Chapter 17

LONDON LEAVE AND PHYLLIS



The leave train pulled into the Boulogne station exactly twenty-six hours late. As Barry stepped off the train he was met by the R. T. O., an old Imperial officer with a brisk and important military manner.

"You are the O. C. train, sir?" he inquired.

"I am, sir," replied Barry, saluting.

"You have had a hard time, I understand," said the R. T. O., drawing him off to one side and speaking in a low tone.

"Yes sir, we HAVE had a hard time," replied Barry, "at least the men have. This is my report, sir."

The R. T. O. took the document, opened it, glanced hurriedly through it.

"Ah," he said, "ninety-seven casualties, thirteen fatal. Very bad. Six burned. This is truly terrible."

"There were only two soldiers burned, sir," replied Barry, "but it IS terrible, especially when you think that the men were going on leave and were supposed to have got quit of the danger zone."

"Very, very terrible," said the officer. "You ran off the track, I understand."

"No, sir, it was a collision. There must have been gross carelessness, sir," said Barry. "I trust there will be an investigation. I have taken the liberty to suggest that, sir, in my report."

Barry's voice was stern.

"You need have no apprehension on that score, sir," said the R. T. O., with his eyes still upon the report. "This is very clear and concise. I see you make no mention of your own services in connection with the affair, but others have. I have had a most flattering telegram from the officer commanding the R. A. M. C., as also from the Divisional Commander, mentioning your initiative and resourcefulness. I assure you this will not be forgotten. I understand you are a padre?"

"Yes, sir," replied Barry, who was getting rather weary of the conversation.

"All I have to say, then, sir, is that the Canadian army must be rich in combatant officers for, if you will pardon me, it strikes me that there is a damned good combatant officer lost in you."

"If I were a better padre," replied Barry, "I would be content."

"I fancy you have little ground for complaint on that score," said the R. T. O., for the first time smiling at him.

"May I ask, sir," replied Barry, "if my responsibility ends here?"

"Yes, unless you want to take charge of the boat."

"I'd rather not, sir, if you please. How long before she sails?"

"About three hours. Have you anything to do?"

"I should like to visit the R. A. M. C. hospital. I should also like to phone the American hospital at Etaples."