"A little. And you also (indicating myself). I am a waiter in Lavenue's restaurant. I served you at lunch the day following the mobilization."
Greatly moved, we grasp his hand effusively, and say—
"Excuse us, old man, we did not recognize you."
He quite understands, whereupon Roberty adds—
"Now just remain seated; I'm going to serve you myself."
Dinner over, we offer him the corner containing the most abundant supply of straw, and fall off to sleep.
Tuesday, 15th September.
A long detour to reach Vic-sur-Aisne. Halt in front of the keep by the castle moat. The lieutenant goes for orders to the staff at headquarters. Whilst awaiting his return we watch German prisoners as they come and go in the enclosure.
A hostile aeroplane is hovering above the town. Received with a brisk fusillade and exploding shrapnel, it disappears. The general in command of the corps passes by on horseback, followed by a numerous staff. Lined up, behind our piles of arms, we salute. A fine subject for an Academy picture.