“Michael.” said the engine driver to the guard, “did you not tell me that them soldiers has guns with them and tin hats on their heads?”
“I did tell you that,” said the guard, “and I told you the truth.”
“My impression is,” said Tom, “that those soldiers aren’t armed at all. They seem to be a harmless set of men off to Dublin on leave, very likely going to be married themselves. They’re certainly not on duty.”
The engine driver scratched his head.
Susie, inspired by a wink from Tom, broke into a despairing wail.
“If that’s the way of it,” said the engine driver, “it would be different, of course.”
“Come and see,” said Tom.
The sergeant and his men were sitting in their compartment smoking cigarettes. Their heads were bare. Most of them had their tunics unbuttoned. One of them was singing a song, in which the whole party joined:
“Mary, Jane and Polly
Find it very jolly
When we take them out with us to
Tea—tea—tea!”
There was not a single rifle to be seen anywhere.