'But why are you not being drilled or digging up trenches or firing
guns----'

'We're a' deid men this efternune. Had a big rout mairch the day.'

'Oh, indeed! Well, when does the band play?'

'The baun's burstit wi' the rout mairch. It couldna blaw the ash
aff a ceegarette. I'm rael sorry----'

'I would like to inspect the apartments you live in. Pray conduct
me----'

'Some o' the chaps is cleanin' theirsel's. If ye like, I'll tell
them to hurry up or get ablow the blankets.'

'Certainly not!' said Mrs. Purdie with decision. 'Is there no
tea-room adjacent?'

'Jist the canteen. I doobt I couldna I tak' ye inside, but I
could fetch ye oot a drink--something T.T., I suppose?'

She waved the offer away. 'Is there | nothing to be perceived or
observed in this camp?' she inquired with some impatience. |

Her nephew scratched his head. 'Weel,' he said at last, 'there's
the view frae this end, an' there's the view frae the ither end.
I'm sorry ye've come when there's naething daein'.'

'So am I. However, it is not the time to indulge in