He had run up against minor officialdom and was making hay with it.
I was my own master once more, so I forsook the company of the orderly.
I found a most rattled officer trying to save a few rags of his dignity and the formidable figure of Macgillivray instructing him in manners.
'Glad to see you, Dick,' he said.

'This is General Hannay, sir.

It may comfort you to know that your folly may have made just the difference between your country's victory and defeat.

I shall have a word to say to your superiors.' It was hardly fair.

I had to put in a word for the old fellow, whose red tabs seemed suddenly to have grown dingy.
'It was my blame wearing this kit.