We therefore went down some side streets and crossed the bridge on the road that leads to Vlamertinghe.

There I found an ammunition column hurrying out of the town, and the man riding one of the horses on a limber invited me to mount the other, which was saddled.

It is so long, however, since I left the circus ring that I cannot mount a galloping horse unless I put my foot into the stirrup.

So after two or three ineffectual attempts at a running mount, I climbed up into the limber and asked the driver if it was a general retreat.

"No", he said, "I don't think so, only the Germans are close at hand and we were ordered to put the ammunition column further off." "Well", I said, "If it isn't a general retreat, I must go back to my lines or I shall be shot for desertion." I got off the limber and out of the crowd of people, and was making my way back, when I saw a car with a staff officer in it coming up in the direction of the City.