Instead of returning to the point where we had left our motors by the trench, we walked across an open field in quite another direction than I thought was the correct one. All the time we heard, high overhead, that rushing sound as of giant wings. Occasionally, when a shell struck in the neighborhood, we heard the shrill whistling sound, and half a dozen times in the course of the walk great holes were torn in our field, some times quite near. But artillery does not cause fear easily; it is rifles that accomplish that. The sharp hissing of the bullet that resembles so much the sound of a spitting cat seems so personal--as if it was intended just for you. Artillery is entirely impersonal; you know that the gunners do not see you; that they are firing by arithmetic at a certain range; that their shell is not intended for anyone in particular. So you walk on striking idly with your stick at the daisies and buttercups that border your path. You calculate, almost indifferently, the distance between you and the bursting shell. You somehow feel that nothing will harm you. You are not afraid; and if you are lucky, as we were, you will find the automobiles waiting for you just over there beyond the brow of the hill. The Modern Plataea By Frederick Pollock [From King Albert's Book.] Nearly 2,400 years ago the Boeotian city of Plataea was one among the many lesser Greek republics. Her citizens earned immortal fame by taking part with the leading States of Athens and Sparta in the decisive battles, fought on their own territory, which delivered Greece from the fear of Persian conquest and saved the light of Greek freedom and civilization from being extinguished. To this day the name of Plataea is held in honor throughout the world; for many years that honor was unique. Belgium has now done and dared for the freedom of modern Europe as much as Plataea did of old: she has, unhappily, suffered far more. As her valor has been equal and her suffering greater her reward will be no less immortal. Belgium will be remembered with Plataea centuries after the military tyranny of the Hohenzollerns has vanished like an evil dream. A British Call For Recruits * * * * * Is Your Conscience Clear? Ask your conscience why you are staying comfortably at home instead of doing _your_ share for your King and Country. 1. Are you too old? The only man who is too old is the man who is over 38. 2. Are you physically fit? The only man who can say honestly that he is not physically fit is the man who has been _told_ so by a Medical Officer. 3. Do you suggest you cannot leave your business? In this great crisis the only man who cannot leave his business is the man who is himself actually doing work for the Government. If your conscience is not clear on these three points your duty is plain. ENLIST TO-DAY. God Save the King. * * * * *