That’ll be admirable.  I tried to hold my head and think of exactly how the cottage looked, and where the new rooms were to be; but somehow I’ve got no brains left.  And I leave it all to you.  One day we shall be able to discuss it peaceably, but at present this brain is like some limp jellyfish floating in the sea.

To-day I’m doing a map, and the draughtsmen are copying it, of some Boche dug-outs.  Ye gods! what do I care about dug-outs!  As well make maps of all the rabbit-holes in Glamorganshire.  But there, what’s the good of talking like that.  It’s got to be done.

January 24.

[Sidenote:  BUSY DAYS]

The aeroplanes have brought in the most marvellous photographs, and I am very busy deciphering them and mapping the information on to a map.

February 8.

After many, many days of incessant work comes a brief interval of repose—­till to-morrow morning.

We moved up here yesterday afternoon late.

Well, imagine a lovely large hut.

The room on the left is where all the maps, etc., are made, and the room on the right is my office.

But outsiders can’t just barge into my office.  Oh no!  They must ask one of the orderlies if they can see me.  Isn’t it ridiculous!

Then there is a tiny bedroom.

The office walls are entirely covered now with aeroplane photos and maps.  It is all rather fun, and I think it won’t be quite such a strain.  The cold is intense.  Hale is functioning with the stove in my room at the moment.  I have said once that I don’t really need a fire in my bedroom; but he evidently has different views, and is firmly lighting it.  He is quite happy here.

I’m having the hut papered, to make it warmer.  And canvas curtains, if you please!

The R.F.C. people are most hospitable and nice.  I like them very much.  It’s all quite interesting, and the aeroplanes are delicious as they move, buzzing like vast mosquitoes.

I go down in a side-car every day (that’s the programme) to corps H.Q. to report and get instructions.

February 12.

Something may happen to prevent leave before leave comes.  You will understand.  I should have to “remain at my post,” as novels say.

February 15.

[Sidenote:  WITH THE R.F.C.]

A very difficult map has just been finished, and is being printed, and here we sit down for a little talk together.  The war is for the moment far away.  Away anxiety, away nervous apprehension, away fatigue, away responsibility, away Wilhelm!  Let the doors be shut, the curtains drawn.  Listen.  An adventure, amusing, and rather exciting.  Would you like to hear about it?  Well, I was making a raised map of a particular part of the line for the corps commander.  And I go up from time to time to scan the ground, so that it may be very accurate and therefore rather useful.  At least that is what I hope.  Yesterday, then, up into the blue, piloted by Eric.