It must not be presumed that, in obtaining this almost inhuman reaction, all independent qualities are obliterated. For, though a man's mind is adjusted to carrying out, without questioning, any task that is demanded of him, yet in the execution of this duty he is allowed the full scope of his invention and initiative. Thus, by this dull and unending routine, we laid the foundation of that inevitable success toward which we were slowly working. When the Company dismissed, the Major, Talbot, and the Old Bird walked over to lunch together. "Well, it's a great war, isn't it?" said the Major, turning to the other two. "It's very nice to have got through a couple of shows, sir," replied Talbot. "What do you think about it, Old Bird?" "Well, of course, war is all very well for those who like it. But give me the Base every time," answered the Old Bird, true to his reputation. Then, turning to the Major with his most ingratiating smile, he said, "By the way, sir, what about a few days in Boulogne?" FOOTNOTES: [1] A late, third-rate English pantomime producer. [2] Stands for Army Service Corps, and its equivalent in the American Army is the Quartermaster's Corps. IX A PHILOSOPHY OF WAR It has often been observed that if this war is to end war for all time, and if all the sacrifices and misery and suffering will help to prevent any recurrence of them, then it is well worth while. In these days of immediate demands and quick results, this question is too vague and too far-reaching to bring instant consolation. Apart from that, too, it cannot decide whether any war, however great, can ever abolish the natural and primitive fighting instinct in man. The source from which we must draw the justification for our optimism lies much nearer to hand. We must regard the effect that warring life has already produced upon each individual member of the nations who are and who are not engaged in it.