the officers inspecting.

A sallow face with hollow eyes and heavy square jaw came close to
Andrews's eyes. He stared straight before him noting the few
reddish hairs on the officer's Adam's apple and the new insignia
on either side of his collar.

"Sergeant, who is this man?" came a voice from the sallow face.

"Don't know, sir; a new recruit, sir. Corporal Valori, who is this
man?"

"The name's Andrews, sergeant," said the Italian corporal with an
obsequious whine in his voice.

The officer addressed Andrews directly, speaking fast and loud.
"How long have you been in the army?"

"One week, sir."

"Don't you know you have to be clean and shaved and ready for
inspection every Saturday morning at nine?"

"I was cleaning the barracks, sir."

"To teach you not to answer back when an officer addresses
you...." The officer spaced his words carefully, lingering on them.
As he spoke he glanced out of the corner of his eye at his
superior and noticed the major was frowning. His tone changed ever
so slightly. "If this ever occurs again you may be sure that