Evans grimaced. “Not very good. The stuff tasted like raisin jack.”
“You should know.” The Captain laughed loudly and winked. Barkison looked pained. He cleared his throat.
“I guess you people have a hard time getting liquor up here.” He tried to sound like one of the boys and failed.
“We manage.” The Captain chuckled.
The door opened. A young and pink-faced Lieutenant looked doubtfully about the room until he saw the Major.
“Come in, Lieutenant,” said the Major.
“Lieutenant Hodges, this is Mr Evans.” The two shook hands and sat down. The young Lieutenant was very solemn.
“Is there anything new on our leaving, sir?” he asked.
“Yes,” said Barkison. “Weather permitting, we’ll leave tomorrow morning. We should be back ... how long did you say?”
“Maybe three days, maybe less,” Evans answered.