"I shouldn't have to train," he said, "and my majority is due. Yes,
sir?" this to Colonel Walters, who had hurried up looking amazingly
agitated.
"The War Office is mad!" he said. "Stark, staring mad! Markham, you
have been transferred with a majority to the Cameron 10th Battalion of
the Leal Argyllshires. You will report to the C.O. at the headquarters
on Wednesday."
"Yes, sir."
"You, Captain Cromer, will remain on home service to train the new
battery which occupies the barracks under Colonel Prosser, taking
Markham's place. Johnstone is promoted to Captain at my discretion, and
I am to go with one subaltern lacking and an inadequate battery. Stark,
staring mad!"
"I--I am to stay?" Cheneston said. "I--I can't."
"Headquarters' orders," said the Colonel curtly. "Now, boys, all
serene?"