"No, I shan't. Let me pull out your tongue. It's to get the water from your mouth," insisted Ruth. "It's no use working your arms when your air passages are choked." "But I wasn't drowning! I have a broken leg!" "Then why couldn't you tell me so at first? I thought you were one of those who were supposed to be fished out of the river!" "I've grown quite clever at pretending fits," said Alison. "I only bargain that they stick my own pocket-handkerchief between my teeth." "My speciality is a sprained ankle," said Dorothy. "I can hold my foot quite limp and let it waggle." "It was you who talked when you had a broken jaw, and that's a sheer impossibility," said Annie Gray. "Well! Who sneezed when we were trying treatment for bleeding from the nose?" "I couldn't help that; it was a 'physical disability'." "It's our turn to revive fainting. Who'll do an elegant swoon? Alison, will you?" "No, thanks. I don't mind fits, but I hate faints. The burnt feather makes me cough, and last time you simply soused me with water. I thought I was being drowned." As the term went on and the girls became more adept at first aid, Miss Tempest decided to organize a camp drill, and to take them for an afternoon's practice in field work. To Dorothy's delight, a meadow at Hurford was chosen as the scene of action. "You'll be able to come and watch, Auntie," she said to Aunt Barbara. "We're going to do all sorts of exciting things. We're to suppose there's been a battle, and then we'll come on and help the wounded--carry some of them to transport wagons, and make wind screens for others, and of course bind them all up first. We're to have a lot of little boys from the Orphanage for soldiers--that's why Miss Tempest chose to come to Hurford, because they've a Boy Scout Corps at the Orphanage, and can lend us some real stretchers and a proper ambulance wagon. I hope I shall get a nice bright boy as patient." After considerable coaxing, Alison managed to persuade her mother to allow her to take part, if the day proved suitable. "It's so much warmer now, Mother dearest," she pleaded. "I haven't had a cold for ages; and we shan't be standing still--we shall be busy running about all the time. It's only from half-past two till four. You might come and watch." "It's my afternoon to help at the Sewing Meeting," said Mrs. Clarke. "I could hardly miss that while the Deaconess is away." "Then drive over to Hurford and fetch me home. I haven't been out in the trap for ages--yes, ages! Do, darling Motherkins! I should so enjoy it, and--oh yes, I'll put a Shetland shawl over my mouth, if you like, and you could bring my thick coat. Will you promise?" "It depends on the weather, Birdie," replied her mother discreetly.