After two months an unexpected order called the battalion on twenty-four hours' notice for immediate service over seas, and amid the cheers of hundreds of their friends and fellow citizens, although women being in the majority, the cheering was not of the best, they steamed out of Melville Station. There were tears and faces white with heartache, but these only after the last cheer had been flung upon the empty siding out of which the cars of the troop-train had passed. The tears and the white faces are for that immortal and glorious Army of the Base, whose finer courage and more heroic endurance make victory possible to the army of the Fighting First Line. At Winnipeg the train was halted for a day and a night, where the battalion ENJOYED the hospitality of the city which never tires of welcoming and speeding on the various contingents of citizen soldiers of the West en route for the Front. There was a dinner and entertainment for the men. For Larry, because he was Acting Adjutant, there was no respite from duty through all the afternoon until the men had been safely disposed in the care of those who were to act as their hosts at dinner. Then the Colonel took him off to Jane and her father, who were waiting with their car to take them home. “My! but you do look fine in your uniform,” said Jane, “and so strong, and so big; you have actually grown taller, I believe.” Her eyes were fairly standing out with pride and joy. “Not much difference north and south,” said Larry, “but east and west, considerable. And you, Jane, you are looking better than ever. Whatever has happened to you?” “Hard work,” said Jane. “I hear you are in the Big Business up to your neck,” said Larry. “There is so much to do, I can well believe it. And so your father is going? How splendid of him!” “Oh, every one is doing what he can do best. Father will do the ambulance well.” “And I hear you are going too.” “I do not know about that,” said Jane. “Isn't it awfully hard to tell just what to do? I should love to go, but that is the very reason I wonder whether I should. There is so much to do here, and there will be more and more as we go on, so many families to look after, so much work to keep going; work for soldiers, you know, and for their wives and children, and collecting money. And it is all so easy to do, for every one is eager to do what he can. I never knew people could be so splendid, Larry, and especially those who have lost some one. There is Mrs. Smart, for instance, and poor Scallan's mother, and Scuddy's.” “Jane,” said Larry abruptly, “I must see Helen. Can we go at once when we take the others home?” “I will take you,” said Jane. “I am glad you can go. Oh, she is lovely, and so sweet, and so brave.” Leaving the Colonel in Dr. Brown's care, they drove to the home of Helen Brookes. “I dread seeing her,” said Larry, as they approached the house. “Well, you need not dread that,” said Jane.