There was nothing to be done, so we went on packing.  An aeroplane was seen in the distance; everybody watched it.

“Taube,” said somebody.

The Taube sailed slowly round, surveying the town.  It passed right overhead.  Everybody stared upwards wondering if it were going to “bomb,” for we were just opposite to the railway station.  But it passed over and flew away.  As it went guns fired at it, and many of the Serbs let off their rifles.  We have often wondered where all the bits of the shells go to, for nobody ever seems to be hit by them, even when they are bursting right overhead.

The motor gave several snorts, everybody climbed aboard.  The driver let in the clutch, there was a tearing sound from underneath, but the motor did not go.  One of the drivers clambered down, and after examination said that it could not go on that day, and they immediately began to take it to pieces.  The aeroplane came back twice, sailing to and fro without hindrance.

[Illustration:  PEASANT WOMEN LEAVING THEIR VILLAGE.]

[Illustration:  SERB FAMILY BY THE ROADSIDE.]

It is impossible to describe properly the feeling in the town:  it was like standing in the influence of high-pressure electricity, even in the daytime the soldiers in their rags—­but with barbarously coloured rugs and knapsacks—­were sleeping in the hedges and gutters.  There were vague rumours that Rumania and Greece had finally joined in; many seized upon these statements as being true, and one found little oases of rejoicings amongst the almost universal pessimism.  We ourselves doubted the reports.  Sir Ralph’s ox carts—­in an interview with Churchin—­dwindled down to a possible two; but Jan got a letter in the evening saying that there were ten country carts for the next morning.  Six were for us and four for the “Stobarts,” and that we were to take the Indian tents with us.

We went back to the tents early to get a good start next day.  Rogerson and Willett were sorting their clothes.  Hamilton had decided, as he could not walk, to go back to Vrntze with the Red Cross stores which Paget was sending to the hospital.  As we were turning in, Dr. Holmes arrived.  He had not got the seat in the motor, but was going next day.  Later two mud-bespattered figures came in.  They were West and Mawson.

We questioned them eagerly, and although they were worn out they answered all they could.

The road was passable.  They had scarcely slept for four days, Mitrovitza was already crammed with fugitives, and rooms were not to be found.  On the way back the motor was working badly; the mud was awful.  Then the petrol ran out.  They stopped a big car which was loaded with petrol and ammunition, and asked for some.  They got a little, and as they were going to start the big car suddenly burst into flames:  some fool having struck a match to see if the petrol was properly turned off.  Great flames roared up into the air, and it was a long time before the car was sufficiently burnt down to pass it.