Evans asked an effeminate-looking Corporal where he might find the Adjutant’s office.
“Right down the hall, sir. First door on the left, sir.” The man emphasized the “sir” in an irritating manner.
Evans and Bervick walked down the corridor. The anteroom to the Adjutant’s office was smaller than the room they had just left. Several clerks and several Lieutenants had desks here. On the walls were charts of as many things as it was possible to chart or graph.
Evans noticed that one of the empty desks had the sign “Lt Hodges” on it.
“Can I help you, sir?” asked a clerk.
“Yes, I’d like to see Major Barkison.”
“You mean Colonel Barkison.”
“When was he promoted?”
“Well, he got it yesterday. You’re the Master of the boat he was on, aren’t you?”
“That’s right.”