16/4/18 Dear Nellie:- I guess I owe you a letter now for on Tuesday I got a letter from you and several Globes and Sat. Nights and then last night brought me a parcel from you sent on March 5th and I can assure you such things are appreciated up here in the line. We are still going strong and so far I have managed to dodge all unfriendly shrapnel, death-dealing gas and such tokens from our friend Fritzie. The life of a runner is quite strenuous enough but I like it fine. Storrey and I cleaned out our room in the dug-out, put in four bunks and all things considered we are quite comfortable. Each night I go down as a guide for the ration party and coming home through the maze of trenches is quite an exciting task. I've only lost the party once so far and then we were only delayed about half an hour. One of the Company runners who left here about midnight last night to go back - about forty minutes walk - lost his way and didn't get back 'till five this morning. Have just had a shave and wash so feel more like a human. I wish I could find a good remedy to rid me of those friendly customers that stick closer than old allies. This is a great land for cats. Old Tabby would get fat here. Up in the trenches at night you can see every type of rat - like those described in the Piper of Hamelin isn't it - lean rats, fat rats etc. etc. and down in the dug-out Mrs. Mouse is our constant companion. Storrey was just getting to sleep last night when a mouse out on a foraging expedition ran across his brow. Storrey said some things that wouldn't look good in print. Last night I had my first drink of rum and I feel certain I'll never be addicted to drinking it as a beverage. It twists your tongue, frazzles your throat and stops all speech for some minutes. Well, I'll write a more connected epistle as soon as we get back to billets. Thanks for the parcel muchly and the paper. Yours Frank.