132 PINK AND SCARLET 



of it, and say, " Oh, the first shower o' rain 'ill take 

 'em nearly out, and as for they holes, I'll just cut 

 a bush or two and stop 'em up." 



It is only human nature, which those who deal 

 with all sorts and conditions of men, and especially 

 perhaps with soldiers, must ever bear in mind. 

 Yet how often do we see soldiers treated as if they 

 were mere machines, and had no such thing as 

 human nature in their compositions. Perhaps, 

 however, we, who have actually to deal with the 

 men themselves, are not such bad offenders in this 

 respect as some of those who deal with their dress 

 and their terms of enlistment, etc. 



While on the subject of the " dust " it would be 

 well to say that it is good for "the cause" to have 

 a few sixpences handy (in the ticket- or waistcoat- 

 pocket) for children and people who open gates. 

 In some countries a little discrimination in the 

 bestowal is necessary, as there are such people as 

 practically professional gate-openers. It is not 

 these, but the bond fide country people, that we 

 want to enlist on the side of the " sport of kings." 



"Yes, draw up his girths — now hold his head 

 while I get on. Thank you. It's fox-hunting 

 brings you that'' (giving him the shilling). 



Out we go on to the erstwhile trim, but now 

 much cut-up, gravel in front of the house. 



Do you know the Master, young soldier ? 



No? Never mind, off with your hat to him, for 

 he is your Commanding Officer for the day. Now 

 go and have a look at the hounds, but don't take 



