AT THE DIAMOND BAE 177 



scrubbing of faces and hands, a searching and re- 

 searching through dufflebags and beds in the feeble 

 hope that somewhere might be found a garment or 

 so which we had neglected to wear entirely thread- 

 bare. 



At last we were dressed as well as our resources 

 permitted. Bob Moak and Frazer led the proces- 

 sion out of camp, being voted the most effectively at- 

 tired. Bob sported two large green patches in the 

 seat of his overalls, and Frazer had unearthed a 

 faded red cravat, the only bit of neckwear in the 

 crowd if one excepts Brown's spotted cotton hand- 

 kerchief. We others following were remarkable 

 rather for our unwonted flow of high spirits than for 

 any decorative qualities we possessed. 



The party, notwithstanding, was a huge success. 

 Once in the house we forgot ourselves and our 

 clothes completely. Previous misgivings, the fear 

 that for lack of practice we should not know how to 

 behave in the presence of women, vanished instantly. 

 We enjoyed every minute of the evening. It was 

 really an astonishing treat for us. 



The girls appeared to our sharpened senses beau- 

 tiful as sirens and witty and charming beyond de- 

 scription. There was an indescribable zest to every- 

 thing. Never had lights shone so brightly nor 

 music sounded so sweet nor lace and ribbons and 

 dainty faces and silver laughter seemed so mar- 

 vellously satisfactory, so altogether delectable. 



And the dinner ! 



