the
canvas overhead, and the muscular squirming of his body in some tight
place about the sandbag wainscot. Like a friendly dog he trots about
your dug-out by night, bumping with trustful carelessness against the
fragile legs of your rustic bed. You hear him crooning to himself or a
pal, in his content--a placid, complacent little sound very different
from the grating squeak or squeal of the unhappy Ishmaels you used to
know. Certainly he will help himself to a little cake, if such a thing
is to be had, for he feels at home, as he doubtless wishes you to do. If
you do not care to share your dainties, you can hang them from the roof.
In the trenches themselves the rat is almost a domestic animal. Town
rats are lean, persecuted and vicious; nobody loves them. But those who
hobnob with us here are fed, like our Army, on Army rations, together
with more than their share of private luxuries, and consequently are
stout and contented-looking, and display none of the ill-bred and
disconcerting haste of the hereditary fugitive of our drains and
cellars. If you happen to stand still and silent for a few moments, you
will hear some cheery old rascal come sniffing and grunting along the
parapet, not so much in search of food as to enjoy the air--or so his
manner would indicate.
Between the Army and these other dwellers in earths and burrows there
must henceforth be a bond of true sympathy.
* * * * *
_La Grece Antique_: Hellas. _La Grece Moderne: Helas!_
* * * * *
To be added to our collection "Glimpses of the Obvious":--
"We feel more than ever that the Past is all behind us and the
Future all in front."--_Reading Standard._
* * * * *
From a trade circular:--
"We are installing 15 of our largest size Patent Fool-proof
Steam Kettles at Woolwich Arsenal."
Zeppelin crews please note.
* * * * *
LAST THOUGHTS ON GALLIPOLI.
Once more sits Mahomet by Helles' marges
And smokes at ease among his cypress-trees,
Nor snipes from scrubberies at British targes
Nor views them wallowing in sacred seas,
But cleans his side-arms and is pleased to prattle
Of that great morning when he woke and heard
That in his slumbers he had fought a battle,
A bloody battle, and a little bird
Piped (in the German) at his side, and said,
"The something infidels have
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