I was a senior officer, and would have charge of all the troops departing that evening. If you have never had that job, take my tip and avoid it; for of all the thankless tasks the poor devil who suddenly finds himself O.C. train, has the most difficult one of all. I reported to the camp adjutant, an awfully decent sort of chap, and as a farewell gift he placed in my hands a pile of documents and several sheets of printed instructions. "There you are, old chap, you will find everything there." "Why, what is all this about?" said I, holding on to the mysterious bundle of papers which he thrust into my hands. "That is a complete record, in duplicate, of all the troops in your charge. When you get to the station hand those papers over to the R.T.O." "How many men have I charge of?" "Rather a big crowd going to-night--38 officers and 1,140 other ranks." "What regiments do they belong to?" "Well, I think you have got men who belong to nearly every regiment serving in France. There are reinforcement draughts going to various units, and numerous men returning from leave. You've got English, Scotch, Canadians, and Australians. You've got cavalrymen, artillerymen, engineers, and infantrymen. Believe me, you've got your hands full to-night. "You will find a guide at the head of the column who knows the way to the station. It's a good five miles from here." When I got outside I found the column nearly a quarter of a mile long, formed up ready to march off. I gave the order to move to all those within reach of my voice, and trusted to the remainder to follow on. It was quite dark as the long column moved slowly down the long boulevards. I had not the faintest notion where the station was. Wherever I went that long, unwieldy column would slowly follow me, and trust blindly to my direction. I pinned my faith to the guide, and on we went. Before we had got half-way it became evident that the guide had a very remote idea which was the direction to take; and he began to make anxious inquiries of passers-by as to the right way. I was beginning to feel anxious and lose patience. "What are you fussing about for? Are you taking us the right way?" I demanded. "I think so, sir. I don't know." "You don't know! But you are the guide, aren't you?" "Yes, sir. But I've never been to the station before." "But you are supposed to be the guide. Do you mean to tell me that you are not sure of the way?" "Not quite, sir. But I am doing my best." "Well, you are a fine sort of guide! Who detailed you?" "The adjutant, sir." "Well, did he know you had never been down to the station before?" "He never asked me, sir. I was not doing any other duty, so he detailed me to act as your guide." What staff work! But it served me right; and we muddled along, and finally, to my great relief, we entered the station yard. I walked into the R.T.O.'s office and laid my pile of papers on his desk.