Page:War, the Liberator (1918).djvu/147

 came shouts of ‘‘Tagg!” (the Senior Subaltern’s name was MacTaggart).

“Hullo, John,” replied that perspiring individual. “Hullo, A Coy.”

“When are you going over, Tagg?” inquired his Captain.

“I don’t know. Probably not for a good while, but we’ve got to be at H.Q. at 5.”

“Well, come and have tea with us. We’ve got fresh salmon. Just come out. The Major’s coming, and David.”

“Right Ho! I will, but I must buzz along now or the C.O.’ll be wanting to know why the devil I’m late.”

At Battalion H.Q. he stopped and saluted his C.O., who was leaning against the parados with the Major and the Adjutant.

“Here he is,” said the Colonel. “How are you feeling, MacTaggart?”

“Very hot, sir,” said MacTaggart with fervour, wiping his brow, “I could do with some tea fine.”

“Come and have it with us,” said the C.O. ‘‘You’ve plenty of time. X. isn’t till 8.”

“Oh, good,” said MacTaggart. ‘‘Do you hear that, Charles? Three hours we’ve got. When shall I tell the men to fall in again, sir?”