[Illustration:  COMRADES OF THE WAR.

“STRAFE ME IF IT AIN’T ME OLD ’ORACE!  W’Y, I AIN’T SEEN YER SINCE THAT STUNT RAHND CAMBRAI!”]

* * * * *

GETTING A JOB.

John looked very gloomy.

“Pourquoi triste, John?” said I, knowing the language.

“Well, it’s like this,” said John, “the time has come when you and I must look for a job.”

“That’s all right,” said I cheerfully.  “We’ll go and see the Advisory Committee.  They’ll put us up to a job in civil life.  They’re sitting there bubbling over with advice.  Employers in England are simply falling over one another to find positions for brave young officers who—­”

“Yes, I don’t think,” remarked John very sceptically.  “I went to see the Advisory Committee two days ago.  Perhaps I was rather unfortunate in arriving at the same time as the English mail; anyhow I came away with the following information and convictions:—­

(1) That the easiest job in civil life is to sit on an Advisory Committee.

(2) That one is always either too old or too young for the Civil Services.

(3) That I was a devil of a good fellow and I’d won the War (they patted me on the back and told me so).

(4) That I was to fill up my A.Z.15 and trust in my stars (not the things on my sleeve).”

“Well, what about it?” I continued.

“Personally,” said John, “I think an advertisement in The Daily Telegraph is the correct thing.  How’s this?—­

“’Anybody know of a decent war?  Two young subs in France, Soldiers of Fortune (so-called), would like to get in touch with anyone thinking of starting a first-class war.  Send full particulars and rough strength of enemy to “Warriors,” c/o The Daily Telegraph.’”

Mine was much more modest:—­

“An officer at present in France desires a good job in civil life.  No experience, no education, no languages, no money, no prospects and no hope.  What offers?”

“I don’t think they’ll bring much,” said I.  “You know, John, what we really want is leave.”

So we applied for leave.

John asked permission to remove his person to the U.K. for urgent and private reasons.  I stated that I had a position offered me, but an interview was necessary, and asked their indulgence for the purpose.

John’s chit came back three days later.  “Will this officer state his urgent and private reasons, please?”

“Ah!” said John, “enemy attitude hostile.”  Nevertheless he stated as required.

Three days later it came back again with the request that this officer further state his reasons, please.

“Enemy attitude distinctly hostile,” said John, and committed himself further.

Nothing happened for a week and John’s hopes ran high.  “It must be through, old man,” he declared, “or it would have been back before now.”