"Why didn't you tell me you were going to have it out with the chief?"
said Dickenson, encountering his comrade directly he had left the
colonel's quarters.
"Because you told me never to mention the wretched business again."
"Did I? Oh, that was when I was in a wax. Well, what does the old man
say?"
"That I am to go on as if nothing had happened."
"That's good. Well, what else?"
"Take my place in my company, and wait till we're relieved, and then be
ready for a court-martial."
"That's good too, for no one can prove you guilty. What else?"
"Keep well in the front, and get myself killed as soon as I can."
"If he said that, he's a brute!" cried Dickenson. "Gammon! I don't
believe the old man would say such a thing. But look here, I'm precious
glad. This means you're going to live it down."