AT THE DIAMOND BAR 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! 
