Of course, his interest in the war and in the regiment was unbounded; he did not take to drill with especial readiness, but he was insatiable of it, and grudged every moment of relaxation.

She ‘chin-chins’ the captain... and then nods her pretty head.

But the plates are good, and, in reality, sufficient without all the wordage.

I don't accept what is happening but I know it will be the same until Al passes. I do think you are right in that his inner circle (Madden, Otto, Hendricks, etc) tell him what he wants to hear or they wouldn't be close to him. That just supports what he already knows. IIWII.......MR