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Anyone want to do the bloody hero, and be Brigade Bombing Officer?" Doe blushed at once. "I'll have a shot at it.... Anything for a change," he added apologetically. "That's the spirit that made England great!" said the Bombing Officer. "I do like keenness. Splendid! Ray goes to the softest job in the Army, and Doe, stout fellow, to the damnedst. Thanks: just another little spot. Cheerioh!"
Excuse or not, they fetch the money out of their pockets at dinner, and order the champagne before the soup is off the table. Jimmy Doon, whipping the golden cap off his magnum of "bubbly wine," says: "I've the horrible feeling I shall be dead this time to-morrow. Pass your glasses, damn you. Cheerioh! Many 'appy returns from the Great War some day." "Cheerioh, Jimmy," we acknowledge.
They were packed with yellow-clad and helmeted soldiers, who were as noisy about their entrance as the great ships were silent. Tommy, coming into harbour at the end of a voyage, had a habit of announcing his approach. So, when we on the land heard over the water shouting, singing, genial oaths, "How-d'ye-do's," and "What-ho's"; and such advices as "Cheerioh! The Cheshires are here!"
As we left the ante-room and sat down to Mess, Doe announced: "I've every intention of getting tight to-night." "Pourquoi pas?" said I. "C'est la guerre!" "Before I die," continued Doe, who was already flushed with gin and vermouth, "I want to have lived. I want to have touched all the joys and experiences of life. Pass the Chablis. Here's to you, Rupert. Cheerioh!"
"Cheerioh!" toasted I, raising my glass. "Happy days!" "I'm determined to be able to say, Rupert, whatever happens: 'Never mind, I had a good time while it lasted!" "I'm with you," said I, who was now nearly as flushed as he. "Let's be in everything up to the neck." "Surely," Doe endorsed. "C'est la guerre!"
I took it undismayed, knowing it to be yet another telegram of good wishes. "I'll bet you, you poor dear lamb," I said to Doe, "the words are either 'Good-bye and God-speed, or 'Cheerioh and a safe return." "Not taking the bet," said Doe. "How else could it be phrased?" "Well, we'll see," said I, and opened the envelope. The words were: "I am with you every moment MOTHER."
"Don't s'pose I shall see you again, then, before the show," said Doe, pulling on his boots nonchalantly. "No. We'll compare notes in the captured trenches this evening." "Right you are. Cheerioh!" "Chin-chin." I went out, reviewing painful possibilities. In the trenches I found my company "standing-to," armed and ready.
"Just a spot of whisky. Well, here's to you. Cheerioh!" He drank half the mug, and addressed me. "Ray, you have found favour in the sight of the General. He wants you for his A.D.C., and won't be happy till he gets you. He thinks you a pretty and a proper child and fairly clean. What abaht it?" "Good Lord," said I. "I don't know what an A.D.C. is! What do I do?"
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