Page:War's dark frame (IA warsdarkframe00camp).pdf/43

Rh crowded with officers and their families. In the tiny bar you heard only military talk.

"How are your fellows doing with their patrol work?"

"Jolly well. It's almost a pity there aren't Huns about for them to fool."

Or: "What about Captain Smith, Doctor?

A laugh from the doctor.

“Measles, of all things! Must have got it on leave. Fortunately no one's been exposed."

You travel safely in England these days only with an identity book, furnished after investigation by the police of the district in which you live. It is required that you report yourself and have your book stamped by the local police in every town you visit in the forbidden districts. We set forth, therefore, for the police station. As soon as we had crossed the stone bridge we became hopelessly lost. I had never dreamed of such darkness. There was no moon. The sky was clouded, obscuring the stars. From no building escaped the faintest gleam of light. In the main street you could fancy yourself in a wilderness. The night was like a smothering blanket. It appeared to offer your outstretched hands a palpable resistance.

People ran into you or you ran into others, laughing apologies.