in the marquee.  Two of them were huddled up in a box like monkeys.  One man was wringing out his socks; he had fallen into a gun pit up to the waist in water.  I wanted to lend him a pair, but he evidently thought that the feeling of dry socks would be too great a contrast to his wet body, for he positively refused my nice warm ones.  About 10 p.m.  I found three men sleeping outside in the rain.  I asked one of them to come and share my tent.  “No, thank you, sir, we have only one blanket between us.”  “Come on, then, the three of you.”  Then the invitation was accepted, and didn’t they smile as I served them with hot coffee!  Mr. Hide’s tent (he is at Durban) I lent to a major and a captain.

’The water ran like a river through our camp, so heavy was the rainfall.  I kept lights in our marquee all night, and toddled out and in to see all was right.  I was not out of my clothes all night, but my lot was a happy one compared with those dear lads—­they have not been out of their clothes for months, and have never had a tent to cover them.  This morning, as they left, the gratitude of both officers and men was so intense that I had to clear off the scene—­could not stand it.  It has rained in torrents to-day.  Got wet through.  Had splendid meeting to-night.  Sure there was definite working of the Holy Spirit.  The Rev. James Gray, who gave the address, has been a great help to us.’[13]

Among the men of the Lancashire Fusiliers, who subsequently lost so heavily at Spion Kop, there were many conversions.  And among the naval men there were many grand Christians, who were delighted to avail themselves of the privileges and opportunities which the tent supplied.

The chaplains were, of course, at the front with the men, or as near the front as they could get, sharing their fatigues and many of their dangers.

[Footnote 13:  News from the Front, May, 1900.]

=A Bit of Christian Comradeship.=

Differences of denomination were for the most part forgotten, and the Rev. Mr. Gedge, the Church of England chaplain, and the Rev. T.H.  Wainman, the Wesleyan, were the best of friends and comrades.  Mr. Gedge soon became a power for good.  His tent meetings were crowded, and his preaching told with great effect, many being brought to Christ.  His open-air work was splendidly done.  Here is a delightful bit of Christian comradeship, which we wish we could see oftener repeated in this country.  The Rev. T.H.  Wainman writes:—­

’After watching the men who were formed for guard duties, etc., for some time, I noticed Major Gedge, the Church of England army chaplain, and several Army and Navy League workers come along, evidently intent on holding a voluntary service.  I joined them, and helped in the singing of half a dozen hymns, which by this time had brought together a large number of the soldiers.  Mr. Gedge asked me to give the address.  I did so, and had a most happy time,