CHAPTER XII
UNDER FIRE IN A FLAT LAND
АFTER an early breakfast we started for a point of the line already sufficiently historical, but not to be mentioned here. We glanced regretfully at the château as the cars scurried up the avenue. Williams was with me, and, following his advice, I examined the workings of my gas mask. It was designed to cover the head completely and to be buttoned into one's coat collar. In the brown cloth goggles were fastened. Beneath them a wooden tube with an clastic band was to be taken between the lips for outbreathing. Through the chemical soaked meshes of the cloth itself sufficient air filtered for breathing in. It was an unlovely, uncomfortable, and odorous contrivance. We were careful to keep ours slung over our shoulders as Williams carried his, as every officer and man near the fighting line carried one. The necessity for such a precaution revolted your sense of decency, aroused a sort of anger.
We hurried through the dew-soaked morning,
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