“And more headaches,” Williams added. Then turning to one of the other men, he said, “Bring that gang of frozen skulls over here.”
In a few moments, Panama was face to face with his latest proteges.
The recruits stood in a line, none daring to look their new sergeant squarely in the eye as Williams walked past them, studying each man and forming an opinion in his mind as to their individual characters and ability.
He stopped directly in front of a tall, thin, and somewhat stooped-shouldered individual with a pasty complexion and small, narrow eyes.
“What’s your name?” he snapped at the rookie.
“Steve Graham, sergy. What’s yours?”
Panama’s face grew livid with rage. He knew then and there that this would be one unfortunate who would learn a severe lesson in Marine conduct.
“Button your lip or I’ll close it for you!”
The sergeant’s words apparently had no effect upon the recruit for his lips parted in a challenging manner.
“I’ll bet you play a great game of pool,” Panama surmised sarcastically.