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178 WITH THE GERMAN ARMIES IN THE WEST
another at a short distance. How it came about it is difficult
to tell, but by the mysterious code of soldierly freemasonry it
was agreed that a French soldier should milk one cow and a
German soldier the other. When the job was done, they
returned quite placidly to their trenches. All this shows that
the French soldiers also are not wanting in humour and high
spirits, even though day and night death is like the breath in
their nostrils.
The different infantry forces, large and small, are also in
telephone communication with our observation post. One
of my hosts asked if I would like to hear how the battalion in
the most advanced position of all was getting on. Why of
course I should, I said. I was handed one receiver and was at
once ceremoniously introduced to the commanding officer
of the battalion, who himself answered the call.
" How are things going, Major ?
"
" Thank you, very well."
" Have you anything special to report ?
"
" Yes, there was some firing in the night, but no losses."
In what sort of spirits are the men ?
"
Excellent, as usual."
" Have you received the eight machine guns that were to
be sent you last night ?
"
" Yes, they have arrived and are already in position, but
one of them has no shield. However, we will manage with an
earth parapet for the present."
" Have you any other wishes ?
"
" No, thanks, everything else is all right."
The Major’s voice sounded calm and confident, but I could
detect an undercurrent of solemnity in his answers.
That part of the observation post which lay above ground
had been transformed into a pleasant little arbour or enclosure
among the young trees, visited now and again by cycle and
other orderlies. A telescope, well protected and concealed,
stood ready on its tripod. Another had been mounted in the
road outside the arbour. With these glasses one can see almost
everything, right away to the horizon. Thanks to the vertical
position of the tubes, the observer’s head can be protected
altogether by an armoured shield or a wall. From our com-
manding position we had an excellent view of the nearest
infantry positions. Colonel Fischer explained everything to
me. He focussed the horizontal cross line on a German trench.
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