"But they gave in at last?"
"Certainly, patriotism was the rule without exception. Then the compulsory service of their employés in the Volunteers, insisted upon by all the West End Tradesmen and employers of labour throughout the land, had the best effects. Why some of the finest troops in the world came from Schoolbred's, Whiteley's, the Army and Navy Stores, and Smith and Sons."
"And the Inns of Court, the Universities, and the Medical Colleges also insisted upon continued efficient service in the Volunteer ranks to secure the advantage of audience in the Courts and Registration as Doctors, didn't they?"
"Certainly! Oh, it was grand! Then we got as much Cavalry as we required from the farmers, and the Yeomanry, and purchased the entire stock of guns from the Continent.—Just as you told me to do."
"Quite right," said Punch, "after all, guns and ammunition are only a question of figures. I suppose the British Army in India was recalled home and distributed amongst the Colonies, as I suggested, and the Native Troops that were not quite trustworthy treated in the same manner?"
"Assuredly, yes, and they have given an admirable account of themselves in Australia and Canada." Then George hesitated. "But you would not tell me how you supplied their places in India. You merely asked for transport for your Army of Reserves."
"Quite so," said Punch, with a smile. "But, now that peace is decided upon, and all but declared, I need keep silence no longer. The fact is, I fought the Russians with an Army of Germans and Italians, under the command of my friend Sir Frederick Roberts."
"Germans and Italians! Where did you get them from?"
"From places where they were ruining our working-poor and doing themselves no permanent good. I shipped them from Hatton Garden and Whitechapel. My country saved, the welfare of the world in general demands my restored attention. It shall have it."
And full of this truly benevolent intention, Mr. Punch returned to Fleet Street.