THE NEW ERA AND CARRY ON





The Commandant of the Marine Hospital was at his desk, working
hard, when the door of the room was flung open and the Officer of
the Day rushed in.

"Sir," he exploded, "the New Era has come."

"Very likely, Mr. Corker," answered the Commandant. "It has been
coming continually since the world began. But is that any reason
why you should enter without knocking, and with your coat covered
with bread-crumbs and cigarette-ashes?"

So the Officer of the Day went outside, brushed his coat, knocked
at the door, and awaited orders.

"Mr. Corker," said the Commandant, "have the kindness to bring me
your report on the condition of yesterday's cases, and let me know
what operations are indicated for to-day. Good morning. Orderly,
my compliments to the Executive Officer, and I wish to see him at
once."

When the Executive Officer arrived, he began:

"Sir, the New Era--"