“Great country,” commented the Major. “I’ve been in many horse shows around there, around Warrenton. Beautiful country, I’ve always liked it.”
“I never knew you rode, sir,” said Hodges.
“Why yes. I was in the cavalry when I first got out of the Point. Changed over later. Cavalry was a little bit too much wear and tear for me. You see,” and he lowered his voice and spoke rather wearily, “you see, I have a heart murmur.”
“Really?” The Chaplain became interested. “Isn’t that odd, but you know I’ve got the same thing. As a matter of fact the doctor up at Anchorage told me I might drop dead at any moment. You can imagine how surprised I was to hear that.”
“I can imagine.” The Major spoke drily. The Chaplain’s heart did not interest him. He was a little annoyed that the Chaplain should have mentioned it.
“Yes, I might drop dead at any moment.” Chaplain O’Mahoney seemed to enjoy saying those words.
The Major looked out the porthole and watched the gray water shifting under the still sunless sky.
“I like Anchorage,” said the Chaplain absently.
“The best place in Alaska,” agreed Hodges. “You can get real steak there. You got to pay high for it, though.”
“Sure, but they’re a lot more civilized than some places I could mention. It certainly does get cold up there.” The Chaplain shuddered at the thought.