Mobbles was beyond speech and busily engaged in working it out on
paper in decimals.

There was, a knock at the door; a signaller brought a wire, "Report
immediately position of Second-Lieut. X."

There was a moment's silence as the Adjutant grasped a message-pad
and thought deeply what to say. He wrote a few lines and then looked
up. "This is what I have said: 'Second-Lieut. X staying if retained,
but available to go if eligible; also eligible for retention if
available.' Am I clear?"

"Quite," said the Adjutant's child.

* * * * *

[Illustration: ENGLAND EXPECTS.

{WITH MR. PUNCH'S BEST HOPES FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE NATIONAL
INDUSTRIAL CONFERENCE.}

BOTH LIONS (_together_). "UNACCUSTOMED AS I AM TO LIE DOWN WITH
ANYTHING BUT A LAMB, STILL, FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD...."]

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

_Monday, February 17th_.--On the motion for the rejection of the