I daren't own up to the men that I haven't a notion where we are, but I haven't, and that's a fact. How this infernal path does wind about! "What's that, Corporal? Here's a _sort_ of a road? _This_ isn't a main road. Well, the men must have a rest, so----Where's the rest of the section? There aren't more than half of them here. Expect they've gone back the way they came?" I'm beginning to wish _I_ had too. "Corporal, there's no doubt that we've lost touch with the column. We must work our way along the road till we come across a house and find out where we are; unfortunately, I forgot to bring my map with me." _At last!_ a cottage. The men had better rest while I make a few inquiries. "Oh, you're a stranger in these parts? But, my good woman, is there any place where I can find----The Red Lion? Where's that? Just down the road, where those soldiers are running to?" Well, I'm----! [Illustration:] [Illustration: A Fair Samaritan.] [Illustration: Our N.C.O.'s (No. 1). _Captain:_ "Look here, Corporal, you know the great object of the new system is to train the N.C.O.'s to act on their own initiative and responsibility. Now I want you to take a couple of men--understand? Two men, and advance along the main road and select a position commanding a good view of the road, where your sentry can see without being seen--understand? Now you should choose if possible a place giving some shelter for your men, as you are to imagine you've got to occupy it for twenty-four hours, and it ought to be so chosen that you could offer a certain amount of resistance if attacked--understand? You're in absolute command, and you are to do whatever you think best under the circumstances, keeping in mind the object for which you were sent out--understand?" _Corporal:_ "Yessir."] [Illustration: Our N.C.O.'s (No. 2). The Position the Corporal selected.] [Illustration: Hints for Patrols. "When reconnoitring a village, one of the inhabitants should be detained and questioned."] [Illustration: The Best Laid Schemes, etc. That able and efficient officer, Captain Smith, had prepared a really beautiful ambush that would have put the opposing force out of action without a doubt, had not this happened just before the psychological moment!] [Illustration] CAMP DIARIES No. 1. Lt.-Col. Sir DIGBY SANDILANDS, M.P. _Saturday._--Wretched morning. Hunter tells me the barometer is falling again. We really get terribly bad luck with the weather. I know what it will be--we shall get to camp wet through, and find everything absolutely sodden. Wish I had sent Hunter on yesterday to look after things. Lady Sandilands says it's perfectly absurd going on a day like this; suggests that I should go later when everything is straight. Women take the most extraordinary views of one's duty to the country, but really, under the circumstances, I almost wish it were feasible.