‘I did two papers, sir—the correct one and this one. Unfortunately this silly one was sent up. I did it for my own amusement. I’m most awfully sorry, sir.’
‘You’re most awfully sorry, are you? Where is the proper paper, then?’ he roared.
‘Here, sir,’ I said, handing it over.
His eye quickly scanned it over. ‘Humph! saves your bacon, my lad. I was preparing to heave you out, bag and baggage. However, you’re a youngster. I’ve got boys of my own. I’ll give you a chance. Come again and you’ll be shot! Now, are you due for leave to-day?’
‘I hope you won’t stop it, sir. I’ve an important engagement with a tailor about my uniform.’
‘Did you say a tailor or—a lady?’ he inquired, looking deep into my eyes.
‘A—lady, sir.’
‘Well, I have no desire that an innocent person should suffer for your misdeeds. You can have your leave. But never come here again—John Brown.’
‘Thank you, sir.’
I was marched out. As the orderly-room closed I heard the ‘Old Man’ burst into laughter, and say to the adjutant, ‘By Jove! we put the wind up that young bounder.’