I give his exact words with scrupulous minuteness.

"A permanent peace," he continued, "based upon equity, cannot but be
desired. The Election results," he added as an afterthought, "are
interesting."

Asked what he thought of the PRIME MINISTER, he pondered deeply for a
while and then replied, in carefully measured tones, "I think him an
exceptional man."

Pressed as to the League of Nations, he considered the matter for some
minutes and then said, "It is a fine notion. We might all be the happier
if it came."

My time being now up he bowed me to the door and the interview was over.
The knob was of brass and had been, recently polished.

His last words were, "Mind the step."

* * * * *

[Illustration: RECONSTRUCTION; A NEW YEAR'S TASK.]

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Bore_. "I HAVE BEEN MAKING A VERY INTERESTING
CALCULATION. NOW, JUST HAVE A GUESS. IF ALL THE WOUND-STRIPES WERE
PLACED END TO END HOW FAR DO YOU THINK THEY WOULD REACH?"

_Weary Wounded._ "DUNNO, GUV'NOR. STEP IT OUT AND SHOW US."]