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Show 98 Bain was straight and martial, though the effect was weakened somewhat by a ducklike figure and a tendency to strut. Now he fell in step with Sid. For a few moments they talked casually; then silence descended. BspiibssiXR Bain glanced at Sid surreptitiously and then, as if having screwed his courage to the point, spoke again. "BEEN MEANING TO ASK, CAPTAIN. WHAT'S THIS ABOUT YOUR MAID?" "My maid?" Sid gazed in surprise. "No idea." But inside he wondered: had the cigarette-news spread so quickly? No. "DISTRESSING THING, DIDN'T LIKE TO HEAR IT. NICE GIRLS GOING OUT." "What's wrong with going out?" . "NOTHING. BUT WITH SOLDIERS - - " "Our men are soldiers." "LINGUISTS, NOT QUITE THE SAME." Bain shook his head. "I THINK HIGHLY OF THEMj INDEED I DO. BUT THEY'RE YOUNG AND IMMATURE. I'M MOT SURE THEY'RE SERIOUS." He grew silent and marched ahead, his f short legs carrying his round body like a sou-tureen. Sid enjoyed baiting his turtleship. "Hadn't heard this," he lied. "Who's the man?" "I'M NOT SURE; THEY STOPPED TALKING WHEN I CAME UP. HOWEVER, I'D ALREADY HEARD A NAME- - " He glanced at Sid, wondering whether to confide; then: "SERGEANT KOONTZ." "Really?" Sid's voice was controlled. "Fancy that." "INDEED. SERGEANT KOONTZ IS SO STRAIGHTFORWARD, SO HONEST." "Then what could be wrong?" "WELL - - IF HIS INTENTIONS WERE HONORABLE, NOTHING." "if Seraeant Koontz is going with Kimiko," said Sid, |