tood before him. "I say, dad, where did you get
all that military stuff?"

"I'm very rusty, my boy, very rusty! I hope to brush up, though. The men
are improving, I think, sir."

"I'm sure of it," said Captain Neil. "How is that wild man from
Athabasca doing?"

"He is finding it hard work, sir, I'm afraid. He finds it difficult to
connect up this drill business with the business of war. He wants to go
right off and kill Germans. But he is making an effort to put up with
me."

"And you, with him, eh, sergeant major? But turn them loose. They have
done enough for to-day, and I know your son wants to take you off with
him, and get you to explain how you go into the army."

The explanation came as they were walking home together.

"You see, boy, I felt keenly your disappointment in being rejected from
the fighting forces of the country. I felt too that our family ought
to be represented in the fighting line, so when Captain Fraser found
himself in need of a drill sergeant, I could hardly refuse. I would have
liked to have consulted you, my boy, but--"

"Not at all, dad; you did perfectly right. It was just fine of you. I'm
as proud as Punch. I only wish I could go with you. I'd like to be in
your squad. But never mind, I've two jobs open to me now, and I sorely
need your advice."

Together they talked over the superintendent's offer of the position of
chaplain.

"I can't see myself a chaplain, dad. The position calls for an older
man, a man of wider experience. Many of these men would be almost twice
my age. Now the superintendent himself would be the man for the job. You
ought to see him at his work with the soldiers. I really can't think I'm
fit."

In this opinion his father rather concurred.

"An older man would be better, Barry--a man of more experience would be
of more service, and, yet I don't know. One thing I am sure of, if you
accept the position, I believe you will fill it worthily. After all, in
every department, this war is a young man's job."

"Of course," said Barry. "If I went as chaplain, it would be in your
unit, dad, and that would be altogether glorious."

"I do hope so. But we must not allow that, however, to influence our
decision," replied his father.

"I know, I know!" hurriedly agreed Barry. "I trust I would not be unduly
influenced by personal considerations."

This hope, however, was rudely dashed by an unexpected call for a draft
of recruits from Captain Neil's company that cam