s
which the nation depends upon in an emergency. My inspection also
settled any question I might have had as to why he was "William," and
never "Bill," to those about him.

The one thing lacking in his make-up--and which only came into view when
he turned his head--was the upper part of one ear. This was clipped as
close as a terrier's.

Again he repeated the question--with a deprecatory smile, as if he
already regretted his outburst.

"Is it a punt ye're wantin', sor?"

"Yes--and a man to pole it and look after me while I paint. I had old
Norris for the past few years, but I hear he's gone back to gardening.
Will you have time with your other work?"

"Time! I'll chuck my job if I don't."

"No,--you can do both,--Norris did. You can pole me out to where I
want to work; bring me my lunch when you have yours, and come for me at
night. You weren't here two years ago--were you?"

"No--I was with General French. Got this clip outside Kimberly--" and he
touched his ear. "Been all my life on the river--Maidenhead and Bourne's
End mostly--and so when my time was up I come home and the boss here put
me on."

"A soldier! I thought so. I see now why you got mad. Wonder you didn't
throw that chap into the river." I am a crank on the happiness one gets
from the giving of tips--and a half-penny man is the rock bottom of
meanness.

His face straightened.

"Well, we can't do that, sor--we can't never talk back. Got to grin and
bear it or lose yer job. Learned that in the Hussahs. I didn't care for
his money--maybe it was the way he did it that set me goin'--as if I
was--Well--let it go! And it's a punt ye want?--Yes, sor--come and pick
it out."

After that it was plain sailing--or punting. The picture of that London
cad sprawling in the water, which my approval had created in his mind,
had done it. And it was early and late too (there were few visitors
that month); down by the Weir below the lock as far as Cliveden; up the
backwater to the Mill--William stretched beside me while I worked, or
pulling back and forth when a cool bottle--beer, of course--or a kettle
and an alcohol lamp would add to my comfort.

*****

Many years of tramping and boating up and down the Thames from Reading
to Maidenhead have taught me the ins and outs of the river. I know it
as I do my own pocket (and there is more in that statement than you
think--especially during regatta week).

First comes Sonning with its rose gardens and quaint bric