“He's crazy,” he muttered.
The lieutenant was a stoutish red-faced man who came in puffing followed by the tall sergeant. He stopped and shook the water off his Campaign hat. The rain kept up its deafening patter on the roof.
“Look here, are you sick? If you are, report sick call at once,” said the lieutenant in an elaborately kind voice.
The boy looked at him dully and did not answer.
“You should get up and stand at attention when an officer speaks to you.
“I ain't goin' to get up,” came the thin voice.
The officer's red face became crimson.
“Sergeant, what's the matter with the man?” he asked in a furious tone.
“I can't do anything with him, lieutenant. I think he's gone crazy.”
“Rubbish.... Mere insubordination.... You're under arrest, d'ye hear?” he shouted towards the bed.