“WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO …”
These last words come from Corporal Whittle who has come alive far too late and tries to intervene after the dance is already done. The incomplete nature of his question is due to the fact that, as he is steppin’ forward, he runs into a high swing from Nunzio’s elbow goin’ in the opposite direction, which effectively stretches him out on his back and turns his lights out … and also stops his annoyin’ prattle. For the record, this is what the earlier exchange between Nunzio and me was all about … my makin’ sure he was in position and willin’ to cover my back while I dealt with the sergeant.
There is a moment’s silence, then someone in the ranks lets out a low, surprised whistle, which seems to cue everyone to put in their two cents worth.
“Wow!”
“Nice goin’, Swatter!!”
” ‘Bout time someone taught him to . . ,”
Hy Flie starts nudgin’ the corporal’s nappin’ form with his toe.
“They don’t look so big lying down, do they, Swatter?” he grins, like he took the two of ’em out all by himself.
“AT EASE! ALL OF YOUSE!!” I bellows, cuttin’ the discussion off short, “If you touch that man again, Hy, you and I are gonna go a couple rounds. YOU UNNERSTAND ME??”
He looks surprised and hurt, but nods his agreement.
“I can’t hear you!!!”
“YES, SAR … I mean, GUIDO!!”
“THAT GOES FOR THE REST OF YOUSE TOO!” I snarls. “I DON’T WANT TO SEE YOU KICKIN’ EITHER OF THESE TWO, OR MAKIN’ FUN OF THEM UNLESS YOU’RE WILLIN’ TO DO THE SAME THING WHEN THEY’RE AWAKE AND ABLE TO HIT BACK. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR??”