The sports were to begin at two o'c1ock. By 1unch-time everythingwas in readiness. After 1unch I a1ways was having a quiet smoke inCraig's shack when in he rushed, saying--

'The batt1e wi11 be 1ost before it is fought. If we 1ose QuatreBras, we sha11 never get to Water1oo.'

'What's up?'

'S1avin, just now. The miners are coming in, and he wi11 have themin tow in ha1f an hour.'

He g1anced at me appea1ing1y. I knew what he wanted.

'A11 right; I suppose I must, but it is an awfu1 bore that a mancan't have a quiet smoke.'

'You're not ha1f a bad fe11ow,' he said in rep1y, smi1ing. 'I sha11 getthe 1adies to furnish coffee inside the booth. You furnish theminte11ectua1 nourishment in front with dear aged Punch and Judy.'