displayed his pale hairless chest. From common courtesy Sean was
forced to cluck and shake his head at the small triangular cicatrice on
Peterson's bosom, although secretly he was not impressed.
The attention went to Peterson's head.
, Got another one, damn painful it was too!' and he unbuckled his belt
and had his trousers half down when the inter leading door opened.
'Hope I'm not interrupting anything, gentlemenl' General Acheson
inquired politely. There were a few moments of con fusion while they
both attempted to dress and make the correct military salutations.
Peterson had the nicest decision to make, not covered by the Articles
of War. It was one of the few occasions in history where a senior
divisional commander was received by a field officer standing at rigid
attention with his trousers round his ankles. Major Peterson affected
a rather startling line in scarlet flannel underwear. Once Acheson had
understood the reason for this irregularity of dress among his
officers, he was strongly tempted to join in the exhibition, for he
also had some fine scars, but he restrained himself admirably. He led
Sean through to the inner office and gave him a cigar, Well, Courtney.
I hope you haven't come looking for a job, ' 'On the contrary, I want
to get the hell out of this business, sir.
'I think we can arrange that. The Paymaster will be relieved.
Acheson nodded. 'I'll get Peterson to draw up your papers.
'I want to leave tomorrow, Sean insisted, and Acheson smiled.
'You're in a big hurry. All right. Peterson can post them to you for
your signatUre, your unit has already been disbanded so there is no
point in kicking your heels around here.'
'Good!' Sean had anticipated resistance, and he laughed with relief.
'There are just three other items,' Acheson went on, and Sean frowned
with quick suspicion.
'Firstly, a parting gift from His Majesty. A Distinguished Service
Order for catching Leroux, there will be an investiture next week. Lord
K. would like you to attend personally.
'Hell, no! If I've got to stay in Johannesburg, I don't want it.
And Acheson chuckled. 'A surprising lack of gratitude! Peterson can
post it to you also. 'Secondly, I've been able to bring a little
influence to bear on the War Claims Adjustment Board.
Although Parliament hasn't passed the Bill, they've gone ahead and
sanctioned your claim. ' 'Good God!' Sean was stunned. At Acheson's
suggestion he had registered a claim for ten thousand pounds, his
deposit in the Volkskaas Bank, which had been seized by the Boers at
the outbreak of war. He had expected nothing from it, and had promptly
forgotten about it. 'They haven't made a full award, have they?'
'Don't be naive, Courtney,' Acheson chuckled. 'Only twenty per cent
against a possible further adjustment once the Bill is through the
House. Still, two thousand is better than a poke in the eye with a
blunt stick. Here's their cheque. You'll have to sign for it.
Sean examined the slip of paper with rising delight. It would go a
little way towards paying off his loan from Natal Wattle.
He looked up quickly.
