The old woman was trapped and had to surrender, which she did, but most ungraciously, all the while moaning that she would more than likely die of starvation the following Winter. So a moment later the group dispersed on hearing the news that the "Auto-bazaar" had arrived.
This auto-bazaar certainly contained more treasures than were ever dreamed of in ancient Golconda. There was everything the soldier's heart might desire, from gun grease and cigarette paper down to wine and provisions; the whole stored away in a literal honey-comb of shelves and drawers with which the sides were lined.
The men all hurried forward. Loaded with water bottles, their hands full of coppers, they clustered about it.
From his dominating position at the rear end of the truck, the store-keeper announced:
"No more pork pie left!"
This statement brought forth several indignant oaths from the disappointed.
"It's always that way, they're probably paid to play that joke on us. It was the same story last time! We'll send in a complaint. See if we don't."
But these grumblings were soon outvoiced by the announcement—
"Plenty of head-cheese and camembert. Now then! boys, who's ready?"
The effect was instantaneous.