District Director
of the Ministry of Labour, for an address on 'Demobilisation and
the Activities of the Appointments Department of the left eye,
and after treatment was taken the Portsea Island Gas Company
offices."--_Provincial Paper_.

We had heard there was some trouble over demobilisation, but had no
idea it was as bad as this.

* * * * *

"Arrangements are being made in all the stations throughout India
for the celebration of the signing of the armistice. In Simla the
Commander-in-Chief will be present at a parade on the Ridge
at 11.45 a.m., civilians in leaves dress assembling at
11.30."--_Times of India_.

It is pleasant to note that the establishment of the armistice brought
about an immediate return, in Simla at least, to the conditions of
Paradise.

* * * * *

[Illustration: RUINS OF EMPIRE.

SHADE OF BISMARCK. "I BUILT WITH BLOOD AND IRON, AND ONLY BLOOD
REMAINS."]

* * * * *

THE NECROMANCERS.

The other day, while I was out for a ride, I happened to run up
against my two Chinese acquaintances, Ah Sin and Dam Li, and I stopped
to have a chat with them. After the usual greetings Dam Li remarked:--

"Hon'lable officer lookee too muchee sad."

"Allee same like littlee dog when 'nother big dog stealum bone,"
supplemented Ah Sin.

"I wasn't aware of it," I said shortly, a little hurt at the
comparison.

"P'haps hon'lable officer losee lations allee same little dog,"
suggested Dam Li.

"Well," I admitted, "I _have_ lost something--at least the Mess has.
Only it isn't rations; it's a milk-jug."

This, our only article of plate, was a battered piece of
treasure-trove salved from the ruins of a derelict village.

Dam Li was all sympathy.

"You talkee China boy. Him findum one time plenty quick," he announced
confidently.

"All right," I said; "only you won't get anything just for trying,
mind. You'll have to succeed."

"China boy no wantchee nothing," replied Dam Li reproachfully.

"Him only wantchee officer smile allee same like dog waggee tail when
lations come back," added Ah Sin by way of embroidery.

"Thank you," I said gravely. "And when do you propose to start
replacing my smile?"

Apparently there was no time like the present, so back we went to the
Mess and they set to work. Their opening move was somewhat startling,
even to me who knew them of o