ed, ushering in a visitor.

"Captain Granet is changing for dinner at present, sir," he explained.
"If you will take a seat, however, he will be out presently. What name
shall I say?"

"Surgeon-Major Thomson."

The servant wheeled an easy-chair up towards the fire and placed by its
side a small table on which were some illustrated papers. Then, with a
little bow, he disappeared through the inner door. Major Thomson, who
had been fingering the Sketch, laid it down the moment the door was
closed. He leaned forward, his face a little strained. He had the air of
listening intently. After a brief absence the man returned.

"Captain Granet will be with you in a few moments, sir," he announced.

"Please ask him not to hurry," Major Thomson begged.

"Certainly, sir."

The man withdrew and once more Thomson and the dog were alone.
The latter, having made a few overtures of friendship which passed
unnoticed, resumed his slumbers. Major Thomson sat upright in his
easy-chair, an illustrated paper in his hand. All the time, however,
his eyes seemed to be searching the room. His sense of listening
was obviously quickened; he had the air, even, of thinking rapidly.
Five--ten minutes passed. Then voices were heard from within and the
door was suddenly opened. Captain Granet emerged and crossed the room,
hobbling slightly towards his visitor.

"Awfully sorry to keep you like this," he remarked pleasantly. "The fact
is I'd just got into my bath."

"I ought to apologise," his visitor replied, "for calling at such a
time."

"Glad to see you, anyway," the other declared, pausing at his
smoking-cabinet and bringing out some cigarettes. "Try one of these,
won't you?"

"Not just now, thanks."

There was a moment's pause. Major Thomson seemed in no hurry to explain
himself.

"Jolly luncheon party, wasn't it?" Granet remarked, lighting a cigarette
for himself with some difficulty. "What an idiot it makes a fellow feel
to be strapped up like this!"

"From what one reads of the fighting around Ypres," the other replied,
"you were lucky to get out of it so well. Let me explain, if I may, why
I have paid you this rather untimely call."

Captain Granet nodded amiably. He had made himself comfortable in an
easy-chair and was playing with the dog, who had jumped on to his knee.

"I had some conversation on Thursday last," Major Thomson began, "with
the Provost-Marshal of Boulogne. As you, of course, know, we have
suffered a great