Transcriber’s Note:
The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
IN THE ELEVATOR SHE SAID OUT OF A CLEAR SKY: “YOU’LL HAVE TO TAKE THAT RAINCOAT OFF, OF COURSE.”
TWENTY-THREE AND A HALF HOURS’ LEAVE
ILLUSTRATIONS
| In the Elevator She Said Out of a Clear Sky: “You’ll Have to Take that Raincoat Off, of Course” | Frontispiece |
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| “If a Man from the Headquarters Troop Overstays His Leave What Happens to Him, Uncle Jimmy?” | 48 |
I
The Headquarters Troop were preparing toleave camp and move towards the East,where at an Atlantic port they would take shipand the third step toward saving democracy. Nowthe Headquarters Troop are a cavalry organisation,their particular function being, so far asthe lay mind can grasp it, to form a circle roundthe general and keep shells from falling on him.Not that this close affiliation gives them any rightto friendly relations with that aloof and powerfulpersonage.
“It just gives him a few more to yell at thatcan’t yell back,” grumbled the stable sergeant.He had been made stable sergeant because hehad been a motorcycle racer. By the same processof careful selection the chief mechanic had oncekept a livery stable.