This evening, at seven, whilst quietly chattering away by lantern-light, firing is heard on the left. We look at one another. The firing draws nearer. Roberty orders us to pick up our rifles. We are soon running along the road, slightly crouching forward, for the bullets strike branches of trees on a level with our heads. We rejoin the rest of the section and take aim. Belin hesitates before ordering us to fire. "Wait until we see the lights of the enemy's fire." But no light appears, and after half an hour the firing inexplicably ceases. We return. At midnight another alarm, as incomprehensible as the former. Three or four men are wounded. The utmost calm throughout the rest of the night. _Wednesday, 14th; Thursday, 15th; Friday, 16th; Saturday, 17th October._ We are evidently carrying on a siege war, though of course no one expected that it would be a ride over. Apart from the four hours' sentry duty, we have nothing to do. Jules continues to go backwards and forwards between the trenches and Bucy for supplies. The fire for our own private cooking is not allowed to die out. Last night Reymond and myself were up from one till three. A terrible artillery duel was being fought in the right sector, towards Vailly. The sky was streaked with great flashes of light. No firing on our side. We are sitting close to our dug-out, discussing Wagner, rifle in hand. The conversation, which began on a low key, quickly grows animated, and the hum of our voices goes out upon the night air. Suddenly the leafy screen, which serves as a door, divides, and Roberty appears on all-fours. His head is enveloped in a _passe-montagne_ and the little we see of his face expresses annoyance and irritation. "Aren't you two going to hold your tongues?" "Well, we are only having a word or two. Cannot one talk in war-time?" "You've been preventing me from sleeping the last quarter of an hour, with your intellectual...." "Intellectual, indeed! Didn't you go to the _Ecole Normale_ as a boy?" "You're a couple of idiots. If I hear another word, you must take the consequences." He disappears into his kennel. We resume our conversation, though almost in a whisper. _Sunday, 18th October._ The regiment quarters on the other bank of the Aisne, at Billy. Jules has gone on in advance with some of the men, to make preparations. He finds a suitable house. We take advantage of the darkness to slip away without a sound, after telling the rest of the squadron where to find us in case of alarm. The house is comfortable, and there are beds in it. Roberty, feeling unwell, rests on one of them. _Monday, 19th October._ What an extraordinary war! We have had nothing to do for three weeks! To-day: more "labour" to ensure bodily cleanliness. At night we loiter slipshod about the house and try to read. We are bored to death. _Tuesday, 20th; Wednesday, 21st; Thursday, 22nd; Friday, 23rd October._