I had a lime juice. Then I had another. And then, very reluctantly, I got up to go. Army Form Book 136 was handed to me. "The visitors' book," said Blake. "You can just write your name in it, or you can be funny, whichever you like." "What do they usually do?" I asked. "Well, you're the first, so you'll set the tone. For God's sake don't be too funny." It was an alarming responsibility. However, as it happened, I had something which I wanted to say. "Thursday, 12.45 p.m.," I wrote. "Pleasantly entertained as usual by D Company. Refused a pressing invitation to stay to lunch, although it was a hot day and I had a long walk back to my own mess." I handed the book back to Blake. He read it; and with one foot on the bottom step of the dugout I waited anxiously. "Oh, I say, do stay to lunch," he said. I gave a start of surprise. "Oh, thanks very much," I said, and I took my foot off the step. "It would be rather--I think, perhaps--well, thanks very much." Once begun, the book filled up rapidly. Subalterns from other companies used to call round for the purpose of being funny; I suppose that unconsciously I had been too humorous--anyway, the tone had been set. The bombing officer, I remember, vowed that Mrs. Blake's hospitality was so charming that he would bring his wife and family next time. A gunner officer broke into verse--a painful business. One way and another it was not long before the last page was reached. "We must get the General for the last page," said Blake. "Don't be an ass," said Rogers. "Whatever's the matter? Don't you think he'd do it?" "You wouldn't have the cheek to ask him." "Good lord, you don't stop being a human being, because you command a brigade. Why on earth shouldn't I ask him?" I happened to turn up just then. The telephone line from headquarters to D Company always seemed to want attention, whatever part of the line we were in. "Hallo," said Blake, "have a drink." "Well, I am rather thirsty," I said, and I took out a pencil. "Pass the visitors' book and let's get it over." "No, you don't," said Blake, snatching it away from me, "that's for the General." "This way, sir," said a voice above, and down came Billy, followed by the Brigadier. We jumped up. "You'll have a drink, sir?" said Billy. "Oh, thanks very much." "What will you have, sir?" asked Blake, looking round wildly. "Lime juice or--or lime juice?" "I'll have lime juice, thank you," said the General after consideration. Blake produced the book nervously. "I wonder if you'd mind," he began. The General looked inquiring, and started feeling for his glasses. He was just feeling in his fifth pocket when Billy came to the rescue. "It's only some nonsense of Blake's, sir," he said. "He keeps a visitors' book." "Ah, well," said the General, getting up, "another day, perhaps." When we were alone again Blake turned on Billy. "You are a silly ass," he said. "If you hadn't interfered, he'd have done it. Well, I shall fill it in myself now."