that Volunteer Organist and parts of Henry
VIII., the basso sang 'Will o' the Wisp,' and most of the
other songs were old 'uns. I tell you, you wouldn't believe
we had such things a couple of miles behind the line.
"On Sunday I went to church. It was the hall that the
concert party use. Right glad we were to sing the old hymns
again, for we only get one Sunday in two months down here on
rest. We had five bandsmen to keep us in tune, and, with a
good sermon, the evening was both enjoyable and helpful.
Afterwards we came back and I had a discussion with two
others on Christianity, the work of the Church, Salvation
Army, Y.M.C.A., and other such organisations. It was very
interesting, for one of them was an out-and-out atheist who
was under the impression that Christians were all
hypocrites, cranks, and prigs."
The last extract from a letter to Sydney Baxter's office.
"My! I should like to be back working at the business in
_any_ department. I reckon I shall not be much good the
first six months, knowing practically nothing of what has
happened since this time last year. However, no doubt,
they'll find me a job somewhere. They'll certainly find me
very keen. They say this life spoils you for the office, but
I shan't be sorry to return to it. Mind you, I feel very
much fitter and stronger in eyesight, less neuralgia and
headache than before; but I shall go in for more fresh air
and bring up the balance that way.
"The trenches are in a lively state now, all mud and water;
however, now November has come I expect they will generally
be in a damper state, and so we shall have to get used to
it, as we had to last March.
"It has rained every day, and I can tell you we've been very
fed up at times. It's hard to see the funny side of things
when soaked through, caked in mud, and tired, but we feel
different already after a couple of nights in our blankets
and a few square meals.
"I am keeping very fit, although the last spell knocked me
up a bit; but a little rest will do wonders, and I shall be
full of fighting strength again and ready for the Hun."
One Young Man Answers Questions
CHAPTER X
ONE YOUNG MAN ANSWERS QUESTIONS
Sydney Baxter's American correspondent has sent me a letter which
gives such an admirable pict
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