CLOTHES MAKETH MAN

Some of the naval bases in the North of Scotland are terribly bleak and lonely spots, and to a girl like Elsie James, who had lived in the atmosphere of Oxford Street since leaving school, and had never been further afield than Epping Forest, the loneliness was oppressive. Nothing ever happened nor ever would. Walking alone over stretches of hill and moorland "gave her the creeps," to use her own expression, and after a fortnight she was frankly fed-up.

One afternoon, whilst on an aimless jaunt, musing bitterly on her misfortune in joining the "Wrens," she espied a man in the distance, obviously golfing, and with some show of interest she approached. Interest heightened as she got nearer, and great was her surprise when the man, who was in regulation golfing outfit, mounted the crest of the hill overlooking the loch and commenced signalling with his handkerchief.

A less impulsive person might have investigated further before jumping to conclusions, but not so Elsie. All the le Queux novels she had ever read surged into her brain, and she turned tail and fled for help.

Luckily she hadn't proceeded far when she met a naval officer, and after spasmodically recounting that she had seen a spy, the two ascended the hill, Elsie, with the help of her imagination, giving details on the way.

On approaching within hailing distance the officer suddenly swung round on his heel, and pulling Elsie round by her arm, proceeded to retrace his steps.

"What's the matter?"

"Oh, nothing!" replied he. "It's merely the Admiral signalling for a boat to take him back to his ship."

PARKER