the idea that they were denied
privileges enjoyed by other battalions.

"The wet canteen?" echoed the doctor. "No, you know I opposed, as you
did, the introduction of the wet canteen, although not upon the same
grounds. I regard it as a perfect nuisance in camp. It is the centre of
every disorder, it is subversive of discipline; it materially
increases my sick parade. But it is not the wet canteen that is chiefly
responsible for the growing crime-sheet and orderly room parade. It is
those damned--I don't apologise--"

"Please don't. Say it again!" exclaimed Barry fervently.

"Those damned pubs," continued the M. O., "stuck at every crossroads in
this country. They're the cause of ninety per cent. of the drunkenness
in our army, and more than that, I want to give you another bit of
information that came out at our M. O. conference this week, namely that
these pubs account for ninety per cent. of our tent hospital cases."

"Ninety per cent., doctor? That's surely high."

"I would have said so, but I am giving you the unanimous verdict of
the twenty-six medical officers at the conference. Cut out the damned
beer--and you know I take my share of it--cut out the beer and ninety
per cent. of the venereal disease goes. With me it is not a question of
morality but of efficiency." Here the M. O. sprang from his chair and
began to pace the hut. "This is the one thing in this army business that
makes me wild. We come over here to fight--these boys are willing to
fight--and by gad they will fight! They go out for a walk, they have a
few beers together, their inhibitory powers are paralysed, opportunity
comes their way, and they wake up a little later diseased. God in
heaven! I love this dear old England, and I would die for her if need
be, but may God Almighty damn her public houses, and all the infernal
and vicious customs which they nourish."

"Thank you, doctor, go right on," said Barry. "I was at the tent
hospital this week for the first time. Ever since, I have been wanting
to say what you have said just now. But what did your M. O. conference
do about it?"

"What could we do? The Home Office blocks the way. Well, I've got that
off my stomach, and I feel better," added the M. O., with a slight
laugh.

"But, doc, I want to say this," said Barry. "I don't believe that the
percentage of men who go in for this sort of thing is large. I've been
making inquiries from our chaplains and they all agree that we have a
mighty f