A helpless human being is a most unwieldly burden.

TCD MS 10516 folio 35 recto

TCD MS 10516 folio 35 recto

[14th September 1916] ing on hands and knees, was most laborious. A helpless human being is a most unwieldly burden. Each of us took a corner of the stretcher; we lifted it together, pushed it on a few feet, then wriggled forward until we were in position for another few feet advance. After some ten yards we were nearly tired out, but we had succeeded in lying low and drawing but little fire. I began to wonder how we were to get back the remaining odd ninety yards to the mound where we could find a little shelter. I hated the place and wished I was anywhere else. The Arabs were coming on, leaping and shouting, so I guessed that our rearguard had commenced to retire. I used to peep above the camel-thorn, from time to time, to watch them rushing forward singly or in small groups. They were picturesque in their white