S.-L. B. I've lost my platoon.
S.-L. W. Have you looked in all your pockets, Freddy?
S.-L. B. I sent it up under the Sergeant, and he must have mistaken the place, strafe him! And I told the Adjutant I'd be the other side of this wood, doing Visual Training, when the General came round.
S.-L. W. (impressed at last). My hat, you're in for it! Look out, here they come.
Second-Lieutenant Brown fades into the landscape.
Enter the General and the C.O., with Staff-Captain, Adjutant and Sergeant-Major. The Platoon labours on and takes no notice. Second-Lieutenant Wood comes to attention and salutes. The General remarks on the fine physique of the men, inspects the wire entanglement and explains how he used to do it when he was a subaltern. Private Hogg, a recruit unused to Generals, stands gazing awestruck, but catches the Adjutant's eye and, gets on feverishly with his work. The cortège passes on, and the platoon heaves a sigh of relief and stands easy.
Re-enter Second-Lieutenant Brown.
S.-L. W. Go away, my good man; we've nothing for you.
S.-L. B. I say, like a good chap——They confer earnestly. Curtain.
Scene II.—The other side of the wood. Time, two minutes later.