I stopped the car and asked the officer if he would give me a ride back to Ypres.

When I got in, I said to him quite innocently, "Is this a general retreat ?" His nerves were evidently on edge, and he turned on me fiercely, saying, "Padre, never use such a word out here.

That word must never be mentioned at the front." I replied, in excuse, that I had been told it was a retreat by a battery that was coming back from the front.

"Padre," he continued, "that word must never be used." I am not sure that he did not enforce his commands by some strong theological terms.

"Padre, that word must never be used out here." "Well," I said, "this is the first war I have ever been at, and if I can arrange matters it is the last, but I promise you I will never use it again." Not the least flicker of a smile passed over his face.