They
gave me a bad time for being an Englishman. But soon, I think,
they rather liked me. I set my brains to work and made 'em like
me. I knew there was everything to learn about these fellows and I
went scientifically to work to learn it. And, by Heaven, sir, when
once they accepted me, I found I had never been in such splendid
company in my life."
"My dear boy," I cried in a burst of enthusiasm, "have you had
breakfast?"
"Of course I have. At the Union Jack Club--the Tommies' place the
other side of the river--bacon and eggs and sausages. I thought
I'd never stop eating."
"Have some more?"
He laughed. "Couldn't think of it."
"Then," said I, "get yourself a cigar." I pointed to a stack of
boxes. "You'll find the Corona--Coronas the best."
As I am not a millionaire I don't offer these Coronas to
everybody. I myself can only afford to smoke one or two a week.
When he had lit it he said: "I was led away from what I wanted to
tell you,--my going to Aberdeen and plunging into the obscurity of
a Scottish regiment. I was absolutely determined that none of my
friends, none of you good people, should know what an ass I had
made of myself.
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