_This period of the author's life begins during the first days of
October, 1915, and ends on the eve of the battle of Verdun, February
20, 1916._
_He directed certain works in the different sectors of the Verdun
front, at Eparges, at Calonne Trench, in the Hauts-de-Meuse, at
Chevaliers Wood, at Ornes, at Forges and Béthincourt, at Corbeaux Wood,
etc._
_He remained a greater part of the time at Eparges, which was then the
bloodiest sector on the front. The episodes in mining warfare left an
impression of horror with those who were lucky enough to survive._
[Illustration: Eparges Mill recalls the ruins of some ancient Abbey.]