a soldier had tried to stop the horse + had been knocked into a mudhole + slightly hurt. His face was so plastered that his eyes were looking through holes in a mud mask.

I sent him to the back of the estaminet to get cleaned up up + joined the hunt. There was Joe's horse dashing through the wheat fields long stalks of wheat dragging from his mouth + Joe in an agony of fear of endless "reclamations" trying to head the beast onto the road. I went back to see the injured man + found him in the hands of the amiable daughter of the house. As I noticed that much of the mud on his face has been transferred to hers I thought I had better beat a retreat.

I have had a charming letter from mother + two or three from Nell + the children. Susie's speech to the I.O.D.E. leaves me breathless with astonishment. Love to all.

Your affect brother

Arthur