Volume 153 — THE H.Q. TOUCH.

Command Headquarters (who, of course, Ride us as Cockneys ride a horse— I mean, without considering The animal; the ride's the thing) On Army Form—I cannot think Precisely which; the form was pink— Instructed Captain So-and-so, With certain other ranks, to go And at a given hour report, With rifles, such-and-such a sort, So many rounds of S.A.A. Per man, and so much oats and hay Per horse (as specified and charged On War Establishments, enlarged, Revised and issued as amended); And here the said instruction ended, "Signed, Eustace Blank, G.S.O.3, For D.A.Q.A.M.A.G." The reason why the form was thus Truncated was—alas for us!— That Major Blank, a hasty man, Neglected his accustomed plan And failed, in short, to P.T.O., So never told us where to go. We drafted a polite reply:— "Your such a number, Fourth July; Instructions touching destination Requested, please, for information." And Captain So-and-So and men Donned and inspected kits. And then Command Headquarters went and wired: "The draft in question not required. When any draft is wanted you Will hear precisely what to do; No error ever passes through This office. You will therefore not In future tell US what is what; WE know; and WE are on the spot. The G.O.C.-in-C. is much Displeased." The old Headquarters' touch.