We knew how to “square” the guard if we came in late, and the others learnt how to dodge church parade. “'E never goes to church parade.” “No; 'e was a fly one--'e was.” “Wotchermean?” “Put 'isself down as Quaker.” “Lummy--that's me next time I 'list--Quaker Oats!” By this time I had been promoted to the rank of corporal. Next to the regimental sergeant-major, I had the loudest drill voice on the square, and shouting at squad-drill and stretcher-drill was about the only thing I ever did well in the army--except that, having been a scout, I was able to instruct the signalling squad. Route marches and field-days were a relief from the drill square. For five months we got no issue of khaki. Many of the men were through at the knees, and tattered at the elbows. Some were buttonless and patched. I had to put a patch in my shorts. Our civilian boots were wearing out--some were right through. Heels came off when they “right turned,” others had their soles flapping as they marched. My “batman,” who cleaned my boots and swept out the bunk, had his trousers held together with a huge safety-pin. The people called us “Kitchener's Rag-time Army.” We became so torn, and worn, and ragged, that it was impossible to go out in the town. Being the only one in scout rig-out I drew much attention. “'Ere 'e comes, Moik-ell!” “Kitchener's cowboy! Isn't he lovely!” “Bejazus! so-it-is!” “Come an' see Path-rick--Kitchener's cowboy!--by-the-holy-sufferin'-jazus!” I found an old curio-shop down near the docks, and here I used to rummage among the gilded Siamese idols, and the painted African gods and drums. I discovered some odd parts of A Thousand-and-One Arabian Nights, which I bought for a penny or two, and took back to my barrack-room to read. By this means I forgot the gray square, and the gray line of the barracks outside, and the bare boards and yellow-washed walls within. I used to practise “slipping” the guard at the guard-room gate. This form of amusement became quite exciting, and I was never caught at it. Next I got a very old and worn copy of the Koran. By this time I was a full-blown sergeant. I made a mistake in walking into the sergeants' mess with the Koran under my arm. It was difficult to explain what sort of book it was. One day the regimental sergeant-major said-- “You know, Hargrave, I can't make you out.” “No, sir?” “No;--you're not a soldier, you never will be--you act the part pretty well. But you don't take things seriously enough.”