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WITH THE FOURTH ARMY 175
tion on approaching this very interesting point was something
resembUng a tree, rising above the young growth of the wood.
On further inspection we found it to be a mast of the thick-
ness and height of a telegraph pole, provided with a ladder,
a little platform and a seat for an observer. A pair of glasses
were left there permanently, and the observer was masked by
leafy branches.
On reaching the spot we were received by not less than
three colonels, of whom, however, two were accidental guests,
and by a couple of other officers. Colonel Fischer, Brigade
Commander of the Field Artillery, a most genial and amusing
man, was full of talk about Asia and more especially India,
where he had travelled very extensively. We had thus many
memories and friends in common, and I am afraid that on
this occasion Asia took precedence over the Franco-German
war.
However, I could not go away without seeing the under-
ground abode of these officers, for they live there day and
night, and as the spot is exposed to the French fire, they
have to take certain precautions. A stairway, the steps of
which had been cut out of the soil, leads to a cave dwelling
of two rooms, small and dark, faintly lighted by a paraffin
lamp and heated by a little tin stove, now burning brightly.
A table, let into the wall, made of half a plank, is laden with
toilet articles, glasses, maps, instruments and pistols in de-
lightful confusion. In the sleeping apartment the beds are
laid on the floor close together. I could not suppress a pious
wish that the inmates would be preserved from death by
asphyxiation in this subterranean cavern. One must not
suffer from a horror of confined spaces if one is to sleep
comfortably in these holes. But nevertheless it must be a
great comfort to have this haven of refuge if and when the
spot is bombarded. I was told that the cave was not quite
proof against common shells, but that there was no danger
from shrapnel. The officers’ meals are usually taken in the
cave, so that they may at least eat in peace.
A few steps further on we visited a telephone station in-
stalled in the masonried cellar of a wrecked house. This cellar
was thus a subterranean chamber, to the walls of which a
number of telephone appliances had been fastened. Below
them several officers and privates were seated on benches let
into the walls. Whilst I was there several telephones kept
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