r the six months ending November 30, 1917, our free gifts to
the troops in France amounted to L157,000. This figure does not include
the cost of huts and equipment, nor yet the general expenditure on the
work--but it embraces the cost of the hostels for the relatives of
wounded, and free food and drink for the walking wounded and for the men
serving in advanced positions.

* * * * *

A distinguished officer of the Danish Army called at the headquarters of
the British Y.M.C.A. after a visit to France, to acquaint himself with
the history of our war work:--'One day I stood on Messines Ridge,' said
he, 'and all around me was devastation caused by war, shells were to be
seen bursting all around, accompanied by the deafening roar of the big
guns. Overhead amidst the din could be heard the whirr of the engines of
the German and Allied fighting machines. I felt thrilled to think I was
in the midst of the greatest battle of history. Stepping aside a few
yards I was surprised to find a dug-out with the Red Triangle sign. I
could only exclaim, "What, these people here!"'

* * * * *

One of the funniest sights we saw in France was that of a tiny British
corporal marching behind ten stalwart German prisoners, escorting them
back to their quarters after they had finished orderly duty in one of
our tents. The humour of the situation evidently appealed to him, for he
winked as he passed us--quite an unsoldierly thing to do!

* * * * *

Tommy has a knack of making himself comfortable, though his surroundings
very often do not naturally suggest comfort. It is surprising what a
snug bed and living room combined can be made out of a discarded
hen-house! A barn occupied by men of the Horse Guards Blue was
ingeniously rigged up by its temporary tenants. One wall was missing and
was made up with sacking--on the other side of this flimsy partition
were the horses. The harness was hung round the walls, and four stakes
driven into the ground for each bed. The wire that had bound hay bales
had been ingeniously woven into wire mattresses stretched from stake to
stake; over it was, stretched the sacking--also from hay bales--and
over that again was a good thick layer of straw. There is never anything
to be gained by grumbling, but everything by taking things cheerfully as
they come and making the best of one's circumstances.

* *