a bunker.
throckmorton smoking a pipe, barker pacing.
a bad business.
indeed it is.
beastly, absolutely beastly.
and will probably get more beastly.
heads will roll over this, i warrant.
yes, if there are any heads left to roll.
a complete balls-up from the beginning.
no doubt. ah, here’s merton. any signs of life from 3rd brigade?
nothing, sir. should i send some scouts out?
no, not yet. keep me informed.
yes, sir.
(merton departs)
beastly, absolutely unsupportably beastly.
yes, but we shall just have to carry on.
perhaps you should have a scout sent out.
why don’t you go, take a look around?
i?
yes, you.
should i tell off a couple of men?
no, just take a look around yourself.
very good.
one is harder to spot than two or three.
quite right.
and one will be on his toes, and will look sharp, and not look for the other fellows to spot something.
yes, i expect that is so.
so be off with you then.
(barker departs)
ah, there you are, harris. anything to report?
no, sir. a rum business, this.
indeed.
someone will get the sack for this.
yes, if there is anyone left to get the sack.
ah, what i wouldn’t give to be in my club right now, with a warm brandy in front of a roaring fire!
why don’t you go out and take a look around?
a look around?
yes.
should i tell off a couple of chaps?
no, go by yourself. i just sent barker out. if you see him going in one direction, you go the other.
yes, sir.
(harris departs)
