“That’s why war is hell,” said the Major. He wondered how long it would be before his promotion came through. Almost without thinking he used his method. If the Chaplain blinked his eyes within the count of three, he would not get his promotion for at least six months. He looked at the Chaplain’s eyes and he counted to himself. The Chaplain did not blink. Major Barkison felt much better. He would be a Lt Colonel in less than six months. O’Mahoney was watching him, he noticed.
“Do you feel well, Major?” the Chaplain asked.
“Never better. Why?”
“I thought you looked odd. You were staring so. It must be my imagination.”
“It must be. I was just staring, daydreaming, you know.”
“Yes, I do it often myself. Once I had an unusual revelation that way.”
The Major changed the subject. He spoke to Hodges. “Are you going to stay with the Adjutant General’s department after the war?” Lieutenant Hodges was regular army like the Major.
Hodges shook his head. “I don’t think so. I’m going to try to get in Operations.”
“It’s quite interesting, these revelations; I suppose one would call them that....” O’Mahoney began again.
Major Barkison interrupted hurriedly. “I am certain they are.” He turned to the Lieutenant. “Of course, Hodges, the work’s quite different from what you’ve been doing.”