Page:Traffics and Discoveries.djvu/264

252 'But isn't there a lot of unfairness in this head-money system?' I asked.

Can't have everything perfect,' said the Boy. 'Head-money is an attempt at payment by results, and it gives the men a direct interest in their job. Three times out of five, of course, the A.C. will disallow both sides' claim, but there's always the chance of bringing off a coup.'

'Do all regiments do it?'

'Heavily. The Line pays a bob per prisoner and the Militia ninepence, not to mention side-bets which are what really keep the men keen. It isn't supposed to be done by the Volunteers, but they gamble worse than anyone. Why, the very kids do it when they go to First Camp at Aldershot or Salisbury.'

'Head-money's a national institution — like betting,' said Burgard.

'I should say it was,' said Pigeon suddenly. 'I was roped in the other day as an Adjustment Committee by the Kemptown Board School. I was riding under the Brighton racecourse, and I heard the whistle goin' for umpire—the regulation, two longs and two shorts. I didn't take any notice till an infant about a yard high jumped up from a furze-patch and shouted: "Guard! Guard! Come 'ere! I want you per-fessionally. Alf says 'e ain't outflanked. Ain't 'e a liar? Come an' look 'ow I've posted my men." You bet I looked! The young demon trotted by my stirrup and showed me his whole army (twenty of 'em) laid out under cover as nicely as you please round a cowhouse in a hollow. He kept on shout-