a cheery word for every one. He asked me where I lived and
spoke cheerily to me of soon seeing my mother and friends,
and then left on a like errand to another chap. This, as I
look back, was typical of all the work of the Y.M.C.A. Its
helpers are always at the right place doing the right thing.
That is why they have earned Tommy's undying gratitude."

Next day this one young man was being tenderly and graciously cared
for in a hospital in Wales. He had finished his bit. To the office he
wrote:


_July 12th, 1916._

"The Hun has put me completely out of action, and I hope
within a few months to be amongst you all again--for good,
and certainly in time for the autumn session.

"The sight of my right eye has completely gone out, but as
long as the left one keeps as it is I shall not be seriously
handicapped. My glass eye will be an acceptable ornament.
The left hand will mend in time; when healed, it will be
pushed and squeezed into its original shape. Apart from the
wounds I feel very well, and my rapid recovery has surprised
all. The first three days in France were critical, and
mother was sent for. However, I pulled through and feel as
active as ever--at least, I do whilst in bed."

The hole in Sydney Baxter's nut--I use his own phrase--is healing. His
hand has been more than once under the surgeon's knife, and he can now