NEW STYLE--IN THE FUTURE. SCENE--_Interior of the Council
Chamber at the War Office. Committee of National Defence in
Consultation._
_First Member._ Well, really, I think the troops should advance.
_Second Member._ Certainly, but how about their uniforms?
_Third Member._ Oh, I am responsible for that department. Everything
fairly well. At least, I think so.
_1st M._ Oh, if you only "think so," we had better break off for a
while.
[_The Committee "break off for a while" and then reassemble._
_3rd M._ Now everything's right. I thought there was some trouble about
the new forage caps. Well, the difficulty has been surmounted, and all
is as correct as can be.
_1st M._ Pleased to hear it. Ammunition up to the mark?
_4th M._ That's _my_ special department. It may be, but----
_3rd M._ Oh! Don't you think we had better adjourn a bit?
_1st M._ Why, certainly.
[_They "adjourn a bit," then reassemble._
_4th M._ Glad I had an opportunity of looking into the affair. Fact is,
although we had a lot of cordite, there was certainly----
_1st M._ Yes, I know. But is it all right now?
_4th M._ Right! Of course! It never was wrong, but----
_1st M._ Quite so. Don't let's waste time. How about the transport?
_5th M._ I am responsible for that. If you really want to move the
troops any distance, perhaps I had better----
_1st M._ It's very annoying! but as you say "you had better" do
something or other, let's scatter for a time.
[_They "scatter for a time," and reassemble._
_5th M._ Lucky I overhauled my department. If I hadn't you wouldn't have
been able to move the troops a dozen yards.
_1st M._ But is it all right now? Equipment, ammunition, transport? Are
you all right?
_Chorus._ Yes, Sir.
_1st M._ (_through telephone_). Quick, march!
[_The troops are moved._