field, over against the Serbian shore, with the
result that the monitor was permanently put out of action. But these
operations were of minor importance just then. For now Serbia was called
on to face a new enemy, in some of its aspects much more terrible than
the Austrians, for it demanded a sort of fighting in which the Serbians
were not so well trained. The Austrians had, indeed, left behind them an
ally that was to accomplish as much mischief almost as they themselves
had caused the Serbians.

Not long after the final defeat of the third invasion an epidemic of
typhus appeared among the Serbian soldiers. Run down physically, as they
must have been, their vitality sapped by the hardships of the campaigns
they had just passed through, they fell victims to this scourge by the
thousands. Not knowing how to attack or to defend itself against such an
enemy, the little kingdom sent forth a cry for help, which was heard and
responded to by the United States, Great Britain, France, and even
Russia. Organizations were formed with the purpose of assisting Serbia
in this extremity, and private persons also came forward with offers of
money and service. The Red Cross also did what it could under the
emergency, but its resources were already being taxed to their full
extent by demands in all the battle fields of Europe. Sir Thomas Lipton
sailed his yacht, the _Erin_, to Saloniki, loaded with supplies of
medical stores, and carrying a full passenger list of doctors and
nurses. Lady Paget, Lady Wimborne, and other women of rank in Great
Britain also devoted their whole energies to the cause. A society of
women physicians, an offspring of the Scottish Federation of the
National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies, did noble work in Serbia.
After sending two hospital units to France, this women's organization
dispatched a third to the Balkans, where it was received with the
deepest gratitude, Serbia agreeing with enthusiasm to pay the salaries
of its members and the cost of its maintenance. It was stationed at
Kragujevatz, where it was given a hospital of 250 beds.

But meanwhile the epidemic had spread over the country. There were
thousands of serious cases; men, women, and children were dying
everywhere, unattended and under the most distressing circumstances.
Hardly had the first of the foreign aid arrived when the immensity of
the task required was recognized, and telegrams and cables were sent all
over the world calling for fur