"Good," said the senior sergeant to me, "I always did like Aldershot. But we've had quite a pleasant holiday seeing the country." The draft duly paraded again, and when they learned their next destination their remarks were a joy to listen to. We caught a 9.0 train in the evening into Bristol. Then we marched across the city, a matter of, say, three miles. It was a Sunday night, the good citizens were abed. But my lads were determined to show that they were by no means downhearted. The march across was one long pageant of melody. "I'm going home to Dixie" was prime favourite, and splendidly they sang it in harmony. Then some evening hymns, then more rag-time--they were really excellent exponents of that difficult art--then "Onward, Christian Soldiers"; but never a note of "Tipperary." That immortal chorus had not yet "arrived." The midnight train from Bristol to Reading. A wait of three hours. Finally, Aldershot (the wrong station) at 6.30 A.M. A march of four miles into camp somewhat took the spirit out of the men, breakfastless and carrying heavy kits. But we rallied them at the last post and came in singing "Somewhere the sun is shining," like a choir of Welsh colliers. We certainly looked the part. "We've been looking for you for a week; where on earth have you been?" was hurled at us as we marched in. The bombardier started upon a story which would have made that intrepid explorer Captain de Rougemont green with envy. I left him to his astonished audience and went off for a bath and shave before attending my own funeral at H.Q. It will have been observed that there were varying degrees in the politeness with which successive H.Q.s greeted my touring company. The politeness with which Aldershot Headquarters now greeted me was well below freezing-point. "I received your telegrams from Portsmouth and various other places," was the Chief's opening. "You appear to have been taking your men upon an extended holiday round the southern coast health resorts. May I inquire, without appearing too inquisitive, your authority for this expenditure of public money?" "Will you allow me to explain, sir?" "I am waiting for your explanation." I began. When I had recounted the story of the A.S.C. major's arithmetical problem I saw that I had the Great Man's attention. As soon as I had caught the 5 P.M. train from Portsmouth---- "Sit down, won't you," said the Great Man; "cigarette?" I took one from his proffered case and lit it carefully. "If only I can hold him," thought I, "I shall pull through." I did hold him, and I did pull through. "I don't know that I can compliment you on your perspicacity," said the Great Man, "but I can see now where the blame lies. I had intended to withdraw your name from the Expeditionary Force, but----" I got up, mouth open. "Expeditionary Force?" It can only have been a feeble gasp which the Great Man heard. "Am I going out with the Force?"