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Show 237 .- he paused, as there came a shriek from Mike's room -- "one unfortunate woman in unable to enjoy the festivities. She is paying the penalty for being off-limits - which is why, I might remind you, the army sets up rules in the first place. 4ad the Detachments been c_n limits, and had they disciplined their doctor when he first showed signs of less-than-officerly activity, none of this would have happened." Sid stood, feeling the cold truth of the Colonel's words, when a second shriek rang through the hall. "In theory," the Colonel said, "this is not my affair. What the Detachments do is Major Hammond's. Or should be. Rut I long ago learned in the army - and in life - it's not that easy. Responsibilities bear on each other, and the Major's dereliction puts the burden on me. I am no more anxious to have my leisure interrupted than you, but since you have evaded your duty I must intercede," His clipped, bitter tones carried through the room; from time to time his eyes settled on a particular officer and bore into him. "Nor, of course, am I the only one. Captain Pryce came along also. He was given official permission, and is staying in an authorized hotel. He could be found when he was needed. I doubt that he wanted to interrupt his weekend either, but whan called on for help came without hesitation. At the moment he is in the building, doing the duty another officer has neglected. I mention all this" -- his tone grew sharper -- |