Chapter 9 No.9

For the next fortnight we had a dog's life. The company commander, who was a real good chap, didn't notice it. He was such a perfect sport and gentleman that he concluded his new officer was the same. Billy and I, however, threw our influence into the scales of neutrality, for Tosher and Ginger, when roused, were of violent temper. They were such good pals that we were not a little afraid of their rapidly fraying temper.

At last the storm-clouds burst.

At morning parade Blase-Bones was inspecting the platoon. He was in a bad mood. When he reached Ginger he remarked, 'What do you mean by coming out with such shocking boots?'

'It was wet yesterday, sir. I've tried to polish them. I've done my best.'

'Your best is not my best. Understand?'

'No, sir.'

'You're insolent.'

'No, sir. I'm endeavouring to understand you.'

'I know your type. Enough!'

'I shall feel much obliged, sir, if you will cease to be personal.'

'Take his name, sergeant-major.'

Ginger was mad.

'There's dust on your belt. Why?' Blase-Bones now asked Tosher.

'I'm real sorry,' answered the Canadian.

'"Sir," when you answer me.'

'You ain't wise, boy.'

'Silence!-Take his name.'

Tosher's hands quivered; then he stood still, his face pale with suppressed anger.

I went through that morning's drill sick as a dog. And the only solution I could discover was that Blase-Bones was either ignorant or mad. But that didn't alter the plight of Ginger or Tosher. I trembled to think what might happen. As they were cadets, a high code of discipline was expected of them, and this had been observed under our former platoon commander. Indeed, our platoon had the highest marks in sports and examinations. Yet this awful prig had smashed it all up. If I was sorry for Ginger and Tosher, I was more sorry for the commandant. This affair would break the Old Man's heart. However, I did not know that the colonel had already weighed Blase-Bones up. He was a shrewd judge of character, a man of stern moods, but a just C.O. and a gentleman.

Finally, he understood Canadians.