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246 to be a Volunteer. He has to go into camp in an Area for two months his first year, six weeks his second, and a month the third. He gets about five bob a week the year round for that and for being on duty two days of the week, and for being liable to be ordered out to help the Guard in a row. He needn't live in barracks unless he wants to, and he and his family can feed at the regimental canteen at usual rates. The women like it.'

'All this,' I said politely, but intensely, 'is the raving of delirium. Where may your precious recruit who needn't live in barracks learn his drill?'

'At his precious school, my child, like the rest of us. The notion of allowing a human being to reach his twentieth year before asking him to put his feet in the first position was raving lunacy if you like!' Boy Bayley dived back into the conversation.

'Very good,' I said meekly. 'I accept the virtuous plumber who puts in two months of his valuable time at Aldershot'

'Aldershot!' The table exploded. I felt a little annoyed.

'A camp in an Area is not exactly Aldershot,' said Burgard. 'The Line isn't exactly what you fancy. Some of them even come to us!'

'You recruit from 'em?'

'I beg your pardon,' said Devine with mock solemnity. 'The Guard doesn't recruit. It selects.'

'It would,' I said, 'with a Spiers and Pond restaurant; pretty girls to play with; and'