The setting shifts back in time to April 1918. Christopher is in the trenches in Flanders with General Perry’s army. He has recently become the unit’s commanding officer (CO). It is morning, and they are awaiting a barrage from the German lines. Christopher calculates his chances of survival—an unwise thing to do. He is inspecting the trenches with his Sergeant. Major. A skylark spooks him when he looks over the top of the trench. The men talk about the superstitions regarding skylarks. Christopher remembers other battles he has been in. He remembers one night when the Germans stormed their trenches. He had stabbed one with a knife. At night, he dreams of sappers digging beneath him. He hears a German voice saying, “Bringt dem Hauptmann eine Kerze” (562). Christopher wonders if he is going mad, the thing he fears the most.

Christopher hears a cornet playing a tune from the 17th century. The music makes him think of that era and what made it so grand. He also thinks about Campion and Sylvia. The General will probably marry Sylvia after he is dead.

In the trenches, the soldiers are still awaiting the barrage.