He handed the book to me and I glanced hurriedly at the title and the page which he indicated. Apparently the story was just another piece of French frankness: the French adore risqué situations and subtly dirty dénouements, but most of their novels and stories are false alarms. I mean, you expect something very exceptionally shocking, and it isn’t at all. Well, that’s the kind of a story my General was reading—with enjoyment.
I read the passage that had stumped him and we both smiled at the subtle suggestions in it. “Stuff like this,” he remarked, as I returned the book to him, “is not good literary diet, but I find it refreshing if used sparingly.”
“Harmless, I guess, sir,” I observed.
He nodded in agreement, then continued, “By the way, Canwick, I’ve requested the personnel officer to find a vacant sergeancy for you—I believe in rewarding ability and industry.”
I hesitated for a moment, then said very sincerely, “I appreciate your good opinion very much, sir. And thank you for the promotion, sir.”
I was ready to depart then and there, but he made no gesture or remark of dismissal, so I shifted uneasily to the other foot and waited. Finally he spoke. “It just occurs to me, Canwick, that perhaps you might like to make application for appointment as a field clerk. Better pay and more conveniences and privileges, of course, but you wouldn’t be in the army. Would a white-collar job suit your ambitions?”
“Why—” I commanded the sun of my thoughts to stand still, but it kept right on racing around. What should I say? I knew what a field clerk was and before I could be one I’d have to be discharged from the army; being a field clerk would insure my safe progress and let me out of all my prospective embarrassments, BUT they don’t give a man a discharge without giving him a thorough medical examination at the same time!
“You suit your own likes,” declared the General. “If you want a commission as field clerk, I’ll see that you get it. If you don’t, I’ll try to keep you happy as long as you’re with me.”
“I think, sir,” I replied, sure enough of the choice now, “that I’d rather serve my enlistment and take my chances on promotions. I would rather remain in the army. Thank you just the same, sir.”
He laughed. “Oh—don’t mention it. Just occurred to me, that’s all. I want to see you go as far as possible, because I think your training and ability deserve it.... Thanks for the help with the French, and I believe that’s all for the present.”