nery was beautifully painted and the electric lights and
foot-lights well arranged.

Near us was the village of Gouy-Servins, where many men were billeted,
and in huts at Souchez and other places along the valley the various
units found their homes. The year's campaign was now over and we could
look forward to a quiet time during the winter. "C" mess had a very
comfortable hut, with an open fireplace. We were supposed to have the
liveliest entertainments of any mess at Headquarters, and had
therefore many visitors. I shall never forget the jolly face of our
president, the D.A.D.M.S., nor the irrepressible spirit of our A.P.M.,
son of a distinguished father who commanded an Army, nor the dry
common-sense humour of our Field Cashier. What delight they took in
ragging the Senior Chaplain, whose automatic ears, as he averred,
prevented his hearing the things he should not. Nor must we forget the
Camp Commandant, often perplexed like Martha with much serving. It was
a goodly company and one much addicted to bridge and other diversions.
I shall not forget the continual appeals of a gallant staff officer
with two or three ribbons, who asked me penitently every morning for a
moral uplift, which I noticed completely evaporated before evening.
There was a freedom about our gatherings that was quite unique and has
left pleasant memories in the mind, in spite of the fact that I told
my fellow members they were the most godless crowd in Christendom.
One day when we were at Ecoivres, a shell fell by the house, while (p. 232)
we were having dinner. Someone asked me afterwards if it had "put my
wind up?" "Not a bit", I replied, "I knew that the Devil was not going
to destroy one of his favourite machine-gun emplacements."

There was much excitement at this time over the question of
conscription. The soldiers were to have votes and much depended upon
their being given in the right way. It was a critical time, as our
man-power was being exhausted. Recruiting under the voluntary system
had become inadequate to meet our needs. Beyond this, however, one
felt that the moral effect of Canada's refusing conscription would be
very harmful. The Germans would at once see in it an indication that
Canada was growing weary of fighting and they would consequently take
heart. It was most essential then that our men should cast a solid
vote for the coalition government. I felt it my duty therefore to do
as much electioneering work as I could. At night