to the producer, and it was only spoiled when, so to speak, the curtain
rolled down amidst thunders of applause.

"We don't realize what we owe to gallant soldiers like you," said Gwennie
admiringly.

The Major waved a fat deprecating hand.

"And Captain Spenlow has just been telling me," continued Gwennie, "that
you occupied this sector all through the War and that you hung on right to
the very last, _notwithstanding incredible efforts to dislodge you_."

At this crude statement of the naked facts Slingswivel's face went a deeper
shade of purple, and you can appreciate why I put in an urgent application
for immediate release, on compassionate grounds, and why the Major gladly
endorsed it.

* * * * *

[Illustration: _The New Minister._ "BOY, DO YE NO KEN IT'S THE SAWBATH?"

_Boy._ "OH AY, FINE. BUT THIS IS WORK O' NECESSITY."

_Minister._ "AN' HOO IS THAT?"

_Boy._ "THE MEENISTER'S COMIN' TAE DINNER AN' WE'VE NAETHIN' TAE GIE 'IM."]

* * * * *

"WAR CRIMINALS.