Colonel Brutenell was an old country Frenchman with the most courteous manners.

When I first discovered that he was the possessor of side-cars, I used to obtain them by going over to him and saying, "Colonel, if you will give me a side-car I will recite you one of my poems." He was too polite at first to decline to enter into the bargain, but, as time went on, I found that the price I offered began to lose its value, and sometimes the side-cars were not forthcoming.

It then became necessary to change my plan of campaign, so I hit upon another device.

I used to walk into the orderly room and say in a raucous voice, "Colonel, if you _don't_ give me a side-car I will recite one of my poems." I found that in the long run this was the most effectual method.

On the present occasion, therefore, the side-car was sent to me, and I made my way to Wippenhoek and from thence up to the dressing station at Vlamertinghe.