“Well, you’ve no idea what a sensation you created. Vinyolles got simply wet behind the ears with it. Some French Deputy said, after the Somme show, that English troops did more damage to France than to Germany. Of course every one on Divisional H.Q. has changed in the last few months. They all established an alibi or Habeas Corpus or something. It was one of the things that made the French Press go for unity of command! You were a boon to them!” “I wish them joy of the business. I don’t know why you mix me up with it.” “Why, it was your pet show, wasn’t it?” “It got fathered on to me because I could understand what it was about.” “Yes, you told Vinyolles, didn’t you?” “The ignorant brute asked me.” “I know. He’s all fresh. I find him trying also. Well, he knows all about it now.” “Tell you the truth, I’ve no idea what I said, Kavanagh! I was feeling queer!” “Vinyolles thought you’d gone potty.” “He wasn’t far wrong.” “He said you told him the whole British Army was guilty of the Kerrime at Vanderlynden’s!” It was the first time Dormer had heard it called that. “Well, in a sense, so they are.” “In a sense, War is a foolish business!” “I thought you liked it?” “I was trying to talk like you----” Before Dormer could reply, the sacking over the door was lifted, by Dormer’s Sergeant. “Cop’l Arbone is back, sir!” “Very good. Did he get in touch with the Major?” “He only found a Lewis-gun section, sir. The Major moved most of the men along the canal, where there’s more trouble!” “All right!” “Well, I suppose I may as well go and have a look at my lot,” Kavanagh stretched himself. “I told ’em to hunt round and see if they could get this place wired up!” “Umpteenth Corps ought to have thought of that, long ago!” “Did you ever know Corps think of anything.” While Kavanagh was so engaged, Dormer took a turn round the various guards and posts he had established. There appeared to be fair cover from view, and even from small-arm and field-gun fire. Of course when the Bosche really wanted to get the place, nothing Dormer and Kavanagh and some forty men could do would stop it. In coming round to the stables behind the Château he found his Sergeant with two men, laboriously trundling on a hand cart what he soon verified to be slabs of marble. What would they think of next? The explanation was, “There was a champion bathroom, sir, an’ I thought we could set up our Lewis better with these!” When Kavanagh saw what was going on, he laughed. “More damage in billets, Dormer!” “Well, the stuff will be smashed up anyhow, won’t it?” “Two blacks don’t make a white. I understand why you told Vinyolles the whole army was guilty. You’re doing just what your friend did about his mules.” “Why will you drag in that beastly business? This has nothing in common with it.” “To the common all things are common. You tell the owner of the Château that when he finds out.”