An "active service" cooking outfit.
An electric lamp, with several refills.
A pair of binoculars.
A telescope.
A prismatic compass.
A sparklet siphon.
A luminous watch.
A pair of insulated wire-cutters.
"There's only one thing you've forgotten," remarked Captain Wagstaffe,
when introduced to this unique collection of curios.
"What is that?" inquired Bobby, always eager to learn.
"A pantechnicon! Do you known how much personal baggage an officer is
allowed, in addition to what he carries himself?"
"Thirty-five pounds."
"Correct."
"It sounds a lot," said Bobby.
"It looks precious little!" was Wagstaffe's reply.
"I suppose they won't be particular to a pound or so," said Bobby
optimistically.
"Listen," commanded Wagstaffe. "When we go abroad, your Wolseley
valise, containing this"--he swept his hand round the crowded
hut--"this military museum, will be handed to the Quartermaster. He
is a man of singularly rigid mind, with an exasperating habit of
interpreting rules and regulations quite literally. If you persist in
this scheme of asking him to pass half a ton of assorted lumber as a
package weighing thirty-five pounds, he will cast you forth and remain
your enemy for life. And personally," concluded Wagstaffe, "I would
rather keep on the right side of my Regimental Quartermaster than of
the Commander-in-Chief himself.
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