the Kaiser had abdicated. The next was that our "move is again postponed." The cannoneers were crazy at having to pull the guns out only to put them back again for the millionth time in five days.

                The next day was the Eleventh. Before breakfast came the most preposterous rumor of all. It seemed an armistice had actually been signed and hostilities would cease on the Western Front at eleven o'clock. This was received in silence. Let people make up that sort of a story if it amuses them. There was in­ difference also in the "Grande Carriere." All that morning a heavy firing continued from the American side. The Battery fired all its harrassing concentrations at long range. About ten o'clock the Major called up to say that fire would cease at 10:59 by synchronized time, and to report any violation by either side. We were incredulous. We were like the little boy who said "I don't believe in you, Santa Claus, but come just the same."

                At 10:59 the Battery ceased fire, and after that every one listened. Ominous silence. Two minutes passed. Then came a grunt from Charny and a lone heavy went racketing overhead. So this eleven o'clock stuff had been another hot one. But hope dies hard, and ours had been stirred if not actually aroused. We kept listening. There were no more shots, and pretty soon we heard church bells, whistles, and a regimental band from the direction of Verdun. . . .

                The guns were kept laid on the normal defensive barrage. The rocket and telephone guards remained in their places. At lunch it was remarked that some

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