of his off time in the
manufacture of a quite beautiful pencilholder--his material an empty
cartridge case, his tools a half-brick and a shoeing nail.

Slowly the morning wore on--so slowly, indeed, that at an early
period I cast aside my tunic and with spade and pick endeavoured by
assistance and example to incite my labourers to "put a jerk in it."
Noon saw the deceased mule beneath a ton or so of clay, and Lurtee
Lee, whether from gratitude or sheer camaraderie, gravely presented me
with the now completed pencil-holder. No, not a sou would he accept; I
was to take it as a gift.

At this moment a European N.C.O. from the Labour Camp came upon the
scene and kindly offered to save me a journey by escorting Lurtee Lee
and Company to quarters. They shuffled down the road, and I turned to
put on my tunic. One button was missing.

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Jock_. "MAN, IT'S AN AWFU' PUIR DAY FOR FECHTIN'.'"

_Donal'_. "AY. BUT IT'S AN AWFU' GUID DAY FOE GETTIN' THE FU' WARRUMTH
AN' COMFORT OOT O' THE RUM RATION."]

* * * * *

MORE GERMAN FRIGHTFULNESS.

"Hindenburg sent a great number of bug guns to General
Boroevics."--_Daily Paper_.

* * * * *

ANOTHER IMPENDING APOLOGY.

"Early in the operations a jet of water struck the Chief
Officer of the Fire Brigade directly in the right eye,
completely blinding him for the time; and he had to be
assisted away but returned shortly after. The Brigade are
to be complimented on their work."--_Rangoon Times_.

* * * * *

"The complete cessation of the exports of opinion from
India to China is a distinct landmark in the moral progress
of the world."--_South African Paper_.

This seems rather sweeping. What about Sir RABINDRANATH TAGORE?

* * * * *

THE STEW.

FRAGMENT OF A SHAKSPEAKEAN TRAGEDY.

["There are many things with which a stew can be
thickened."--_Extract from Regimental Order_.]

SCENE I.--_Battalion Orderly-Room._

_Flourish. Enter_ Colonel _and_ Adjutant.

_Colonel._ I do mistrust the soft and temperate air
That hath so long enwrapped us. No "returns
Of bakers," visitations of the Staff,
Alarms or inquisitions have disturbed
Our ten days' rest. Nothing but casual shells
And airy bombs to mind us of the War.