"Come back to-morrow morning," said H.Q., "and we'll tell you."
The next day. "Oh, yes!" said H.Q., "you're Field Gunners, you're evidently sent here for Hilsea (two miles out): you'd better move on at once."
"Parade with kits in half an hour," I ordered.
Merrily we marched forth from the castle gates. Were we not wanted at Hilsea?
A cyclist orderly threw himself, panting, from his machine.
"H.Q.'s compliments and will you please report there at once."
"Halt! Fours about! Quick march!"
H.Q. again received me most politely.
"No, you're not to go to Hilsea. You've evidently got to join the Eenty-eenth A.S.C. Company which has gone on to Bristol. You'll just catch the 5.0 train if you're sharp."
"We're to go to Bristol," said I to the senior sergeant, "and you've got to get a move on or we'll miss the train."