"Turn out! Marching kit!"
We were in full harness in no time. I went out. I came across Henriot and asked him.
"Are we really off?"
"Yes, yes."
"Any news?"
"Hm! I've just had a talk with a subaltern who's come down from the Woevre."
"From what part exactly?"
"Flirey."
The name struck me. I remembered having heard it in my father's mouth.
"Is he still there, the subaltern you mentioned?"