An officer came to my rescue, but could only confirm the sentry's
orders.
"You're not safe even here. This is the firing line. We don't know yet
for certain whether we are going to hold the ground we gained. Villiers?
Still in the Germans' hands."
I sighed and was about to turn away. "Then where's the nearest bridge
across?"
"Meaux."
"But that's thirty kilometres west! I'm only fifteen from home here!"
"I wish I could help you, but there's no use trying to leave here unless
you go that way."
Then Meaux it must be, and though our trip was considerably lengthened,
anything was better than inaction.