Then they started, and the noise was HELL.

Whenever there was a big bang I couldn't help giving (p.

026) a jump.

The old Tommy I was drawing said, "It's all right, Guv'ner, you'll get used to it very soon." _I_ didn't think so, but to make conversation I said: "How long is it since you were home ?" "Twenty-two months," said he.
"Twenty-two months!" said I.
"Yes," said he, "but one can't complain.

That bloke over there hasn't been home for twenty-eight." What a life! Twenty-four hours of it was enough for me at a time.
Before evening came my head felt as if it were filled with pebbles which were rattling about inside it.