ke, and if he had any
money, which he never does have, I know he would invest it in War Loan.
Above all he is not a food-hog; not for him the forbidden potato or the
millionaire's beer--no! Against all luxuries Algy has resolutely steeled
his voluminous tummy. He has turned into the strictest of teetotalers, and,
though a glass of Scotch may bring a wistful look into his eyes, yet he
remains captain of his soul, unbroken as ST. ANTHONY.

His job is war-work of the steeliest order, such as very few men would care
to undertake. All for the cause he stands, day after day, with a little
band of comrades, facing uncomplainingly the most terrible buffetings, so
that men may learn from him how to strike terror into the heart of the Hun.

Needless to remark, he is beloved by all the Tommies who inflict such pain
upon the region of his gaudy blue waistcoat; he never seems to care and
never grouses, but beams down on them undaunted with that quaint old grin
of his.

'Twas a great and solemn day when we installed him. Conspicuous by
his horrible suit of reach-me-downs, supported on one side by the
sergeant-major, on the other by the sergeant, he was led gently but firmly
out of his billet and initiated into his honourable task.

Algy has but one grievance. He wants badly to sport a few golden stripes on
his cuff. He is modest and does not push himself forward, but as he has
several times been severely wounded be thinks it only fair that he should
receive the coveted distinction. But the authorities will not grant his
simple request because, they say, he has shed no blood.

He has outlived all his compeers; lesser men may succumb but Algy goes on.
One day, I suppose, he will meet the common fate; but may that sorry day be
far ahead. For we could ill spare our Algy--our dear old bayonet dummy!

* * * * *

"INDIAN WAR LOAN.--The amount applied for in Rangoon yesterday was Rs.
00,000, making the progressive total Rs. 00,00,000."--_Rangoon Times._

Nothing to boast about.

* * * * *

THE BAN ON RACING.

Dear MR. PUNCH,--In this bitter controversy I hope that a few moderate and
impartial words from one, like myself, who sees clearly both sides of the
question, may not be out of place. In any case I feel it is incumbent upon
me to do all I can to avert the dire consequences of the frightful
catastrophe that has fallen upon us through the mad act of an insens