Engineers.

_The Com._ But surely, Doctor, the officers you have mentioned know
something of their drill?

_Med. Off._ If that is the difficulty, let us make ourselves equally
proficient. The more we are in touch with the so-called combatant
officers the better.

_The Com._ Well, certainly, if you are good drills (and have some
knowledge of the internal economy of a regiment, and the rudiments
of military law) I cannot see why you should not enjoy the rank to
which you aspire. I wish you every success in your application. After
all, you are masters of the situation. If your superior officers are
unreasonable--physic them!

[_The Witness after returning thanks, then withdrew._

* * * * *

MR. PUNCH'S DICTIONARY OF PHRASES.

AT A COUNTRY HOUSE.

"_So glad you have a fine day for your garden-party. Was quite anxious
about the weather;_" i.e., "Hoped sincerely it would rain hard--hate
garden-parties--can't think why I'm here."

"_How good of you to undertake such a long drive!_" i.e., "hoped it
would choke her off."