Punch, or the London Charivari

ess, Percy!--think of all your dear ones at 'ome and turn back before it is too late!"

Percy shuddered. "I might try the Engineers," he said hopelessly, "but I don't----"

"If," said Private Penny in the still tones of despair, "I have druv you to this, I shall cut me throat. I can't live with that on me conscience. 'Ave you thought of the danger of mining and sapping? 'Ave you kinsidered field telegrafts? 'Ave you--'ot-'eaded and impulsive as you are--'ave you kinsidered anything? Percy, if you're set on this job, tell me quick, and put me out of me agony!"

"No," said Percy abruptly. "But"--with sudden misgiving--"w-what can I do? I'm on my way to join and I must join something."

Private Penny pushed his mug over to be re-filled. "I'm an infantryman myself," he said carelessly, "and I speaks as one that knows. And wot I says is--if you wants a cheerful protected kinder life, with a quiet 'ole to 'ide yer 'ead in--if you wants rest and comfort, kimbined wi