Feb. 6.—Private Keen came home with a temperature.
Feb. 7.—M.O. diagnosed influenza. Was afraid it would spread.
Feb. 8.—Warned the other four billets. They seemed amused. Pointed out that influenza had no terrors for men in No. 2 Company, who were doomed to weekly night-ops. under Major Carryon.
Feb. 9.—House strangely and pleasantly quiet. Went to see how Private Keen was progressing, and found the other four billets sitting in a row on his bed practising deep-breathing exercises.
Feb. 16.—Billets on night-ops. until late hour. Spoke in highest terms of Major Carryon’s marching powers—also in other terms.
March 3.—Waited up until midnight for Private Merited, who had gone to Slough on his motor-bike.
March 4, 1.5 a.m.—Awakened by series of explosions from over-worked, or badly-worked, motor-bike. Put head out of window and threw key to Private Merited. He seemed excited. Said he had been chased all the way from Chesham by a pink rat with yellow spots. Advised him to go to bed. Set him an example.
1.10. a.m.—Heard somebody in the pantry. 2.10. a.m.—Heard Private Merited going upstairs to bed.
2.16 a.m.—Heard Private Merited still going upstairs to bed.
2.20-3.15. a.m.—Heard Private Merited getting to bed.