They were escorted across the line to this post by a company of
Canadian mounted police, and a brave appearance those redcoats made as
they rode on the parade ground and formed two lines through which the
governor general and his staff rode, with the booming of cannon.
Colonel Knight went out to meet them, escorted by our mounted infantry
in command of Lieutenant Todd.
The horses of the mounted police were very small, and inferior in
every way to the animals one would expect the Canadian government to
provide, and it did look very funny to see the gorgeously dressed
police with their jaunty, side-tilted caps riding such wretched little
beasts!
Our officers were on the parade to receive the governor general, and
the regimental band was there also, playing all sorts of things.
Presently, without stop, and as though it was the continuation of a
melody, the first notes of "God Save the Queen" were heard. Instantly
the head of every Englishman and Canadian was uncovered - quietly, and
without ostentation or slightest break in hand-shaking and talking. It
was like a military movement by bugle call! Some of us who were
looking on through filmy curtains thought it a beautiful manifestation
of loving loyalty.
