78 Pages - The Black Vault

at first halted and begun to be suspicious before theyhad seen the women at the farm. What could theyhave discovered? I failed entirely to solve thismystery.During the day’s trek the following lessons slowlyevolved themselves, and were stored in my mind inaddition to those already learnt: --8. When collecting the friendly stranger and hissons in order to prevent their taking information tothe enemy of your existence and whereabouts, ifyou are wishful for a “surprise packet,” do not forgetalso to gather his wife and his daughter, his manservantand his maidservant (who also have tongues),and his ox and his ass (which may possibly serve theenemy). Of course, if they are very numerous or veryfar off, this is impossible; only do not then hope tosurprise the enemy.9. Do not forget that, if guns are going to be usedagainst you, a shallow trench with a low parapet someway from it is worse than useless, even though theparapet be bulletproof ten times over. The trenchgives the gunners an object to lay on, and gives noprotection from shrapnel. Against well-aimed longrangeartillery fire it would be better to scatter thedefenders in the open hidden in grass and bushes,or behind stones or ant hills, than to keep themhuddled in such a trench. With your men scatteredaround, you can safely let the enemy fill your trenchto the brim with shrapnel bullets.10. Though to stop a shrapnel bullet much lessactual thickness of earth is necessary than to stopa rifle bullet, yet this earth must be in the right place.For protection you must be able to get right close34--