“Thanks. I’ll probably see you around tomorrow.”
“I hope so.”
Evans walked back to the ship and Hodges joined the Major in the staff car.
“Well, Lieutenant,” said the Colonel, “what do you think of your boss here getting promoted?”
“I’m certainly glad, sir.”
“That’s the spirit. Maybe you’ll be, too.” The Colonel chuckled.
Barkison was quiet, Hodges noticed. He seemed to be dreaming about something. Hodges could always tell when Barkison was daydreaming because his mouth would become very stern and he would look straight ahead, his lips occasionally moving.
“How was this guy,” the Colonel nodded at Barkison, “how was he on the trip? I’ll bet he was sick all the time.”
“Oh, no, sir. I don’t think he was sick at all.” Hodges disliked higher ranking officers being playful.
The Colonel and Barkison began to talk about various things and Hodges looked out the window.