Part 21

THE MOSQUITO. Ping!

THE ADJUTANT (from somewhere in the Support Line, fiercely). Give me B Company!

THE FORWARD OBSERVING OFFICER (from his eyrie). Is that C Battery? There's an enemy working-party--

FIRST CHATTY SIGNALLER (from B Company's Station). Is that yoursel', Jock? How's a' wi' you?

SECOND CHATTY SIGNALLER (from D Company's Station). I'm daen fine! How's your--

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS. HALLO, BRIGADE!

THE ADJUTANT. Is that B Company?

A MYSTERIOUS AND DISTANT VOICE (politely.) No, sir; this is Akk and Esses Aitch.

THE ADJUTANT (furiously). Then for the Lord's sake get off the line!

THE MOSQUITO. Ping! Ping!

THE ADJUTANT. And stop that ---- ---- ---- buzzing!

THE MOSQUITO. Ping! Ping! PING!

THE F.O.O. Is that C Battery? There's--

FIRST CHATTY SIGNALLER (peevishly). What's that you're sayin'?

THE F.O.O. (perseveringly). Is that C Battery? There's an enemy working-party in a coppice at--

FIRST CHATTY SIGNALLER. This is Beer Company, sir. Weel, Jock, did ye get a quiet nicht?

SECOND CHATTY SIGNALLER. Oh, aye. There was a wee--

THE F.O.O. Is that C Battery? There's--

SECOND CHATTY SIGNALLER. No, sir. This is Don Company. Weel, Jimmy, there was a couple whish-bangs came intil--

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS. HALLO, BRIGADE!

A CHEERFUL COCKNEY VOICE. Well, my lad, what abaht it?

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS (getting to work at once). Hold the line, Brigade. Message to Staff Captain. "Ref. your S.C. fourr stroke seeven eight six, the worrking-parrty in question--"

THE F.O.O. (seeing a gleam of hope). Working-party? Is that C Battery? I want to speak to--

THE ADJUTANT. } BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS. } Get off the line! REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS. }

FIRST CHATTY SIGNALLER. Haw, Jock, was ye hearin' aboot Andra?

SECOND CHATTY SIGNALLER. No. Whit was that?

FIRST CHATTY SIGNALLER. Weel--

THE F.O.O. (doggedly). Is that C Battery?