And when they had finished their coffee and mild cigars they went off well contented to their dull jobs and the room began to thin.

Other acquaintances on their way out paused for a handshake and a word, and I gathered scraps of information that had come "straight from Kitchener," and felt wonderfully wise and cheerful.
I had been sitting alone for a few minutes when a man rose from a far corner, a tall soldierly figure, his arm in a sling, and came straight towards me with that supple, easy stride that only years of confident command can give.

He had keen blue eyes and a pleasant bronzed face which I knew that I had seem somewhere before.

I noticed on his sleeve the crown and star of a lieutenant-colonel.

He said pleasantly: "You're Major Meredyth, aren't you ?" "Yes," said I.
"You don't remember me.