CHAPTER V 



CHRISTMAS 



As the Christmas of 19 14 approached, many 

 anticipated that it would be different from other 

 years. A feeling of tension necessarily exists when 

 so fierce a struggle for mastery prevails amongst 

 many nations. Letters that came from distant 

 countries like Australia betrayed anxiety as to the 

 risk of messages not reaching their destination, for 

 there was danger in mine-laid seas or from fast- 

 speeding cruisers. Therefore, as this usually bright 

 and festive season drew near, we wondered, each 

 of us, how we should go through with it, and how 

 friends, anxious about their nearest and dearest, 

 could face it without gloom and depression. 



In all large towns the darkened streets and shops 

 added to a sense of something unusual. The busy 

 buyers, intent on getting all necessaries, such as 

 bunches of holly and mistletoe, chestnuts, sweets, 

 turkeys, and plum puddings, that are so essential 

 a part of the old-fashioned English Yuletide, wore 

 anxious faces. Other thoughts were in their minds. 

 They were wondering how the men in the trenches 

 were standing the continuous strain of fighting, 

 how the sailors fared who guard our coasts. There 

 was none of that bright animation that is usually 



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