As soon as we are outside, the night, which seems to lie in wait for us, sends us a squall, with its thunderous destruction of space; it scatters us; then we are drawn together and joined up.

We carry thick planks, two by two; and then piles of sacks which blind the bearers with a plastery dust and make them reel like masts.
Then the last time, the most terrible, it was wire.

Each of us takes into his hands a great hoop of coiled wire, as tall as ourselves, and weighing over sixty pounds.

When one carries it, the supple wheel stretches out like an animal; it is set dancing by the least movement, it works into the flesh of the shoulder, and strikes one's feet.

Mine tries to cling to me and pull me up and throw me to the ground.