. You know how
strong a Protestant I have always been, and my convictions have never
been stronger than they are to-day, but see this,'--and he unbuttoned
his tunic and brought out a Crucifix which was hanging from his
neck--'this was the parting gift of my Roman Catholic friend, and as
long as I live I shall keep it as one of my most treasured
possessions.'

* * * * *

As a rule there is not much romance in the story of a department that
concerns itself with nothing but trading. But the story of the growth
and development of the trading department of the Red Triangle is a
romance. All along we have discouraged trading for trading's sake in our
huts, but in a crisis like the one brought about by the war, it is not
for each individual or organisation to pick and choose, but to do what
is needed by the State, and on that principle we have had to develop the
trading side of our work enormously. Home and overseas, the department
has been brilliantly led by men animated with the highest ideals of
Christian service, who have been ready to take any risks, and whenever
necessary to work day and night. Their task has been colossal and they
have done magnificently. During the six months ending 31st May 1915, our
turnover in France amounted to L32,594, whilst three years later the six
months turnover had risen to L680,000. It was thrilling work during the
German advance in March 1918, chasing our ever-moving centres in the
Somme area, and keeping up their supplies or maintaining touch with
Amiens during these terrible days, when for a whole week more than L600
daily was taken in the little 'Joy' hut outside the Central Station.
That meant day and night work at our Base Stores in France, and thanks
to the cordial co-operation of the A.M.F.O. and the H.Q.L. of C. we were
able to send forward 200 trucks from one port alone, containing 45,000
cases, or 1,500 tons of food-stuffs, smokes, and ingredients for hot
drinks--tea, coffee, and cocoa. From December 1914 to the middle of May
1918--1,350,000 cases were handled by our stores in France,
representing the double handling of 50,500 tons of goods. During the
retreat the Y.M.C.A. motor lorries became mobile centres of operation.
They were filled up at the nearest stores available, and often travelled
from eighty to ninety miles to a cross roads or convenient point where
men going in and coming out of the line were provided with the necessary
supplies. Fo