SCENE--_Within measurable distance of Waking. Enter Lounger
and Marksman, R. and L.
_Lounger_ (_heartily_). Why, I _am_ glad to see you! And how are
things going on?
_Marksman_ (_cordially, but abruptly_). Capitally! Good-bye!
_Loung._ But I say, what a hurry you are in! Can't you stop a minute
for a chat?
_Marks._ Another time, but just now moments are precious.
_Loung._ But I say, you see I have found myself here--it doesn't take
much longer than getting down to Wimbledon.
_Marks._ Of course it doesn't--whoever said it did? But there, old
chap, I _must_ be off!
_Loung._ You _are_ in a hurry! Ah, we used to have pleasant days in
the old place?
_Marks._ Did we? I daresay we did.
_Loung._ Why, of course! Grand old days! Don't you remember what fun
it used to be decorating your tent; and then, when the ladies came
down--which they did nearly all the day long--what larks it was
getting them tea and claret-cup?
_Marks._ Very likely. But we don't have many ladies now, and a good
job too--they _are_ a bore.
_Loung._ Well, you _are_ a chap! Why, how can there be any fun without
your sisters, and your cousins, and your maiden aunts?
_Marks._ We don't want fun. But there, good-bye!
_Loung._ But I say, I have come all this way to look you up.
_Marks._ (_unbending_). Very kind of you, but, my dear fellow, you
have chosen rather an unfortunate time.
_Loung._ Why, at Wimbledon you had nothing to do!
_Marks._ Very likely. But then Bisley isn't Wimbledon.
_Loung._ (_dryly_). So it seems. Everyone said that, when they moved
the camp further away from home, they would ruin the meeting.
_Marks._ Then everyone was wrong. Why, we are going on swimmingly.
_Loung._ It must be beastly dull.
_Marks._ Not at all. Lovely country, good range, and, after it rains,
two minutes later it is dry as bone.
_Loung._ Yes, but it stands to reason that it _can't_ be as popular as
Wimbledon.
_Marks._ My dear fellow, figures are the best test of that. In all the
history of the Association we have never had more entries than this
year.
_Loung._ That may be, but you don't have half the fun you had nearer
town.
_Marks._ (_laughing_). Don't want to! Business, my dear fellow, not
pleasure! And now, old man, I really _must_ be off! Ta, ta! See you
later. [_Exit._
_Loung._ Well, whatever he may say, I prefer Wimbledon. And as there
doesn't seem much for _me_ to do down here, I shall return to town.
[_Does so. Curtain._
* * * * *