Did very well in the attack, too, and got a nice
blighty.
Yes, he answered, even forgetting to add the
customarysergeant. E were lyin on is face, an I could only see the backof is
ead.
Youve got to forget all that as soon as you start,
an makeyour own arrangements as you go on.
They were all balanced, equally, on a dangerous
chance. I believe you knowsomething about the lie of the land up here.
Its quiet enough, answered Bourne, carelessly, in
little morethan a whisper.
Heundressed partly, and rolled himself up in his
blanket, feelingfriendless and miserable.
Dont you trust the bastard, he said with pointed
brevity. I dont suppose Captain Marsden meant to put things that way,you know,
Smart.
When a seed that fuckin slave driver look at ee, a
said tomysen, Am comin. E kept a bicycle repair shop, said Morgan.
Captain Marsden wants to ask you something,
corporal, saidTozer.
Sergeant-major, said Bourne, we wont go
out.
You keep your eyes skinned, m lad, he said,
cheerfully. Weeper and Bourne were alone together after a few paces. No; of course,
as you say, there was no time. Did you know Corporal Evans, ofD Company? And Jakes
looked at Bourne with a solemn face.
E couldnt lave been dead long, because the rats
adntbegun on im.
Stooping in turn, they felt for the steps with
their feet. Aye, sir; but sergeant-major, e said there were a sniper
about.
Jakes, too, confronted possibilities with astolid
indifference.
They talked and drank together quietly while the
whisky lasted.
No; of course, as you say, there was no time. Six
buck Huns and only the pull of atrigger between them and peace, perfect
peace.
The movements andwhispers of the other man only
exasperated his angry nerves. He became alert, intent again; hisconsciousness
hardening in him.