The ex-artist inclined his head with that nice condescension of the great who realise that they must be known by many whom it is impossible for themselves to know, when he noticed the features of the American. 'My sainted uncle!' he exclaimed; 'if it isn't my old sparring-partner from Old Glory!--Gentlemen, permit me to introduce to you the brains, lungs, and liver of the American Army.' The subalterns acknowledged the introduction with the utmost cordiality, suggesting that they should return to the lounge and inundate the vitals of the American Army with liquid refreshment; but Selwyn pleaded an excuse, and with many 'Cheerios' the happy-go-lucky youngsters moved on, enjoying to the limit their hard-earned leave from the front. 'May I offer my congratulations?' said Selwyn. 'Come outside,' said the colonel. They adjourned to the terrace, and Smyth placed his hand in the other's arm. 'Do you know who I am?' he said. 'Eh?' said Selwyn, rather bewildered by the mysterious nature of the question. 'I, my dear Americano, am A.D. Super-Camouflage Department, War Office.' The colonel chuckled delightedly, but checking himself, reared his neck with almost Roman hauteur. 'I have one major, two captains, five subalterns, and eleven flappers, whose sole duty is to keep people from seeing me.' 'Why?' asked the American. 'I don't know,' said the colonel; 'but it's a fine system.' 'You have done wonderfully well.' 'Moderately so,' said the A.D. Super-Camouflage Department. 'I have been decorated by eleven foreign Governments and given an honorary degree by an American university. I also drive the largest car in London.' 'You amaze me.' 'As an opener,' said the colonel, forgetting his dignity in the recital of his greatness, 'I am in enormous demand. I can open a ball, a bottle, or a bazaar with any man in the country.' 'But,' said Selwyn, 'how did it all come about?'