‘“Thanks,” he grunted, but a little flicker in his eyes suggested surprise. Very tactfully I led him out into the country, talking about anything and everything till we struck the top of a mound. This, as you know, was quite an unusual procedure for an officer; but I was dealing with a desperate man, and I was going to have no murder in my company.
‘“Sit down, Smith,” I suggested.
‘“I think I will,” he grunted.
‘I gave him another cigarette, and in twenty minutes’ time he was in a most friendly mood. His brutality—which was really superficial—was melting.
‘“Now, Smith, I’m your company commander. What’s the trouble? Let’s have it out, man to man. They say you loathe the army and hate your officers.”
‘“That’s a—— lie, sir. I don’t hate my officers.”
‘“What is it, then?”
‘“I hate Sergeant B——. He’s a swine. He rags me. I’ll murder him!” he shouted. There was an ungovernable madness in his eyes.
‘“Steady, Smith,” I said. “Let’s talk quietly. Have another cigarette.”