I was looking at Lieutenant Duff--" He checked himself promptly.

"I mean, sir--well, it seemed a good place to laugh, so I just let it come." The colonel's eyes rested with curious inquiry upon the serene face of the chaplain, with its glowing eyes and candid expression.

"A good place for a laugh?
It was a damned good place for a laugh, and gentlemen, I thank God I have one officer who finds in the face of sudden danger a good place for a laugh.

And now I have something to say to you." The O.C.'s remarks did not improve the officers' opinion of themselves, and they slunk out of the room--no other word properly describes the cowed and shamed appearance of that company of men--they slunk out of the room.

They had failed to play the part of British officers in the face of sudden peril.
In his speech to the men, the C.O.made only a single reference to the incident, but that reference bit deep.
"Men, I am thoroughly ashamed and disappointed.