asks Is that all? Have you no regard for the sanctity of human
life?

BALSQUITH (much relieved). Well, getting shot is what a soldier
is for. Besides, he doesnt vote.

MITCHENER. Neither do the Suffragets.

BALSQUITH. Their husbands do. (To the Orderly.) By the way, did
she kill him?

THE ORDERLY. No, Sir. He got a stinger on his trousers, Sir; but
it didnt penetrate. He lost his temper a bit and put down his gun
and clouted her head for her. So she said he was no gentleman;
and we let her go, thinking she'd had enough, Sir.

MITCHENER (groaning). Clouted her head! These women are making
the army as lawless as themselves. Clouted her head indeed! A
purely civil procedure.

THE ORDERLY. Any orders, Sir?

MITCHENER. No. Yes. No. Yes: send everybody who took part in this
disgraceful scene to the guardroom. No. Ill address the men on
the subject after lunch. Parade them for that purpose--full kit.
Don't grin at me, Sir. Right about face. March. (The Orderly
obeys and goes out.)

BALSQUITH (taking Mitchener affectionately by the arm and walking
him persuasively to and fro). And now, Mitchener, will you come