C.C. on the site of the now camp, surrounded by confusion and an angry
crowd of experts. There had been words and more words; there had only just
not been blows, and all with regard to this wretched and incessant subject
of April 7th. The C.C., never broad-minded on the point, had become
positively ridiculous and tiresome about that irrevocable date, April 7th.
It was a dull subject in any case, said the experts, but in the
circumstances it was inane and cruel to go on insisting on it. R.E.,
Lorries, Signals and all their suites, not having been on too friendly
terms among themselves these latter days, were fast becoming united in
their intense loathing of the C.C. and his everlasting and impossible April
7th.

At this moment the Highest Authority itself arrived on the scene to have a
look at it. He was not in the least discontented with what he saw; he was
inclined to congratulate the experts upon their expedition.

"We shall be hard put to it, Sir," said the C.C., "to be ready for
to-morrow."

"To-morrow?" said the Highest Authority. "Why to-morrow particularly?"

"To-morrow is the 7th, Sir," said the C.C., with sinister emphasis.

"And what about it if it is?" asked the Highest Authority.

"We have to move in here on April 7th, Sir," said the C.C., with almost an
injured note in his voice.

"Have you?" said the Highest Authority. "Why?"