It was about this time (in the middle of July) that, in the course of one of my letters to my school-friend, Mr. K. L. P. Martin, then--having been rejected for service in the Army as medically unfit--a student at Manchester University, I had remarked that I would probably get a "Blighty" in a fortnight; and I would, therefore, want something interesting to read in hospital: would he please send me _England Since Waterloo_, by J. A. R. Marriott, whom I had heard lecturing at the Oxford Union on "The Problem of the Near East," in February, 1916, when I was a recruit in the 29th Royal Fusiliers? Mr. Martin, who was staying with another friend, Mr. George Fasnacht, at Clayton Bridge, replied as follows: "The Hollies, Clayton Bridge, "Manchester. "July 23rd, 1917. "Dear Floyd, "Many thanks for your last letter. So you consider that you are likely to become a casualty in the near future. I hope not. Though, if such an event should take place, I hope it will not be serious and will involve a sojourn in England for at least six months. "I will order the Marriott at once. I decline to accept it as off the debt I owe you. It will do as a twenty-first birthday present, as I have received no news re Lovat Fraser. As soon as the book comes I will forward it on. "Teddy[F] and myself had a glorious cycle ride yesterday. We rode to town, took the train to Ashley, then rode to Knutsford via Mobberley. At Knutsford we had tea and then proceeded to Pickmere where we had a row; then on to Great Budworth, Arley, Rostherne and Ashley. The country was glorious, a fine day, good roads, midsummer and Cheshire--the combination needs beating. "I may say that I am extremely pleased at Churchill going to the Ministry of Munitions. "Both Teddy and myself intend getting our photos taken this week, and I will forward copies of both to Middleton Junction. "Best wishes, "Yours, "KENNETH MARTIN."