Yet there are people who still complain of a want of simplicity in the
demobilisation regulations.

* * * * *

STAGES.

1914.

Mr. Smith (of Smith, Smith and Smith, Solicitors) sat in his office
awaiting his confidential clerk. There was a rattle as of castanets
outside the door. It was produced by the teeth of the confidential
clerk, Mr. Adolphus Brown.

Mr. Smith was a martinet ...

1915.

Second-Lieutenant A. Brown was drilling his platoon. There was a
rattle as of castanets. It was produced by the teeth of the platoon.

Adolphus was a martinet ...

1916.

The raiding, party hurled itself into the trench, headed by an
officer of ferocious mien. There was a rattle as of castanets. It was
produced by the teeth of the 180th Regiment of Landsturmers, awaiting
destruction.