it right away."

"Hmm," said the Major, weighing the official looking envelope in one
hand and observing both the American stamps in one corner and numerous
addresses to which the missive had been forwarded. He tore off one end
and extracted a sheet which he unfolded and read while the messenger
waited at his request. I was prepared to hear of a promotion order from
Washington and made ready to offer congratulations. The Major smiled and
tossed the paper over to me, at the same time reaching for a notebook
and fountain pen.

"Hold a light for me," he said to the messenger as he sat on the edge of
the bed and began writing. "This is urgent and I will make answer now.
You will mail it at regimental headquarters." As his pen scratched
across the writing pad, I read the letter he had just received. The
stationery bore the heading of an alumni association of a well-known
eastern university. The contents ran as follows:

"Dear Sir: What are you doing for your country? What are you doing
to help win the war? While our brave boys are in France facing the
Kaiser's shell and gas, the alumni association has directed me as
secretary to call upon all the old boys of the university and invite
them to do their bit for Uncle Sam's fighting men. We ask your
subscription to a fund which we are raising to send cigarettes to
young students of the university who are now serving with the
colours and who are so nobly maintaining the traditions of our Alma
Mater. Please fill out the enclosed blank, stating your profession
and present occupation. Fraternally yours, ---- Secretary."

The Major was watching me with a smile as I concluded reading.

"Here's my answer," he said, reading from a notebook leaf:

"Your letter reached me to-night in a warm little village in France.
With regard to my present profession, will inform you that I am an
expert in ammunition trafficking and am at present occupied in
exporting large quantities of shells to Germany over the air route.
Please find enclosed check for fifty francs for cigarettes for
youngsters who, as you say, are so nobly upholding the sacred
traditions of our school. After all, we old boys should do something
to help along the cause. Yours to best the Kaiser. ----, Major.
---- Field Artillery, U. S. A. On front in France."

"I guess that ought to hold them," said the Major as he folded the
letter and addressed an envelope. It rather seemed to me that i