MR. BARNARD CLAW AT THE FRONT.
124
The Ypres Times.
By MAJOR E. S. VALENTINE.
On the 24th of January, 1917, a message was received from a department of the War
Office known as M.I.7 by the Intelligence branch of the Army, G.H.Q. France, as follows
Would Barnard Claw be acceptable Recommended by C.I.G.S. Ascertain
personal views of C. in C.
The telegram was brought by a Signals orderly and duly opened by a staff sergeant-
major who laid it on the General Staff Officer's desk.
A youthful A.D.C. to the General Commanding the XXIII Corps who had come up
to lodge a protest against an invidious Tanks communiqué and at the same time to
wangle a special home leave for his D. A. A.G., happened to cast his eye in that direction
as he reached for the match-box, and turned pale.
It may be recalled that it was a critical moment on the Western Front. The expected
entry of America had not yet taken place and was still uncertain. Diplomatic intrigue
was afoot. Russia had collapsed. It was said that the morale of the French Army had
broken down. There was talk of a total change in British policy and in the High Command.
The mysterious Lord Esher was still in Paris, receiving mysterious visitors.
There were disturbing rumours in the air. The Lloyd George Cabinet was already
said to be in difficulties.
"Would Barnard Claw be acceptable?"
The A.D.C. from the XXIII Corps, who had been travelling at a disconcerting speed
in his General's Sunbeam because of supplementary instructions to buy fish and
vermouth at Boulogne for the Corps mess and be back in time for lunch, was a trifle
flurried this morning, and this thing increased his mental agitation. Good God What
terrible official secret had he stumbled upon What could it mean Barnard Claw
the supercilious, venomous critic. His cleverness was uncannydiabolic. Nobody had
heard much about him for two years, but of course he had been working underground-
waiting his chance. And now the Government was in a hole and forced to do something
for himto placate himto pitchfork him into a job, just as they had pitchforked
certain Radical politicians into staff jobs-Majors, Colonels, even Brigadier-Generals.
Lord, what would the Army say?
The A.D.C. was very nervous and very pale when the G.S.0.3 (Intelligence) came in,
bareheaded, from another part of that vast rambling barracks of the Ecole Militaire.
Hallo," he said. Been waiting long What can I do for you
As he pushed over the inevitable cigarettes, his eye fell on the telegram. He grinned.
Well I'm dashed he ejaculated. They're going to let that blighter come out.
Wish they'd shoot him instead."
Who asked the A.D.C. disingenuously.
Barnard Claw."
Oh It was all the A.D.C. could say.
Ah, wellperhaps it'll make him change his tune a bit. It usually works."
After a pause the A.D.C. asked
What's he going to do
Damfino. We'll get him to the V.C., and tell off a wet nurse."
V.C.
Visitors' Chateau."
Oh said the A.D.C. again.
Well," pursued the G.S.O., "What can I do for you This is the office lad's
busy morn."
