to the front before we had been three days at work. Our hospital by
the river was not full when I received orders to follow the flying
column with two assistants and the appliances of a field-hospital.

Out of this little nucleus sprang the largest depot for sick and
wounded that was formed during the campaign. We were within easy
reach of headquarters, and I was fortunately allowed a free hand.
Thus our establishment in the desert grew daily more important, and
finally superseded the hospital at headquarters.

We had a busy time, for the main column had now closed up with the
first expeditionary force, and our troops were in touch with the
enemy not forty miles away from me.

In the course of time--when the authorities learnt to cease
despising the foe, which is a little failing in British military
high places--it was deemed expedient to fortify us, and then, in
addition to two medical assistants, I was allowed three Government
nurses. This last piece of news was not hailed with so much
enthusiasm as might have been expected. I am not in favour of
bringing women anywhere near the front. They are, for their own
sakes and for the peace of mind of others, much better left behind.
If they are beyond a certain age they break down and have to be sent
back at considerable trouble--that is to say, an escort and an
ambulance cart, of which latter there are never enough. If they are
below the climacteric--ever so little below it--they cause mischief
of another description, and the wounded are neglected; for there is
no passion of the human heart so cruel and selfish as love.

"I am sorry to hear it," I said to light-hearted little Sammy Fitz-