I'll have to go in a year. I got in when I was twenty-two--by
a fluke--from the Militia direct--on Trials."
"Trials like those we just saw?"
"Not so severe. There was less competition then. I hoped to get my
stripes, but there's no chance."
"Why?"
"I haven't the knack of handling men. Purvis let me have a half-company
for a month in Rhodesia--over towards Lake N'Garni. I couldn't work 'em
properly. It's a gift."
"Do colour-sergeants handle half-companies with you?"
"They can command 'em on the 'heef.' We've only four company officers--
Burgard, Luttrell, Kyd, and Harrison. Pigeon's our swop, and he's in
charge of the ponies. Burgard got his company on the 'heef,' You see
Burgard had been a lieutenant in the Line, but he came into the Guards on
Trials like the men. _He_ could command. They tried him in India with a
wing of the battalion for three months. He did well so he got his company.
That's what made me hopeful. But it's a gift, you see--managing men--and
so I'm only a senior private. They let ten per cent of us stay on for two
years extra after our three are finished--to polish the others."
"Aren't you even a corporal?"
"We haven't corporals, or lances for that matter, in the Guard. As a
senior private I'd take twenty men into action; but one Guard don't tell
another how to clean himself. You've learned that before you apply. ...
Come in!"
There was a knock at the door, and Burgard entered, removing his cap.
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