He returned at 4 P.M. and told me to send out orders for an immediate advance to the positions chosen. I was returning from the signallers' dug-out when a young major belonging to the ----s passed, followed by a sergeant. The major looked pale and worn, but walked quickly. There are moments when personal acquaintance with members of other branches of the Service possesses a very direct value. I did not know Major ---- very well, but a habit contracted through frequent visits to the Infantry made me call out "Any news?" "Our Brigade's doing a clearing-up attack at five o'clock," he answered without stopping. "We don't know anything about that," I said, catching him up. "How long is it since orders were issued?" "I've only just left the General," he replied, still walking ahead. "Can you spare two minutes to explain the scheme to the colonel," I pressed. "Our batteries are just about to move up." "I hardly have time to get to the battalion," he answered with a frown of dissent. "Two minutes!" I pleaded--and succeeded. We hurried to the mess. There was a quick, clear exchange of words between the major and the colonel. The major sped away as the colonel thanked him. "Telephone at once to the batteries to prevent them moving!" said the colonel, turning to me. Before five minutes had passed, the colonel, after a telephone talk with the brigadier-general, had arranged a short barrage programme for the batteries. "There's usefulness in your being a gossip, you see," he smiled, a quarter of an hour later.