely quiet mann]4 ,we c\ld only look at ea* o!r & say3 8,well1 x's ov] at la/60 & we w\ld add1 8?ank ,god60 ,p]haps we 7 daz$ by ! good news4 ,p]haps x 0 t ! t]rible exp]i5ce ( w> _h left u incapable ( express+ our emotion4 ,p]haps ^! v]ses f 8,! ,citiz5 ( ,no ,man's ,l&10 by ,roselle ,m]ci] ,montgom]y1 express ! /range t5sion t _h come to u dur+ ! w>3 ,:y is x t1 al?\gh we settle d[n ,& live ! lives we liv$1 a /range unre/1 ,a some?+1 haunts u z we "w or play-- ,a re/lessness too vague to be expre/8 ,is x t we :o1 out !re1 walk$ ) ,dea? ,& knew ! fell[%ip ( ,fe> & ,pa91 ,are citiz5s = aye ( ,no ,man's ,l& ,& nev] %all be z we 7 aga98 ,to ^? ( u :o play$ ! game out !re1 ,& saw brave m5 :o fail$ to w9 lose all ,:]e ,fate 0 deal]1 ,life & ,dea? ! /ake1 ,%all o!r games =ev]more seem small8 ',tis true t home is de> & love is sweet1 ,& pleasant are our fri5ds to be among1 ,yet1 some?+ lacks to u f ,no ,man's ,l&-- ,is x t no "o "h c speak our tongue8 ,we _c tell !m :at befell u !re1 ,= well we "k !y _c und]/&2 ,s ea* sits quiet by 8 own he>? fire1 ,& sees !re9 ! sights ( ,no ,man's ,l&6 99 99 99 99 99 ,!y feel our /rang5ess1 too--^? at "o side ,:o *att] ( ! ?+s ( e day2 ,!y m>k our sil5ces1 our /range res]ve1 8,ah1 he is *ang$60 !y %ake _! heads & say4 ,!y say ! dead return n1 b ,i ?9k ,we "k1 :o h come back f ,no ,man's ,l&1 ,h[ gho/s mu/ feel1 :o walk famili> ways ,& yet f9d no "o !re to und]/&6 ,*apt] ,,xcviii ,,?r\gh ,,belgium ,! ev5+ ( ! ,armi/ice ,i 0 sitt+ ) ! old cur ( ,soma9e :5 ! ,engli%man came up to tell me t ord]s _h come = ! brigade to m>* 9 ! morn+4 ,we 7 to foll[ ! retir+ ,g]mans1 :o _h promis$ z "o ( ! conditions ( ! ,armi/ice to )draw to a c]ta9 numb] ( miles on ! opposite side ( ! ,rh9e4 ,i look$ at ! old cur2 ,i _h j be5 tell+ him t ,i expect$ a long re/ n[4 ,& "h we 7 to trav]se all ,belgium on foot1 & cont9ue ?r\gh ! ,rh9el& ( ,g]many till we rea*$ ! opposite bank ( ! ,rh9e6 ,at f\r o'clock 9 ! morn+1 aft] ,i _h receiv$ ,holy ,communion f ! h& ( ! sa9tly old cur--,i did n h "t to say ,mass--,i left4 ,x 0 a long m>* be=e u1 yet we did n =esee t x 0 go+ to be int]e/+4 ,we rea*$ ! bord] betwe5 ,france & ,belgium be=e ! end ( ! week4 ,we desc5d$ a long hill1 ! b& at ! head ( ! column play+ ! 8,m>seillaise10 :ile on bo? sides ( ! road f _m w9d[s wav$ ! tricolor ( ,france4 ,we !n cross$ a small bridge ov] a dyke1 9 ! middle ( :i* /ood a pole ab\t six feet high2 at ! top ( ! pole 0 a small metal sign-bo>d ab\t a foot long & eight in*es high1 runn+ p>allel ) ! road4 ,on ! end ne>e/ u 0 ! "o ^w 8,france10 !n a little l9e ab\t "o in* long1 !n ! ^w 8,belgique40 ,s we /epp$ f ,france into ,belgium1 & ! b&1 :i* 0 ! fir/ to cross ! l9e1 hav+ ceas$ to play ! 8,m>seillaise0 began 8,la ,brabaconne10 ! national an!m ( ! ,belgians4 ,we sp5t our fir/ ,sunday 9 a little place call$ ,qu>egnon1 :]e we witness$ a demon/ration ( ! wond]ful patriotism ( ! ,belgians4 ,! *ur* 0 cr[d$ & aft] ,mass ! cur 9 /ole & cope1 inton$ ! 8,te ,deum40 ,in/antly all pres5t took x up1 & ! great volume ( s\nd fill$ ! *ur* z ,belgian1 ,fr5*man & ,canadian jo9$ 9 ! mighty hymn ( ?anksgiv+4 ,!n ! little cur did some?+ ,i _h nev] se5 done be=e3 he turn$ t[>ds ! p & cri$1 8,long live ,belgium1 free1 & indep5d5t60 ,! p repeat$ 8 words4 ,!n he cri$1 8,long live ! ,canadians1 our lib]ators60 & z he pass$ to ! sacri/y a full or*e/ra play$ 8,le ,sambre et ,meuse10 :ile a numb] ( ! congregation jo9$ 9 ?is w>-song ( ! ,fr5*4 ,at "o place :]e we /opp$ a tall1 ?9 prie/ spoke to me ( ! summ] :5 ! ,g]mans _h pass$ ?r\gh--x seem$ s long ago n[1 t summ] ( #aiad--:5 great tra9-loads ( enemy soldi]s pass$ 8 h\se daily4 ,he recall$ "o tra9 9 p>ticul>3 ! c>s 7 gaily decorat$ ) fl[]s1 bunt+ & flags1 & f ! eng9e float$ a big :ite p5nant on :i* 0 pr9t$3 8,william ( ,g]many1 ,emp]or ( ,europe40 ,he recall$ ! endless battalions t pass$ along ! highway1 fully equipp$ f boot to helmet1 m>*+ 9 p]fect ord]4 ,_! horses1 too1 7 9 excell5t condition4 ,_! wagons 7 %9+4 ,e little :ile a voice f ! ranks w\ld call out1 8,n* ,p>is6 ,n* ,p>is60--8,on to ,p>is6 ,on to ,p>is60 & little ,belgian *ildr51 t]rifi$1 scurri$ to cell> or o!r hid+ places4 8,ye/]day10 cont9u$ ! prie/1 8,i saw ! la/ ( ! ,g]man army pass ?r\gh on _! return m>* to ,g]many4 ,!y _h sc>cely any horses2 & ^? t !y _h 7 extremely ?94 ,m5 7 haul+ wagons & c>ts4 ,_! uni=ms 7 worn & soil$2 9 fact1 _m 7 nondescript4 ,ye/]day _m ( ! boys rememb]+ ! words ! ,g]mans _h call$ out on _! way1 f\r ye>s be=e1 /&+ on pavem5t or 9 doorways call$ out3 #8,n* ,p>is6 ,n* ,p>is6'--#8,on to ,p>is6 ,on to ,p>is6'0 ,x 0 v pleasant m>*+ (f e>ly e morn+ :ile ! b& play$ "s old favorite t _h *e]$ ! we>y m5 aft] a h>d day on ! battlefield4 ,all along ! way1 = ! fir/ week or two1 we 7 greet$ by happy peasants1 :o _h be5 refugees = ye>s1 return+ to _! own c\ntry4 ,ne>ly always !y pull$ h&-c>ts pil$ high ) b$d+ & gaily decorat$ ) flags ( ! allies4 ,i rememb] once on ! roadside we f\nd t ! railway track _h be5 bl[n up1 & a great l5g? ( rails1 ) ! sleep]s /ill atta*$1 _h be5 ?r[n completely ov] a two-/ory build+1 l a wide1 curv+ ladd]4 ,i f\nd ! ,belgian prie/s v hospitable & v mu* int]e/$ 9 conditions 9 ,am]ica4 ,!y 7 fill$ ) gratitude to ! p ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,9 _m %op w9d[s we saw a picture repres5t+ ! ocean1 & ,columbia pass+ bread across ! wat]s to an emaciat$ woman sitt+ on ! %ore ) two />v+ *ildr5 ne> h]4 ,9 ! upp] "p ( ! picture 7 insets ( ,presid5t ,wilson & ,br& ,:itlock1 & und]nea? 0 writt53 8,grateful ,belgium40 ,i 0 9 a little t[n n f> f ,brussels ! day ! k+ came back4 ,mo/ ( ! brok5 railways _h n yet be5 repair$1 & z ! ,g]mans _h tak5 ! horses away f ! p1 _m walk$ f t5 to tw5ty miles to see ! k+ come back to 8 k+dom4 ,we m>*$ by ,wat]loo & ?r\gh an old mona/]y call$ ,vill]s ,l',abbey1 built by ,/4 ,b]n>d4 ,9 "o place :]e we halt$ ov] night 0 a t9y ?ree-nave *ur* ( grey granite1 :i* _h be5 built 9 ! n9? c5tury4 ,napoleon _h /opp$ "h once 9 pass+ & _h giv5 a cr[n ( gold = "o ( ! /atues4 ,x 0 ! f9e/ ?ree-nave *ur* 9 ! _w4 ,x 0 pure ,roman ar*itecture4 ,gradually we 7 draw+ ne>] ! ,g]man bord]4 ,*apt] ,,xcix ,,?r\gh ,,! ,,rh9el& ,%ortly be=e we rea*$ ! fronti] "o ( ! (fic]s came into ! mess & said to me3 8,x may be a little excit+ cross+ ! l9e1 ,padre4 ,i he> !re are "s revolutioni/s :o are go+ to snipe at u40 ,i did n c>e = ?is k9d ( excitem5t4 ,i felt ,i _h se5 all ,i want$ ( %oot+ = ! re/ ( my life4 ,!re 0 no ne$ to worry1 h[ev]1 = our m>* into ,g]many 0 a v peaceful "o4 ,b nobody *e]$ u2 no flags wav$2 ev]y?+ 0 sil5t 9 ! l& z our khaki swung ?r\gh ! w9d+ road4 ,we pass$ ?r\gh a v hilly c\ntry1 & we soon _h evid5ce t x 0 a ,ca?olic c\ntry1 = all along our m>* 7 little wayside %r9es4 ,our fir/ billet 0 a l[1 :ite f>mh\se1 v com=tably furni%$4 ,on ! wall ( our mess 0 an oleograph ( ! ,holy ,family2 a simil> copy _h hung 9 my b$-room :5 ,i 0 a boy4 ,pres5tly an old lady came 91 look$ at me & said some?+4 ,i repli$ 9 ,fr5*1 b %e %ook h] head4 ,i po9t$ to ! oleograph & said1 8,ka?olis*80 ,! old lady look$ at me1 beam+4 ,i po9t$ to myself & said1 8,ka?olis*10 & !n add$1 8,pre/]10 z ,i ?\ght ?is 0 ! ,g]man ^w = prie/4 ,dur+ my /ay 9 t h\se ,i 0 treat$ z ! ,ca?olic prie/ is always treat$ by ! humble4 ,9 "o place a "y woman1 le>n+ t ,i 0 a prie/1 came to me ) h] bro!r1 :o spoke excell5t ,engli%2 he _h be5 a wait] 9 ! ,savoy ,hotel1 9 ,london1 previ\s to ! w>4 ,! husb& ( ! "y woman _h be5 kill$ 9 ! w>1 & pass+ me h] (f]+1 %e ask$ if ,i w\ld say ,mass = ! repose ( 8 s\l ! foll[+ morn+ 9 ! village *ur*4 ,?is ,i did1 & :ile ,i said ,mass ! village *oir sang two hymns4 ,x 0 a l[ ,mass ,i said1 & 9 ! color ( ! day4 ,i ask$ ! "y man ! "n ( ! hymns & he told me4 ,i _c recall ! "n ( ! fir/ "o3 b ,i ?9k ! second 0 entitl$ 8,o ,komm ,o ,komm ,emanuel40 ,x mu/ h be5 an ,adv5t hymn1 = ,i he>d x almo/ e morn+ z ,i said ,mass 9 ^? little *ur*es ( ! ,rh9el&4 ,i h nev] se5 su* excell5t ,ca?olics3 e morn+ ! village *ur* w\ld be cr[d$ z if x 7 ,sunday4 ,sometimes ,i gave communion to ,g]man p :o came rev]5tly to ! rails4 ,! "t pass$ quickly & at la/ on ,decemb] #ab?1 we arriv$ 9 ! city ( ,cologne4 ,! foll[+ morn+ we m>*$ across ! ,rh9e1 :ile ! b& play$ ! 8,regim5tal ,m>*0 & 8,! ,briti% ,gr5adi]20 ! m5 ) fix$ bayonets m>*$ rigidly to att5tion4 ,"s (fic]s ne> me sang s(tly ! words3 8,:5 we w9d up ! wat* on ! ,rh9e40 ,we m>*$ ab\t twelve miles beyond ! ,rh9e to a little place call$ ,alt5bruick4 ,"h we halt$4 ,& x 0 "h t ,i said good-bye to ! battalion on ,*ri/mas ,day4 ,we _h ,midnight ,mass 9 ! ,g]man *ur* on ! hill ov]look+ ! village4 ,fa!r ,madd51 :o _h return$ to 8 battalion aft] be+ dis*>g$ f hospital1 came to help me ) confessions4 ,my lads 7 scatt]$ ov] diff]5t p>i%es1 b ,i _h arrang$ = *ur* p>ades = all :o c\ld come4 ,i he>d confessions f sev5 p4 m4 till midnight1 & z ! clock /ruck ! midnight h\r "o ( my lads f ! ,f\rte5? began to s+ t beautiful ,*ri/mas hymn :i* 0 be+ sung t night 9 ,fr5* *ur*es all ov] ,canada1 8,m9uit1 ,*reti5s0 7,holy ,night74 ,e ,*ri/mas1 j at midnight1 ,i _h he>d x sung 9 ! basilica ( old ,quebec1 :]e ,i _h made my /udies = ! prie/hood4 ,& z ! cle>1 /rong voice sang ^? beautiful notes ( ,g\nod's fam\s composition1 memories ( peace swept ov] my s\l4 ,i _h se5 horrible ?+s2 b n[ !y 7 pa/ & ?is 0 ! night ( ! ,*ri/ ,*ild1 :5 ! angels sang 8peace on e>? to m5 ( good w40 ,i 0 fully ve/$1 & 0 ab\t to proce$ to ! alt> = ! la/ "t be=e ^! lads1 :5 ! ,g]man p>i% prie/ came 9 to ! sacri/y4 ,he spoke quickly 9 ,fr5*1 tell+ me t at ! communion ,i ne$ n desc5d to ! rails2 t he w\ld give communion to my m54 ,= an in/ant ,i seem$ daz$4 ,i _h br\ght ! ,bread ( ,life s (t5 to _m ( ^? soldi]s & (fic]s :o n[ wait$ = me to draw ne> to ! alt> ( ,god4 ,v likely ,i %\ld nev] h ! opportunity ( aga9 m9i/]+ to !m4 ,b1 !n1 ,i ?\ght1 ?is ,g]man prie/ wi%es to give communion to my lads4 ,c5turies be=e1 ! angels _h sung3 8,peace to m5 ( good w40 ,i mu/ %[ good w4 ,yet h[ h>d x 06 ,!n1 ma/]+ a great reluctance1 ,i said quietly3 8,v well1 ,fa!r1 y w give communion to my m540 ,s ?is is ! la/ memory ,i hold ( ^? wond]ful soldi] lads--! ,midnight ,mass at ,alt5bruick4 ,! s\nd ( ! voice ( ! ,g]man prie/1 8,corpus ,dom9i ,no/ri ,jesu ,*ri/i10 etc41 z he disp5s$ ! my/]ies ( ,god to my soldi] lads6 ,&1 above all else1 ! pres5ce 9 our mid/ ( ,jesus ( ,naz>e?1 ! ,savi\r ( ! _w--,! ,pr9ce ( ,peace6 ,*apt] ,c ,l',,envoi ,x is all ov] n[1 yet (t5 ,i ?9k ( ^? wond]ful days2 ( long night m>*es2 ( long days ( we>y wait+2 ( quiet re/+-places1 ) _! r[s & r[s ( 8little gre5 t5ts0 & small :ite crosses1 l&m>ks ( our w>f>e 9 ,france & ,fl&]s4 ,sometimes ,i ?9k ( all ^? lads :o answ]$ s quickly ! f9al roll-call2 & my ?\ghts g back to ^? nights 9 ,france :]e su* great numb]s knelt to ask p>don ( ,god1 & to become =tifi$ ) ! ,bread ( ! ,/rong4 ,_m ( ^? lads ,i u%]$ up to ! gates ( heav51 :i* swung op5 to !m s soon aft] !y _h left me4 ,n[ 8!y are numb]$ among/ ! *ildr5 ( ,god & _! lot is ) ! sa9ts40 ,!y d n =get me4 ,sometimes1 :5 ! =ce ( circum/ances presses greatly & ! way along :i* ,i mu/ walk seems exceptionally h>d1 ,i call on !m to /& by4 ,i ask !m simply to rememb] ,arras1 ,ami5s1 ,*]isy ,valley1 ,canal du ,nord & ,cambrai1 !n--,i feel ^? lads are pray+ = me4 ,& sometimes 8:5 ?\ghts ( ! la/ bitt] h\r come l a pall ov] my _s10 a ?\ght mo/ com=t+ comes to my m9d4 ,i see 9 imag9ation ! /reet ( heav5 &1 com+ m>*+ t[>ds me1 great ho/s1 _! faces light$ ) ! ,vision ( ,god4 ,i see !m turn$ t[>ds me1 z ,i h se5 !m s (t5 on battlefield & 9 hospital w>d4 ,t look ( lov+ tru/ is !re--only s _m times glorifi$6 ,!y look at me1 :o am a little dismay$1 a little afraid4 ,!n ,i he> _! voices3 8,come1 ,fa!r1 y\r billet is ready60 ,!n ,i feel v confid5t1 = ,i "k t my w>f>e is ov]1 t ,i am go+ back to re/--back to ,et]nal ,re/4 ,,! ,,end ,,transcrib]',s ,,notes3 ,italiciz$ text is surr\nd$ by und]scores3 italics4 ,obvi\s typographical errors h be5 correct$4 ,inconsi/5cies 9 hyph5ation h be5 /&>diz$4 ,! cov] image = ?is e,book 0 creat$ by ! transcrib] & is ent]$ into ! public doma94