"Mucklewame."
"Mucklewame? You mean to say the Boche hasn't got him yet? It's like missing Rheims Cathedral."
"Yes, they got him at Arras. Mucklewame is in hospital. Fortunately his chief wound is in the head, so he's doing nicely. Here is his letter."
Bobby took the pencilled screed, and read:—
_Major Wagstaffe,
Sir,—I take up my pen for to inform you that I am now in hospital in
Glasgow, having become a cassuality on the 18th inst.
I was struck on the head by the nose-cap of a German shell (now in the possession of my guidwife). Unfortunately I was wearing one of they steel helmets at the time, with the result that I sustained a serious scalp-wound, also very bad concussion. I have never had a liking for they helmets anyway.
The old regiment did fine in the last attack. They were specially mentioned in Orders next day. The objective was reached under heavy fire and position consolidated before we were relieved next morning_.
"Good boys!" interpolated Bobby softly.
_Colonel Carmichael, late of the Second Battn., I think, is now in command. A very nice gentleman, but we have all been missing you and the Captain.