Page 19 - Demo

17another door into the dormitory space for 5 beds, lockers and wardrobes, then through a third door into the sitting room. Back to that long lie. We were wrenched from the arms of Morpheus abruptly and noisily by a very loud, crashing sound accompanied by even louder cursing, from the external door into the Ablutions area. The door into the dormitory was closed so Al and I, like startled rabbits, shot through to the sitting room area in our RAF-issue PJs, trying to look nonchalantly studious with Air Force Law or somesuch whilst waiting for the wrath of God which would surely be visited upon us for being in our pits. Nothing happened.It transpired that one of the 89 Entry Under-Officers (Black Robertson? Not sure!), in trying to get back to College Hall quickly after the Parade, had leapt on his bike. He had gone but a few yards when his sword, fortunately in its scabbard, had contrived to insert itself between the spokes of the front wheel. Said Under-Officer apparently did an immaculate %u201cOver the handlebars%u201d manoeuvre but his dive was abruptly curtailed %u2013 by the front door of Hut 146. Such was his shame at this severe loss of dignity and the amusement provided to by-standers that he had simply remounted his wheeled steed and gone on his way %u2013 leaving behind an uncomprehending, terrified but grateful pair of junior cadets thanking their lucky stars. David Forsyth