which had helped them to carry on. What the people at home might do or
think did not matter. What mattered was their own adjustment to the
things which were to follow.

Randy went up-stairs, took off his uniform, bathed and came down in the
garments of peace.

"Glad to get out of your uniform?" the Major asked.

"I believe I am. Perhaps if I'd been an officer, I shouldn't."

"Everybody couldn't be. I've no doubt you deserved it."

"I could have pulled wires, of course, before I went over, but I
wouldn't."

From somewhere within the big house came the reverberation of a
Japanese gong.

Randy rose. "I'm going over to lunch. I'd rather face guns, but
Mother will like it. You can have yours here."

"Not if I know it," the Major rose, "I'm going to share the fatted
calf."


VI

It was late that night when the Major went to bed. The feast in
Randy's honor had lasted until ten. There had been the shine of