SIX
When you returned to the dormitory that night, all the recruits refused to talk to you, avoiding you with their noses in the air. You would greet them and they would ignore you. Despite how unusual it was, you thought it was unintentional. So you repeated your greetings and asked if anyone had seen Sergeant Antar, not because you wanted to know where he was, but because you wanted to ascertain what had made them all decide to shun you.
When you were sure that Sergeant Antar had told them about your application for membership of the Fascist Party, you were amazed at the behaviour from such a group of wretches subjected to a life of misery and oppression. Every last one of them presumed to be noble and patriotic, forgetting the muddy ground they walked, sat, and slept on. They had take
