"That's the only way in which you can get redress."
"Is it?" demanded Private Hinkey, with a sudden, intense scowl that made his ill-featured face look satanic. "Well, you wait and see, my fine young buck doughboy!"
"Don't fail to report to Sergeant Gray for hospital permission," Corporal Hal Overton called after the fellow. "If you do, you'll be up against disobedience of orders."
Private Hinkey, moving away, made a derisive gesture behind his back, but the boyish young corporal turned on his heel, stepping off in another direction.
"If that kid thinks he can lord it over me," snarled Private Hinkey under his breath, "he's due to wake up before long."
Nevertheless Private Hinkey had already learned enough of Army life to feel certain that he was obliged to go to Sergeant Gray.
"Sure thing! Go over to hospital and have that head dressed at once," ordered the first sergeant. "How did it happen?"
"The fellow who did it said it was an accident," replied Hinkey, with an ugly leer.
"Then report him," urged the first sergeant of B Company. "I can take care of the offender if it was done on purpose."
"That's all right," snapped Private Hinkey. "So can I."