The Middle Parts of Fortune: Somme and Ancre

-"And now their pride and mettle is asleep." -SHAKESPEARE

The next day they moved back to the sordid squalor of Meaulte, where they spent two nights housed in stables, and the draft ceased to have a separate existence, being absorbed by the various companies. There was a kit inspection, at which Bourne's tin hat was condemned, the fact being entered in a notebook by Sergeant- Major Robinson; and that piece of ritual concluded the matter for the time being, the company-quartermaster-sergeant having no surplus tin hats at his disposal. At Meaulte they were still within the battle area, and there was nothing for them to do. Shem, Bourne and Martlow idled about, looking at the interminable train of motor lorries, which passed through, day and night, without ceasing, and so densely packed that it was difficult to cross the narrow street between them. Little Martlow had a grievance. In the attack he had annexed the field glasses of two German officers, who being dead had no further use for them. At Happy Valley, seeing him needlessly decorated with the loot of battle, the commanding officer had said to him peremptorily: "Hand over those glasses to me, my boy. I shall see that they are forwarded to the proper quarter." His action may have been correct, from the official point of view, but to little Martlow it was an unjustifiable interference with the rights of private ownership.