"Are you the Kinema man?" he enquired. "General —— told me you were coming; what do you want?"
"Well, sir," I said, "I want to obtain films of all the operations in connection with the taking of St. Quentin; if you have an observation-post from which I can obtain a good view it will suit me admirably."
"I am sure we can fix you up all right. But we are just going to have a meal; sit down and join us. We can then go into details."
Lunch was served in primitive fashion, which was unavoidable under such conditions—but we fared sumptuously, although on a rough plain table with odds and ends for platters, and boxes and other makeshifts for chairs.
During the meal I went into details with the General about my requirements. He quite understood my position and thoroughly appreciated my keen desire to obtain something unique in the way of film story.
"The taking of St. Quentin by the Allied troops, sir, would be one of my finest films."
"Well," he said, "the French are bombarding the suburbs and other places, so far as damage is concerned, to-day; our batteries are also giving a hand. I should advise you to go to this spot"—indicating a position on the map. "What do you think?" he turned to the Brigade Major. "Will this do for him?"
"Yes, sir, I should think so."
"Anyway, I can soon see, if you can put me on the road to find it. But a guide would save time."
"You had better take him," said the General to the Brigade Major; "you know the place quite well."