The O.C.had insulted him, and every officer at the mess, by his off-colour story, but on the whole the general result of the incident was that Barry's life became more and more one of isolation from both officers and men.

For this reason and because of a haunting sense of failure the months of training preceding the battalion's departure for England were for Barry one long and almost uninterrupted misery.

It seemed impossible to establish any point of contact with either the officers or the men.

In their athletics, in their social gatherings, in their reading, he was quietly ignored and made to feel that he was in no way necessary.

An impalpable but very real barrier prevented his near approach to those whom he was so eager to serve.
This unexpressed opposition was quickened into active hostility by the chaplain's uncompromising attitude on the liquor question.