"'Ullo," said Sergeant Lees, when they appeared before him. "So you're back, are yer? Well, just you be'ave yerselves, see? I got as much on me 'ands as I can blinkin' well stand without 'avin' any trouble from you."'
They found their own section installed in a small barn. Corporal Greenstock, like his superior, greeted them without enthusiasm. They settled down amid the straw.
"Well, and how is Blighty?" asked Private Denham.
"All right. I ain't sorry to be back," replied Bill. There were cries of incredulity from the section.
"Easy enough to talk," Walls remarked.
"Well, it's true."
"It won't stay true long, anyhow."
"Why not?"
"We're off up the line in a few days. Into a lively bit, too."