“I think he’s expecting you. Wait here please.” The man went into the adjoining office and came out a moment later. “Colonel Barkison is busy right now. He’ll see you in a few minutes. Why don’t you sit down?”
“O.K.” Evans sat in Hodges’ chair and Bervick sat on the desk.
“Quite an office Barkison’s got here,” commented Bervick.
“Yeah, I’d go crazy in a job like this, though. He sits on his butt all day long.”
“I’d sure like to make the money he makes.”
“You could make more fishing.”
“Could be.” They waited for fifteen minutes. Then Lt Hodges came out of Barkison’s office.
“How are you?” he greeted them. “You can go in now.”
“Thanks.”
Lt Colonel Barkison was sitting behind his desk, his mouth firm and his jaw set as he shuffled some papers. He looked up as they came in. Evans and Bervick did not salute and Evans was not quite sure whether Barkison was disappointed or not.