condensed master

Will Bonner
"I've come to say how sorry I am for what happened, and to ask what I can
do to put things right." Will knew that the Sergeant he called Gorilla man had
instigated the violence in the whole affair, and this individual had been caught up
in the fever of the moment.
"It must have taken some courage for you to come here, that puts things right
for me. I've already put the incident behind me and I won't be making any
complaint." Both men shook hands and the farmer left. By this time the petite
woman had composed herself and Will thought she was about to speak, but the
larger women took over the ongoing conversation.
"I'm Mrs. Marcini and this is my neighbour Mrs. Jurgins. We saw what
happened at the end of the landing yesterday, and we are all ashamed. The doctor
told us about your injuries and that you would not be putting in a complaint to the
military." She hesitated for a moment and then carried on, "We have all been up
to the Military Police barracks early this morning to complain, and the sergeant
involved is to be disciplined and transferred. The young jeep driver told his
superiors what had happened."
Will was surprised how quickly these women and obviously the rest of the
local community had responded to the situation, and in such a positive way. She
had more to say.
"Arrangements are being finalized today, giving all the ship's crew permission
to go ashore wherever they want. My house is the one closest to the ship, the one
with the swimming pool and I invite you to use it whenever you want, but first
would you come over for a visit and a meal?"
"I'd be delighted." The petite woman finally spoke, and in a faltering but firm
voice, she reinforced her friend's statements.
"We mustn't let you go back home to England thinking badly about us."
Back in his cabin Will lay on his bunk, the recent happenings going around in
his mind. The local women had brought things to a conclusion for him, he now felt
relaxed and content in his mind, and was looking forward to the remainder of his
stay in Chesapeake Bay.
The following afternoon and evening was spent at the house with the
swimming-pool. On the ensuing days Will would arise each morning around 5 a.m.
and run across to the pool for a swim and coupled with his walks through the
forest and countryside, they were happy days.
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