I was chiefly concerned with the thought that the length of the return march was rapidly increasing and with the fact that one of my shoes, a faithful friend in other campaigns, had turned traitor and was cutting my foot in half.

I had started with the column at seven o'clock, and at noon an automobile, with flags flying and the black eagle of the staff enamelled on the door, came speeding back from the front.

In it was a very blond and distinguished-looking officer of high rank and many decorations.

He used a single eye-glass, and his politeness and his English were faultless.

He invited me to accompany him to the general staff.
That was the first intimation I had that I was in danger.