was swarming with insect life, but, unheeding such
minor details, Mac and Mick soon stripped off their clothes and made
the best of it. Next day they came armed with towels, soap and all the
permanganate of potash their kits could muster. At the worst this
browny-pink pool left them a good deal cleaner and cooler than before,
and the two troopers usually came that way once or twice daily.

They slept, too, on the open hill-side some distance from the camp, as
it was cooler, cleaner and quieter, and they put in only an occasional
appearance for medicine and a meal. The staff of the camp seemed
concerned with greater things than the presence or otherwise of a
couple of troopers, and Mac and Mick saw no particular obstacle to
their remaining a month or two. Mac had exhausted most of his and the
section's finance in excellent fashion. The harbour was out of bounds,
but in several surreptitious excursions out on to the harbour, with
Mick and one or two others, he had succeeded in getting from ships'
canteens and stores as big a stock of provisions as he could carry with
him on his return journey to Anzac.

On two men-o'-war they had been splendidly received by the crews, who,
fully appreciating the rottenness of life ashore, did all in their
power to make pleasant the few hours' stay of such odd soldiers as
found their way on board. The bluejackets crowded round the visitors,
all anxious to be their hosts. They took Mac and Mick to a bath-room,
and, while they had a good splash round, prepared a really attractive
meal with extra delicacies bought at the canteen. The wanderers would
make the most of it too. Then, after an hour or so's yarn on the cool,
clean awninged deck, they would take a regretful departure, and would
go over the ship's side laden with good things from the sailors, the
latest newspapers from home, smokable tobacco, and good canteen stores.
They were fine men, the sailors whom Mac came across at Gallipoli,
generous, hospitable fellows when they had the chance, and ready always
to back up their comrades ashore, and to share with them the dangers,
discomfort and disease of life ashore whenever they were called upon.

Thus, at the end of a fortnight on Lemnos, Mac had collected in the
care of a friend near the landing-place as much as he could carry back.
Mick, too, had followed his example and had collected a case of
provisions for his cobbers up at Anzac. Mick, moreover, was heartily
fed up, he s