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Show 183 "Right." The Colonel rose, and moved briskly toward the door. "That's enough" - - he turned the knob - - "at the moment. But watch your step." He swung the door open, to reveal the clerks suddenly, newly occupied. "You and your men." And he strode out. Within an hour the Detachment officers stood at attention before the Major's desk. The room was small, the officers many; the sight of all these bayonet-bodies and antennae-ears marked the first step in defeating the Major's purpose. "At ease, goddam it," he said, and as they sagged into comfort lamps teetered and an ashtray clattered to the floor. The trouble was, everybody knew, that the Major was unhappy in large, general situations. A specific knot he cut with a stroke, but vague admonitions made him glum. He strode up and down, glaring. Finally he cleared his throat, took a commanding stance, and fastened them with his eyes. "I want you to be officers, goddam it." He shifted feet and looked out the window. They waited, reflective, thinking about their commissions. He began his pacing again, and once more authority surged to the crest. "Too much hanky-panky. Too damn much hanky-panky." And he glared. In the silence each one examined himself for hanky-panky. The Major began to prowl again. Three times around the |