_Mr. Ad. Off._ Ah--that _is_ new! We are going to "assume" a number
of wounded. To quote from the _Regulations_--"Before the ships leave
for the ports, officers in command of fleets and squadrons are to
communicate to each Commander-in-Chief, by telegraph, the aggregate
number of assumed wounded that may be expected to reach his port."

_Un. Ins.-Gen._ Tell me what do we want with these pointless
Manoeuvres? Wouldn't it have answered everyone's purpose if there
had been a lecture in lieu of them at the Royal United Service
Institution?

_Mr. Ad. Off._ I should not be surprised.

_Un. Ins.-Gen._ Then why run into this unnecessary expense?

_Mr. Ad. Off._ You really must ask my successor!

[_Exeunt severally._

* * * * *

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CANVASS.

(_A PURELY IMAGINARY SKETCH._)

[Illustration: "_You_ know 'ow to do it!"]

SCENE--_A Portico in Portman Square. Mr. BENJAMIN GULCHER
(an ardent Radical Artisan, canvassing the district on behalf
of a "pal" of his, who is putting up as a Labour Candidate),