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Come on!

I have every intention of making a success of my 3-month

probationary repair with this regiment, and

to join it fully and properly at the end of that time.

There is a little matter I should perhaps share with you.

Oh...

�What's that?

I have no intention of surviving my 3-month probation period.

There is a ship which sails for England in exactly 3 months.

I intend to be on it.

�Lancers...

Attention!

�Present... arms!

It's exactly how I imagined it would be.

How very uplifting for you!

But then I do not expect you to understand.

But I do, my dear fellow!

You forget this place has haunted me since childhood.

We would get cleaned up and present ourselves to the Adjutant.

If we can find him... Or indeed anyone.

You don't suppose there's been another mutiny, do you?

Millington, I got to warn you that while I tolerated your imbecilities

on our journey together, they won't be appreciated here.

- Good afternoon, gentlemen. - Good afternoon.

- You must be Pradah Singh. - And you, sir, Mr. Drake.

If I may say you look most like your father,

under whom I had the honour to serve.

Thank you.

I had the honour to serve also under your father, general Millington.

Though I was, of course, much younger then. A mere boy.

Yes, he had me rather late on his life.

I understand your father served with the regiment too.

And my grandfather, sahib. In my family it's a tradition.

Quite.

- Pradah Singh, where is everybody? - On the prairie ground, sir.

It's the anniversary of the battle of Ratjaphur.

- Of course! Well, I should've remembered. - They should be back within the hour.

I'm instructed that by that time you

should be in attendance here... in uniform.

Thus the Colonel will then lead in the ladies.

I hear correctly?

Ladies?

Yes, sahib.

- Voluptuous ladies? - God's sake, man!

Gentlemen,

officers and men of the 20th Indian Light Cavalry,

Today we commemorate, as we do each year,

the award of the Victoria Cross to Captain John Scarlett,

for his outstanding bravery.

On this, the 3rd anniversary of his death,

it is once again my duty and privilege

to present the cross to Mrs. Scarlett.

Colonel, it is again my pleasure to return this medal to you

for safekeeping among the other trophies which commemorate

the honorable history of this regiment.

- �Where the devil are they, Pradah Singh? - Just coming now, sahib. - Oh, good.

2nd Lts Millington and Drake: may I present the Sr Subaltern Lt. Fothergill.

Gentlemen, welcome.

Pradah Singh, could you make me a whisky and soda,

we have just a few moments to spare. What about you, chaps?

Oh, dear fellow, just anything. I'm about to expire.

My companion is joking, of course.

We are fully aware of the regimental tradition.

Splendid, well done.

- Thank you, Pradah Singh. - Sahib.

It's a damn little silly test, but one must be certain.

- You must be Millington. - No. Drake.

I have that dubious honour, my dear fellow.

I'm sorry. Well, sit down, chaps.

There's a lot to tell you and little time for anything.

- Oh, we are allowed to sit... - Yes, of course. Why not?

Don't pay attention. I thought it might be another of these little tests.

Mr. Millington has a very personal sense of humour.

Oh, I see. Very funny.

Your are seating in the Colonel's chair, old man.

Heavens!

I wouldn't want to add sacrilege to my other crimes.

It's my job as Senior Sublt. to watch over you, chaps, for the next week or two.

Make sure you know what's what and so on.

Let me remind you of the basic facts of life:

You don't speak to anyone, nor will anyone speak to you, except me.

Note it: It's my job to speak to you and you may speak to me,

but never to a senior officer, unless addressed first.

In which case you will go by "Yes, sir".

Unless it happens to be the Colonel, in which case you go by "Yes, Colonel".

We always call the Colonel "Colonel" in this regiment. Quite.

Eminently sound arrangement, if I may say so, sir.

Good.

Now, when the Colonel arrives, we shall withdraw to a corner.

Over there. At an appropriate time I will strike the gong,

announce strangers in the mess and introduce each of you individually.

No one will pay the least attention except the Colonel, who will say "thank you, Mr. Fothergill".

You will say nothing.

We'll then wait for the Adjutant to join us,

when you will present yourselves and withdraw to your quarters.

Hoy, section right!

As for the ladies, they will be in the Colonel's party this afternoon,

I think only Madame Strang, the Colonel's lady,

and...

Mrs. Scarlett.

Yes, I think I should perhaps say a word about Mrs. Scarlett.

She is a lady.... very much admired at the mess. Very popular.

Her husband was awarded the Victoria Cross. Posthumously.

She is a regular feature of our lives here.

However, she is not above offering certain favours.

Now, don't misunderstand me!

- She is very much a lady. But... - Yes, of course.

- Most distressing. - Yes.

My point is: junior officers are well advised to remain... unsusceptible.

She is a very attractive woman.

However: certain senior officers having...

You understand me? Made a point...? With Mrs. Scarlett? Oh, I see...

Of course, this is a matter of which, while you should be fully appraised,

- You know nothing. - Right, quite.

- Just remain corteous, but... - Distant?

Distant... yes.

What is this filthy old tunic doing in the mess?

�Mr. Millington!

That was Captain's Scarlett tunic. He was wearing it when

- he was cut down. - It's very messy in there...

War is not noted for its confort!

Nor is the future of young officers

who fail to acquaint themselves with the history and traditions of this regiment.

Still, when you come to think of it, it must smell absolutely frightful.

How is young Truly healing, doctor?

- Not too bad I think, Colonel. - Damn idiot!

He'll be up in a day or two.

Colonel, there are strangers in the mess! May I present

Mr. Millington and Mr. Drake. Colonel...

Thank you, Mr. Fothergill.

Surely he can't be general Millington's boy. He looks far too young.

My respects, madam.

I hardly believe that you could've met my father.

You also look far too young.

Well, Mr. Fothergill.

- I'm sorry, sir. - Sorry? I did not here that, Mr Fothergill

I must have failed to make my instructions plain, Captain Harper.

Mr. Fothergill,

You are assumed to be capable of the duties of your office.

That is why you hold it.

I am waiting, Mr. Fothergill.

Present youselves, men!

Have the honour to present myself, sir. Mr. Drake, sir.

Thank you, Mr. Drake.

I also have the honour to present myself, sir.

Do you lack a name, sir?

Millington, sir.

Ah. Come here, Mr. Millington.

- Sir. - Mr. Millington,

if I ever hear from you again

it will be for the last time. Do you understand me?

- May I be I allowed to say - You may be allowed to say nothing!

- You may be silent! Is that clear? - Yes, sir.

Return to your place.

Mr. Fothergill, if you find that your duties are too arduous for you,

I'm sure we can find a way to have you relieved of them.

- Understood? - Sir...

You bloody fool! What the hell were you playing at?

- Yes, I'm terribly sorry... - Quiet!

I told you to remain silent when there are senior officers in the mess

- Surely didn't mean to... - Shut up!

I don't know what your game is, Millington, but let me tell you this.

If you put out one more black in it for me

I'll make you kicked out of this regiment before you even finish probation. Do you hear me?

- Yes, Fothergill. - Mr. Fothergill! - Mr. Fothergill!

Go to your quarters. Move!

Charge!

- Mind that leg of yours, Mr. Truly. - I will, Colonel.

With the new ones, is there improvement?

Not with Millington, Major.

Ought we to get rid of him, sir

Well, it's not easy. Son of a general, distinguished Colonel of this regiment...

Hold on, lad! I see a lot of red tape on it.

I quite understand, sir.

- Seems to have a drink problem at dinner, isn't it? - Yes, sir.

But strictly speaking there's no ruling against that,

as long as he can hold it.

Well, if he doesn't, take him out of the mess as quickly and quiet as you can.

Right, sir.

For a first round, the boy seems to be doing remarkably well.

- What you say, Lionel? - I agree.

Remember Toby's first round, Lionel?

- Regimental history, Colonel. - Three years ago, isn't it?

Yes, this was his first posting. And his last.

Yes, that was the end of it for him. And for me, in a way.

You only had that one boy, didn't you?

Yes. Still, one accepts, but one plans, you know?

Toby was to carry on the line. The tradition.

It's still something I can't...

- �Pig, pig! - �Pig, pig!

- Oink, oink! - Pigs, pigs!

Well done, Alastair.

Well, if that's your story of the couple in the bathing machine laundry, Marjorie

they are too young to hear it.

Nonsense. A little vulgarity never did anyone any harm.

Well, it is a damn funny yarn, sir.

Oh, you are an outragious woman.

Come on dance. And stop corrupting my junior officers.

- I'm open to corruption at any time Ms Scarlett.

- Anything to report? - No, sir.

Well, let's see the guardroom.

Mrs. Scarlett.

Really shouldn't drink so much, Mr. Millington.

No, madam.

- No, I shouldn't. - You are acquiring quite a reputation for it.

- Does that concern you? - Personally, not at all.

Pity.

I think I could enjoy being rescued from degradation by you.

Don't be tiresome, Mr. Millington.

Why don't you dance? There are many young ladies here tonight.

Will be glad of your company. Pretty girls some of them.

It's pleasing to hear beauty paid tribute to mere prittiness.

Mr. Millington, you have already paid me one compliment too many in public.

That's why I'm taking care tonight to make my compliments in private.

- You will pay me no more compliments at all... - No...

Don't go,

please.

Did you know that when two swans mate they mate for life?

- Really? - So I've read.

How touching.

- I must say I find it rather sad. - Why?

Imagine, if one was to die before the other.

Is that why you drink then? The loss of a swan?

- No, madam. - Why then?

Don't concern yourself about it, please.

How old are you?

- Does it matter? - You have all life...

All life before me, as they say.

You come to us laden with advantages, do not?

To you it seems I come with none.

I'm quite out of favour?

- Good night, Mr. Millington. - Please...

You are putting yourself in a place

Alastair...

What are you doing here?

Admiring the stars.

- And you? - You are impertinent, Mr. Millington. Go away.

- You would please go away? - And if I don't please?

Heavens sake; be sensible!

You seem to think yourself quite a ladies' man, Mr Millington.

My reputation travels before me.

I should like to think that we have something in common, Mrs. Scarlett.

It's a great mistake to be deceived by reputation.

I was looking for the company of a woman.

And my impression of you, madam, is...

that you are a woman.

You are behaving stupidly towards me. I should call out.

You tempt me. You tempt me indeed.

- May I fetch anything for you, Colonel? - No, no, Pradah Singh.

I am in need of a new pair of legs.

I shall endeavour to see that you are not disturbed, Colonel. - Thank you.

Colonel deary, I thought you were feeling a little tired.

- No, no, don't get up. - If you would forgive me, my dear.

I forgive you anything.

- What's the time? - Nearly two.

We should be able to leave soon.

I feel we said good night to most of our guests.

But the usual late-stayers: Marjorie of course, and the Hopgoods...

- And that Colonel in the lancers. - Foster, Peregrine Foster.

- And his wife. - And his wife.

- It has been a lovely ball. - Has it, madam?

Yes.

It's something one feels one owes to the past. - I know.

Colonel dear: Would you do something for me? - What?

All evening I danced with bouncy young men and doddering old bores.

I very much like to dance with my own dear husband.

- Oh, dear. Must I? - It's an order.

Very well...

Help me!

- It's Marjorie! - Help!

- My dear, what happened? - Please, help...!

Brandy. Drake, fetch the doctor, quickly. - Marge!

What happened?

Take her to the mess.

What's happening here?

She's been attacked. Come with me.

- Alastair. - It's all right, Marge. It's all right. Give me the brandy, please.

Let me through, please, gentlemen.

- What the devil happened, madam? - She's been attacked, doctor.

Let me see, my dear.

Is that true? You were...

Attacked?

- Yes. - Who by? Who was it?

Marjorie, someone attacked you. You must tell us who he was.

Him! It was him!

My God! You wretched...!

Fellow, stop! Major Roach, this officer is under arrest.

Colonel! Captain Harper,

Discern two officers as close escort.

�Mr. Hart, Mr. Fothergill!

I don't agree with you. To hush this matter up

to protect the honour of the regiment would be shameful.

It must be by General Court-Martial and it must be by due process of military law.

The due process of military law can be followed by less...

- ... public means. - I know the process you are referring to.

Is secret and convenient and justice I suppose can come out of it,

but is not justice that I can possibly approve.

Colonel, there are only two alternatives:

a public trial, with its public consecuences...

or a private trial.

With its private consecuences.

- Morning gentlemen. - Morning sir.

Be seated, please.

Gentlemen,

Last night there occurred an incident which, if dealt with, shall we say, carelessly,

could profoundly affect the honour of this regiment.

Fortunately however, a procedure exists which makes it possible for the entire affair

to be kept strictly within the confines of regimental jurisdiction.

That is why you are here.

When Mrs. Scarlett has recovered you are to be tried,

Mr. Millington, by Subaltern Court-Martial

So now I'll explain what that means.

Subaltern's court consists of five officers.

A president --in this case myself-- and four others.

Also a prosecuting officer and

a defending officer.

You will understand, gentlemen, that a Subaltern Court-Martial has no official existence.

It's outside of the normal structure of discipline and command.

Should a senior officer become officially aware of it, he would be obliged to end it.

Make no mistake:

the powers of this court are summary and absolute.

There is no appeal to higher authority.

- Do I make myself clear? - Yes, sir.

Now, as of the witnesses:

in addition to civilian personnel, officers of any rank

may be call to appear as and when they are required.

But, should a senior officer be called,

his appearance in court will in no way affect his official knowledge

of the proceedings, which of course do not exist. Is that understood?

I don't think you'll find this amusing for long, Mr. Millington.

- No, sir. - Stand up, Mr. Millington!

Is my duty as president of this court

to decide on its composition.

Before I do so you can to select your defending officer from among those present.

That's very nice.

And you mean, now?

Now.

I suppose I can't choose the Colonel, could I?

No, that's off...

Well...

In that case...

I choose Mr. Drake.

He is a gentleman of honour.

Very well, Mr. Drake will defend,

Prosecuting officer will be Mr. Fothergill.

Who else?

The other members of the court, in addition to myself as president, will be Mr. Hart,

Mr. Bulton, Mr. Winters and Mr. Truly.

Mr. Hutton will act as usher.

Are there any questions?

Mr. Drake...

Sir, am I obliged to accept this duty?

Mr. Millington has chosen you, Mr. Drake.

- Yes, sir. - Very well...

You now return to duty, gentlemen. Mr. Drake: you will remain here.

Mr. Millington: you wait outside for your escort, Mr. Hutton,

and you will be confined to quarters until the trial begins. Carry on.

I appreciate that you've been at a disadvantage since you arrived,

and that fate is determined to keep you

linked to Mr. Millington, to your discredit.

- It's just that I'm anxious to do well here, sir. - Of course.

Nonetheless, it is necessary for Mr. Millington to be defended,

but I hardly think you need to embed yourself unduly.

It's very much an open and shut case, is it not?

But... it's still my duty to defend Mr. Millington as well as I'm able to.

Naturally, you will find whatever you can to say in his favour.

I mean, it's a matter of honour; is it not, sir?

The honour of the regiment demands that Mr. Millington be properly defended.

It is necessary to go through the motions, Mr. Drake.

You are not a fool. You know what is required of you.

- To be fair, sir. - Just so.

To be fair... with the regiment.

Good, excellent. Carry on, Mr. Drake.

Mr. Hart.

Mr President: the charge before this court reads as follows:

that on the 17th the accused officer, 2nd Lieutenant Millington --he

attacked, wounded and assaulted Mrs. Marjorie Scarlett,

widow of the late Captain John Reginald Scarlett, VC, of this regiment.

That by this action he has betrayed the trust posed on him by his Colonel,

brought the name of this regiment into dishonour,

and conducted himself in a manner unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman.

- The charge is in, Mr. President. - Thank you, Mr. Hart.

How do you plea, Mr. Millington? Guilty or not guilty?

Indifferent.

The accused officer pleads not guilty, sir... er, Mr. President.

Not... guilty, Mr. Drake?

Yes, Mr. President.

I see.

Very well.

Mr. Fothergill.

I call my first witness, the regimental doctor.

Doctor, if you please, sir.

- Be seated, doctor, please. - Thank you.

I'm obliged to remind you, sir, that you are on your honour to speak the truth.

- Of course. - Mr. Fothergill?

Doctor, on the night of the 17th Mrs. Scarlett claimed she had been attacked.

You attended her. In your opinon, was her claim justified?

Certainly. It was a gross, cowardly assault.

And did she suggest who might have been responsible?

- She made a direct accusation. - Against whom, sir?

Against that officer.

And were Mrs. Scarlett injuries such as to sustain this accusation?

Well, injuries are not in themselves evidence as to the

identity of an attacker.

However, Mrs. Scarlett has repeated the accusation.

I asked again myself because I wanted to be certain she would affirm it

when no longer in a state of hysteria.

I believe you examined Mr. Millington

and that you found a gash behind his right ear.

I did, yes.

Did he tell you how he sustained this injury?

He said that Mrs. Scarlett had struck him.

- Strike him when, sir? - I gather during the course of the struggle.

Are you saying Mr. Millington admitted to you that he attacked

Mrs. Scarlett?

I suppose by now he has freely admitted it to anyone that has asked him.

Thank you, doctor.

Mr. Drake?

Mr. President, gentlemen of the court.

Doctor: the injuries sustained by Mrs. Scarlett,

what exactly did they amount to?

Well, wrists and arms were bruised,

the palms of the hands and skin and legs down there

her knees were bruised,

she had cuts about the body

and her dress was torn.

Could those injuries be sustained in running through the shrubs and bushes

- ... that surround the folly? - Yes, I think they could have been.

Doctor, had...

.. had Mrs. Scarlett been in another sense... interfered with?

You mean, sexually?

Mr. Drake, Mr. Millington is not charged with rape, but with assault.

- Yes, but... - Very well!

The court does not require an answer to that question, doctor.

Well...

Would that fair to say then that this attack was,

- relatively speaking, a failure? - It wasn't a failure, Mr. Drake, we saw that.

Apart from the physical injuries,

Mrs. Scarlett was in a state of terror bordering on acute hysteria.

Quite so. Precisely.

Yes, sir, but...

I'm not clear...

I'm not clear why exactly Mrs. Scarlett was so afraid.

Are you serious, Mr. Drake?

I mean Mr. Millington was quite drunk at the time.

Mr. Drake, this court will not find drunkenness as a mitigation of any act

from Mr. Millington.

But surely, sir, it must reduce his responsibility.

No. The responsibility for drinking in excess remains his alone.

I would drop it, if I were you.

- The cards are stacked against you. - Mr. Millington, you will be silent!

Mr. Drake, you have any further questions for this witness?

Well, Mr. Drake?

Yes, I have.

Doctor, would you not expect that a woman of Mrs. Scarlett's...

experience, would be easily able to deal with...

Mr. Drake, we are not here to discuss Mrs. Scarlett,

but to adjudge Mr. Millington.

- But surely, Mr. President, it's relevant... - No, Mr. Drake.

It is not relevant.

But on the very day we arrived here, Mr. Fothergill warned us

quite espec�fically that Mrs. Scarlett was inclined to allow

- ... certain officers to... - Mr. Drake,

it is of no concern to this court what a Sr. Subaltern may or may not have said

to you on some private occasion.

So far as this court is concerned, Mrs. Scarlett is a woman of

the highest character and reputation.

Do you understand me?

But sir, Mr. President...

how am I to defend this officer if you allow me no latitude in this matter?

You are entitled to whatever latitude I,

as president of this court, choose to give you and no more.

Drake, for God's sake, sit down. You are embarrassing us all. Mr. Millington!

He has no idea what is required of him, Mr. President.

Should have made your instructions plainer.

That is enough!

They expect you to go through the motions, that's all.

Not to indulge in a talent for legalistic moralizing.

Bourgeois creature you are, to be sure.

Well, Mr. Drake...

I have... no more questions for this witness.

- Thank you, doctor. - Mr. President, gentlemen.

Fothergill?

The next logical step would be to call Mrs. Scarlett, sir.

But I would hope the defending officer will accept a written deposition from her.

I quite agree.

- �Mr. Drake? - Well...

I'm not sure, sir.

But I must have time to think.

Very well.

The court will reconvene at midnight tomorrow. Thank you, gentlemen.

We'll leave the mess quickly and quietly.

Mr. Millington, you will go with your escort.

Mr. Drake, you'll remain here. Dismissed.

Drake, what the devil you think you're playing at?

Just trying to do my duty, sir -

- to ensure Mr. Millington had a fair trial.

Do you mean to suggest he will not receive a fair trial?

Should say he's entitled to face his accuser.

There is some doubt in your mind as to his guilt?

- No, sir, none whatever. - Very well.

Tomorrow you will plead Mr. Millington guilty,

as clearly he wishes you to.

As for yourself, we should see how you conduct yourself in the weeks to come.

You have made an excellent beginning, Mr. Drake,

I should not like to think that we have been mistaken on you too.

No, sir.

Here is Mrs. Scarlett's deposition.

You will be requiring it, since you will not be calling her.

That is all, Mr. Drake.

Captain Harper.

- Well?. - Sir, I must repeat...

Isn't Mr. Millington entitled to face his accuser?

Are you being willfully obstructive?

Do you appreciate to what extent we are already indebted to Mrs. Scarlett?

Do you realize, that had she made an official charge against him Mr. Millington

would now be facing public court-martial, by officers not of this regiment,

and he would be publicly disgraced... and so should we.

But, sir: is his disgrace not inevitable in any event?

Why, Mr. Drake?

Well, if he is found guilty you will surely be obliged to get rid of him.

I do not think so.

Mr. Millington will find that we have duties for him yet

of an unpleasant nature, to be sure, but admirably suited to his character.

- You mean to keep him here! - For a year or two.

Five perhaps, or even ten or more.

The option lies with us.

We will see how long it takes Mr. Millington to learn a simple lesson:

this regiment is not to be mocked.

I see...

You can do nothing for Mr. Millington; you are only hurting yourself. Do you understand?

Sir, I request to be relieved of this duty.

No, Mr. Drake.

You have an admirable opportunity of serving this regiment.

I shall follow your progress with the keenest interest.

Good night.

Sahib, sahib, ask about Mrs. Bandanai, sahib. Ask about the bleeding.

- Who? - Mrs. Bandanai, sahib... Ask about the bleeding!

�No, wait!

I'm sorry, sahib, it will not happen again.

But who was that?

The servant of mem Scarlett, sir.

- Mrs. Scarlett's? - Yes, sahib.

- I should take the strongest possible action... - No, no.

Pradah Singh: who is Mrs. Bandanai?

She's the widow of Jemadar Bandanai.

He was a hero of this regiment.

He died with Captain Scarlett.

Could you arrange a meeting, to speak with her?

It's no usual, sahib.

It might be of assistance to Mr. Millington.

You know that he is in trouble. His trial continues tomorrow night.

You greatly admired his father.

- I'll see what I can do, sahib. - Thank you, Pradah Singh.

Ah, my knight in shining armour! I have news for you, my learned friend.

The battle is over.

I'm changing my plea to guilty.

Well?

You are very comforted, don't you?

- Why shouldn't I be? - You won't...

You won't get out of here, you know?

- �No? - In a year or two.

Perhaps five. Or even ten or more.

Until then, we are to be graced with your presence.

What are you talking about?

I'm quoting the Adjoutant.

Mi dear fellow,

They intend to keep you here, Millington.

I don't believe you.

They have duties for you... of an unpleasant nature.

You are to be taught a lesson.

Got to learn that this regiment is not to be mocked.

My God, I never thought of that.

Nor did I!

Come in now, please.

Court is now in session. Mr. Fothergill?

Mr. President: as you already know, this afternoon Mr. Drake informed me

that he would not accept the written deposition I had obtained from Mrs. Scarlett

but insisted that she should be available for this call.

I therefore propose to call her now.

Very well.

With your permission, sir, I would prefer Mrs. Scarlett to be called later.

No, Mr. Drake. If you wish to question Mrs. Scarlett

very well, you shall... now.

With respect, Mr. President, if you would permit me to call another witness first.

- Certainly not, Mr. Drake. - Again, with respect, sir,

I'm entitled, as laid down by you before the members of this court, to call

any witness as and when required.

Very well.

- Whom do you wish to call? - The second in command, sir.

- Is Major Roach aware of this? - He is waiting in the lobby, sir.

- Mr. Hutton! - �sir?

Drake, what are you up to?

�sir!

- Please be seated. - Thank you.

Mr. Drake.

You sent for me this evening, sir. You felt I should know that

you had witnessed the attack on Mrs. Scarlett by Mr. Millington.

I did, yes.

What were the circumstances?

Well, I'd been on duty with Mr. Hart, inspecting the guard room.

And I was on my way, alone, through the gardens, to inspect the perimeter patrol.

I was nearing the folly when I heard voices coming

from it: a man and a woman.

The man seemed to be...

well, seemed to be pleading.

Then I recognized Mrs. Scarlett's voice; it was sharp and clear.

She said "Mr. Millington, I'd told you already that your... advances are...

... offensive and pointless", or what's let to that effect.

- Did she sound angry, sir? - Oh, she did indeed. Extremely angry.

And frightened?

No, I would say she was fully in command of the situation, not

frightened but angry.

And what happened then, sir?

Well, Mrs. Scarlett came from the folly followed by Mr. Millington.

- You saw them clearly, sir? - Yes. In a patch of light

reflected from the mess; there was more light than usual outside that night.

Yes, sir. And then?

Well, he took her arm and she threw him off.

Ordered him to leave her alone and walked angrily toward the mess.

- She walked, sir? - Yes.

- She didn't run? - No, she walked.

- Was she distressed? - Drake, I told you. She was angry.

Yes, sir. And Mr. Millington?

I don't really know. I lost both of them in the shadows.

I thought she just made off, but...

You say he claimed she laid him up. I suppose it's possible, but I didn't see it.

Quite so, sir. And then?

Well, you know the rest.

There was great consternation, everybody running, myself included...

When I got to the mess and saw Mrs. Scarlett's condition...

Yes?

I... I was greatly surprised.

Mrs. Scarlett was in a terrible state. Much worse than I would've imagined.

Why do you say this, sir?

There's no excuse for Mr. Millington's behaviour; not at all...

But I saw nothing violent or extreme.

Otherwise I would've put an end to it.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Major Roach. We are most obliged to you for coming here tonight.

It was my duty, though I'm bound to say I consider the regiment ill served...

by unauthorized charades of this nature.

Good night, gentlemen.

Well, Mr. Drake, it seems to me that your defense witness, Major Roach,

has given us a detailed account precisely of the offence with

which Mr. Millington is charged.

Perhaps I should remind you that you are here to defend this officer,

not to prosecute him.

Thank you, Mr. President.

In the nature of this trial it is well to be reminded

why are we here.

Quite.

Are you now willing for Mrs. Scarlett to be called?

- Yes, sir. - Mr. Hutton!

If you please, madam.

Madam.

You will appreciate, madam, that this disturbance to yourself

is not of our choosing.

I'm not at all disturbed, thank you.

Madam.

Mr. Fothergill?

I should like to ask you just three questions, madam.

- Were you attacked on the night of the 17th? - I was, yes.

- By whom? - By Mr. Millington.

- You have no doubt about that? - None whatever.

Thank you, madam.

Mr. Drake?

The folly where the attack took place it's...

a very isolated spot.

I was wondering, madam, why you happened to be there.

There are moments, Mr. Drake, even on the most enjoyable occasions,

when one wishes to be alone.

Sure so, madam.

And it was here that Mr. Millington disturbed you?

It was, yes.

- Did you try to get away at once? - No; at first I didn't...

... realize how determined he was.

Forgive me, madam, but you are an extremely attractive woman,

no longer married...

You must had to deal with silly young gentlemen before this.

Not young men who were viciously drunk, Mr. Drake.

Viciously drunk, madam?

Mr. Millington made it plain that he intended to use me

as a means to get him dismissed from the regiment.

I see...

- So, you were forced to hit him. - I was, yes.

What with?

My fists, my arms, whatever came to hand.

And did anything come to hand?

I don't understand you.

- Did you pick up a stone, perhaps? - No, I don't think so.

Or a branch of a tree?

No.

If you please, madam, I think Mr. Drake is referring to...

I'm referring to the injury sustained by Mr. Millington.

A deep gash, some 2 inches long, behind his right ear.

Oh, yes, of course. I do remember now.

It was a stone. I picked up a stone.

I don't think so, madam.

I searched the area around the folly for an hour this evening, and

there wasn't a stone to be found in 100 yards in any direction.

It may have been wood; a branch.

No, madam; not a stick nor a stone anywhere.

Nothing with which you could possibly struck Mr. Millington.

- Really, this is quite absurd, Mr. President. - It is indeed, madam.

Mr. Drake, it is perfectly obvious that when Mrs. Scarlett broke away from Mr. Millington

he fell against a tree or a wall.

- No, I didn't! - Silence, sir!

- I was hit! - Be quiet... please.

Of course, if you wish to take his word against mine...

Certainly not, madam.

Mr. Drake, this has gone far enough.

I'm sorry, sir, I was mistaken.

My misunderstanding, madam.

I see what must have happened. You broke away from Mr. Millington

and he fell back against this wall or tree, and...

Then you ran screaming toward the mess. - Yes!

- Ran as fast as you could. - Naturally.

Or did you walk?

In his evidence, Major Roach said that you walked.

- Major... Roach? - Yes, madam.

Major Roach appeared in court a few moments ago. It seems he...

witnessed the attack before you.

I see.

In his testimony, Major Roach has said that you walked away from Mr. Millington, madam.

Yes, well, perhaps I did walk.

Walk or ran, what does it matter, Mr. Drake? Really, you are splitting hairs.

Yes, Mr. President.

Well, let's say then that at first you walked and then you ran.

Perhaps you were afraid that Mr. Millington would attack you again. - I was, yes!

As he had attacked you violently in the first place.

What exactly did he do to you, madam?

Well...

- He took you by the arm? - Yes.

- And drew you towads him? - Yes.

And then?

Did he try to put a hand in your bossom?

- Mr. Drake! - Your dress was torn.

- He may have done that. - He did or he didn't?

- I can't remember... - You must remember.

It was a terrifying experience for you, Mrs. Scarlett.

You ran screaming all the way down to the mess.

What are you implying?

- That is all, Mr. Drake. - I have one more question for this witness.

- Sit down, Mr. Drake. - No, sir.

Mrs. Scarlett, why are you lying?

How dare you? How dare you?

Madam, if you will allow me.

I'll tolerate no more of this, Captain Harper!

In the future you will play your childish games without me!

This court will reconvene tomorrow night at midnight,

and this entire matter will be concluded.

Court is adjourned. Good night, gentlemen.

You have finished yourself here, Mr. Drake.

You hear me? You're finished!

If what I heard in this court is typical of the honour of this regiment

then I would not wish to remain.

And I thought this was a regiment of honour.

And so it is, my dear fellow. A regiment of the highest honour.

As you yourself have made plain to me.

What's going on, Arthur? Why should she lie?

Been there...

Look, Arthur, if you really wish to remain here you will have to abandon this enterprise.

Isn't too late, you know?

I fancy I can survive without sympathy, Millington.

Yours least of all.

You dissapoint me.

So it is just pride, then?

Wounded pride?

Call it principle.

Why not? Bougeois principles. But that's of course something you wouldn't understand.

Ah, that's true.

- �Pradah Singh! - Your pardon, Drake sahib.

I saw you come here, and I waited for you.

Why?

You asked to speak with Mrs. Bandanai. She's here.

Please, won't you come and sit down?

There is a young officer in trouble. I want to help him.

But without you I can't.

Ask her if she was attacked, sahib.

Were you attacked? As Mrs. Scarlett was attacked?

It is true, sahib.

- When? - Six months ago.

Six months...

Who attacked you?

She will not tell you, sahib.

What happened then?

I was with an officer,

I had been with him. Laid with him.

He had left the bungalow. I was alone.

Then came anothr man.

A man in scarlett and gold. He had a sword!

He threatened me.

He forced me to crawl around on my hands and knees...

I had to make noises like a pig!

Hurt!

It is the game,

the game as it is played in the mess.

Sticking the pig with a sword, from behind as it runs.

- It is not possible. - It is the game, sahib, I'm certain.

Who could do such a thing?

Ask her, Pradah Singh, who was him?

She cannot tell you, sahib. She dares not.

She has a pension from the regiment.

Please, Mrs. Bandanai, please. I beg you. Tell me.

- Scarlett. - What? Captain Scarlett!

What did she say?

That the man was Captain Scarlett.

- But that can't be. He is dead. He was killed. - Yes, sahib.

- But then what did she men, Pradah Singh? - She meant what she said, sahib.

That the man you look for is Captain Scarlett.

This ought to give you something to think about.

Hmm... thank you.

If you want to speak to me, Mr. Drake, you are at liberty to do so.

Thank you, sir.

It's just that I was looking at Captain Scarlett's uniform.

Yes?

Well, I know most of the story of the 75' revolt, but

I would be most interested to learn about the end of it, sir... at first hand.

Why, Mr. Drake? Sit down, sit down.

Under the circumstances I won't ask you that.

Thank you, sir.

You found Captain Scarlett's body?

- And Toby Strang. - The Colonel's son?

Yes.

It was not a particularly agreeable sight. The

tribes on that area are noted for their barbarism.

But Captain Scarlett was... recognocible, sir?

He wore the uniform of Captain of this regiment. It could have been no one else.

You saw that it was him?

Yes, I saw him.

But perhaps the mutilation was such that you couldn't actually swear

that it was Captain Scarlett.

No.

But as I say: it could have been no one else.

No, I suppose not.

And the Colonel's son?

He died two weeks later.

- Terrible for the Colonel. - Yes, it took his heart.

He blamed himself for allowing Toby to go

on that particular patrol.

Well,

I must leave you to your game.

Tonight is the end of this?

I hope so...

Arthur...

- I've been thinking... - So have I.

- I now know that you are not guilty. - What?

You may've been stupid, but you are not vicious. No.

Look: I want you to trust me.

Tonight's proceedings may not be pleasant, but

whatever happens you must remain silent.

With this trial...

you are destroying yourself for no reason.

You needn't concern yourself for me.

I do!

I know what this place means to you.

You are mistaken. I don't expect to remain here,

nor do I want to.

Court is now in session Mr. Fothergill?

I have written depositions, Mr. Presidente, from the Colonel, Major Wimbourne,

Colonel Foster and Mrs. Foster.

If Mr. Drake would accept them, the case for the prosecution will be closed.

- Mr. Drake? - I accept them.

Thank you.

Mr. Drake,

Do you still wish to recall the doctor and Mrs. Scarlett?

- I do, sir. - Very well. Hutton!

- If you please,sir. - Thank you.

I'm sorry we have to recall you, doctor.

So am I. Never mind. Mr. Drake?

Doctor, two nights ago I questioned you concerning Mrs. Scarlett's injuries.

You did, yes.

Why did you not tell us that she had been attacked with a sword? What?

What do you say, Mr. Drake?

Mr. President: I'm prepared to back every statement I'll make tonight,

however unpleasant, with factual evidence.

- But I haven't got a sword! - �Mr. Millington!

- Continue, Mr. Drake. - Thank you, sir.

Doctor, I believe that six months ago you had occasion to

examine the widow of Jemadar Bandanai.

That's so, yes.

She also had been attacked...

- Yes. - With a sword...

- But what does this to do...? - She'd been attacked with a sword, yes or no, doctor?

Yeah, it's possible, but...

Doctor, the game played on mess nights, -Yes?

- with the stuffed boar on wheels... - Now just a minute!

What is the object of this game?

Is it not to pierce the animal with the point of a sword?

- Yes, it is, but... - What part of the animal?

I don't think that matters.

The part which is naturally presented in flight --the hind quarters? Is that it, doctor?

Doctor, where did this game originate? In the field?

Presumably yes; pig sticking is a well known sport.

And isn't the object in the field to pierce the anus of a living animal

- with steel? - Of course not!

What a revolting suggestion!

I see. That's just the regimental variation.

- That is enough, Mr. Drake! - No, sir, it is not enough.

Doctor: In what part of her body was Mrs. Bandanai injured?

This is abominable! You are suggesting that whoever it was...

I'm suggestiong what in fact I know to be true.

That six months ago somebody played the regimental game

with Mrs. Bandanai in the role of pig.

- That is a most... horrible idea. - Yes, it is!

But were not her injuries consistent with such an attack?

The court requires an answer to that question, doctor.

Her injuries were consistent, yes.

On the night that Mrs. Scarlett was attacked,

I believe that you examined her, doctor.

I did, yes, but there can be no connection between the two cases.

�None, doctor?

This... this is the dress worn by Mrs. Scarlett that night.

I got it from a servant who was told to burn it.

But, fortunately, she thought it to be too valuable and kept it.

Doctor,

These blood stains, do they coincide with Mrs. Scarlett injuries?

- Approximately, yes. - On the buttocks?

- Well, on the thigh. - How up on the thigh?

On the thigh, Mr. Drake.

Here, doctor,

- How would you describe that? - It looks like a tear.

Or a cut?

A cut made by the point of a sword?

Let me see that dress, Mr. Drake.

I believe Mr. Drake is right, doctor. It's a cut, not a tear.

And could well have been made by a sword.

Thank you, sir.

In which case, doctor, do not Mrs. Bandanai's and Mrs. Scarlett's injuries

suggest that both were attacked in the same manner

by the same man?

Yes, I suppose that does seem possible.

Yet, Mrs. Bandanai was attacked six months ago. - Yes.

at which time Mr. Millington was in England.

- You agree, doctor? - Yes, I believe so.

So if both attacks were made by the same man,

that man could not have been Mr. Millington...

I suppose not, but Mrs. Scarlett...!

Mrs. Scarlett accused Mr. Millington, yes, doctor.

And having examined her, you still accepted her statement? Without question?

Of course I did!

Yes...

What is your theory, Mr. Drake, if you have one?

I believe, sir, that Mrs. Scarlett was attacked twice,

first by Mr. Millington, if a rather pathetic scuttle

can be called an attack,

and secondly by another man, with a sword,

having first used the hilt of it to knock Mr. Millington unconscious.

And who was this man?

When Mrs. Bandanai was attacked, she was taken to hospital?

Yes.

By whom?

An officer of this regiment?

You must answer, doctor.

�No! Captain Harper, you're allowing this enquiry to

go far beyond its permitted l�mitations. I refuse to answer any more questions.

I'm afraid, Mr. Drake, that the doctor is right.

I know your intentions are honorable... nonetheless...

Mr. President, before you take any action to stop these proceedings,

I beg you to allow me to call my remaining witness,

because then I believe I can bring this matter to an end.

- Captain Harper... - Colonel!

And you, Mr. Drake, come with me.

This court is now adjourned. That way, gentlemen.

Mr. Drake, this regiment has a history stretching far back in the past.

A history of honour and integrity.

Yet the doctor tells me you just made an allegation

foul in its implications, which is a gross insult to this regiment

and to every officer in it.

I have said nothing, Colonel, that I cannot prove to be true.

You cannot prove an impossibility.

No officer in this regiment is capable of what you suggest.

With your permission, Colonel.

Yes.

I cannot in honour say other than I believe Mr. Drake to be right in this affair.

I'm convinced that Mrs. Scarlett was attacked with a sword.

As Mrs. Bandanai had been attacked.

Mrs. Bandanai?

You didn't know about Mrs. Bandanai? - Mr. Drake...

But Colonel, if you've already been lied to...

I have not been lied to. We do not lie to one another in this mess.

A gentleman do not question the honour of other gentleman.

You are suggesting that I allow this trial to continue.

You are prepared to stake your honour and your future with the regiment on this?

- I have no other means of retrieving myself, sir. - And you, Captain Harper,

are you willing to stake twelve years of service in this gamble?

Yes, Colonel, I am.

Very well,

but I wish to be present tomorrow night.

If you fail, you will not expect either of you to remain with this regiment.

Good night.

We have hurt a man whom I greatly admire.

I trust you are aware I knew nothing of this.

Yes, sir, I am.

Thank you for supporting me.

It is necessary, at whatever cost, to support the honour of the regiment.

Good night, Mr. Drake.

I've been called again.

What do you intend to do?

I'm afraid.

My dear girl: no one knows anything, no one's going to know anything.

Just keep silent.

But if things go wrong?

You know very well:

they'll take India away from you.

Where could I go?

England?

There's no one, nothing for me in England now.

Mrs. Scarlett, in recalling you tonight

I have oly one purpose in mind --to reach the truth.

- Do you believe that? - Yes.

Thank you, madam.

You recognize this, of course...

On the examination of this dress, the court

has accepted that you were attacked,

as Mrs. Bandanai was attacked, with a sword.

And not by Mr. Millington. He had no sword.

That is true... Is it not?

Yes, it's true.

I must ask you, madam, if indeed did Mr. Millington attack you

in any serious sense at all?

No, not at all, Mr. Drake.

He has not the violence in him.

- He didn't assault or...? - He begged me to cry out.

He begged me to accuse him.

He could not bring himself to harm me.

- Then you withdraw the charge against him? - I do.

And make no complaint of any kind?

Only of inherent gentleness.

Gentleness is not a crime.

If you think not, Mr. Drake, then you are in the wrong place.

He is one of the few gentlemen

I ever met in this regiment.

I must ask you now, madam, to give the court a true account of the attack upon you.

He came out of the darkness... suddenly.

I tried to get away, but I fell.

His sword!...

He laughed, as he cut me!

I was crawling, trying to get away! He ran after me! He cut me again! All the time...

He was saying, he was saying...!

He was saying what?

Pig!

Pig! Pig! Pig!

Who was him, madam?

Who was him, madam? Who was him?

It's why you accused Mr. Millington --because you recognized you attacker

and knew you could never accuse him.

Mrs. Scarlett,

was it not your husband?

That's the truth of it, isn't it?

That the man who attacked you was your husband, Captain Scarlett.

My husband is dead.

- Can you prove that? - No. I can't prove it; no one can.

Then how can you be sure it was not he that attacked you?

Don't be stupid, Mr. Drake!

For the same reason I knew it wasn't Mr. Millington,

because I saw who it was!

Once again, madam, I must ask you: who was it?

I can�t tell you that.

- Mrs. Scarlett; who are you protecting? - I have nothing more to say.

Madam, I must insist that you answer Mr. Drake.

And I refuse to answer him.

You don't understand, Mr. Drake?

It doesn't matter who it was. Which man it was

They are all the same!

Stupid, cruel men! You treat women and pig alike!

Colonel, don't you know what sort of regiment you've bread!

They are all John Scarlett!

Everyone of them!

Mr. Drake, you will explain, if you can.

Colonel, it is as I said.

There's an officer in this regiment who attacks women

with a sword.

And now I believe that in these occasions, he dresses an uniform...

- Captain Scarlett's, uniform. - You are mistaken, sir.

Why should anyone wish to impersonate John Scarlett?

If I might ask Major Wimbourne that question, Colonel...

He is waiting outside.

Very well, call him.

Mr. Hutton...

If you please, sir.

And about bloody time, too!

With respect, Colonel.

Sit there please, sir.

Well?

Sir, six months ago, an attack was made upon Mrs. Bandanai.

- You took her to hospital. - What of it?

- How did that come about? - I found her. What? - I found her!

- Where? - What the devil does that matter?

In your bungalow. Is that where you found her?

What if I did?

How did she happen to be there, sir?

- How the hell should I know? - Had you not invited her to spend the night, sir?

All right. I have.

- No crime in that. - No, sir.

- You found her, sir? - Yes.

I've gone out to inspect the guard. I was duty officer,

as I am tonight.

And when you got back, you found she had been attacked... so you took her to the hospital.

- Yes. - Where she almost died.

As you know, Mrs. Scarlett has now been attacked in the same way.

I know that Mrs. Scarlett has been attacked, that's all.

By, uh... Millington, here.

In the same way, and not by Mr. Millington.

That has been established.

Oh? I see...

Who was it, then?

I'm hoping, sir, that you can answer that question.

- Why me? - You know Mrs. Scarlett very well.

- Yes. - And you were a close friend of her husband.

I was.

We are looking for someone who has many of his qualities.

A good soldier, a fine sportsman,

a man who enjoys the company of women.

- Yeah, that could be me. - Yes, sir.

What?

Oh, for God's sake! You don't think I did it, do you?

- Why not, sir? - Why not?

If you want to know why not you better examine your evidence... laddie.

Which evidence, sir?

When Marge... Mrs. Scarlett was attacked,

I was dancing with Mrs. Foster. Everyone saw me.

I don't believe you.

Ask him. Ask Fothergill. He took the depositions. It's all written down.

- Mr. Fothergill? - It is true, Mr. President.

I saw Major Wimbourne myself.

And both the doctor and Mrs. Foster have sworn it in their depositions.

Any more bright ideas, laddie?

Oh, I know. You're thinking:

If it wasn't Wimbourne, who was it?

Could have been Major Roach?

He was some distance away, inspecting the guard.

That's right! I saw him, running.

- Was it the doctor, then? - He was with Colonel Foster.

Yes, and I was with Mrs. Foster.

So you are right back where you started, don't you?

Seem to have ran out of suspects... laddie.

You know who it is, sir. If you don't help me, he'll attack again.

Then I must remember to stand with my back to the wall.

Mustn't I?

- Sir... - I can't help you,

Mr. Drake.

I have duties to attend to!

Yes...

Thank you... Major.

Colonel!

I'm sorry, Colonel.

Seat down, please, Mr. Drake.

Captain Harper, the charges against Mr. Millington having been withdrawn,

I invite you to conclude your proceedings without delay.

Yes, Colonel.

Gentlemen, as president of the court, I instruct you to find

- Mr. Millington... not guilty. - Not guilty.

- Not guilty. - Not guilty.

I also find him not guilty.

Rise, please, Mr. Millington.

As you have been found innocent of the charges brought against you

you are now free to return to your duties. Colonel?

Mr. Millington, you have been unjustely treated by this regiment.

You yourself have behaved with some stupidity...

I trust we may now see a new beginning.

- Yes, Colonel. - Very well.

I welcome you into the regiment. Thank you, Colonel.

Gentlemen,

this court is now dissolved.

I must thank you, Arthur.

You have nothing to thank me for.

I have a bourgeois principle to thank you for.

- Good night, Arthur. - Good night, Edward.

See that I have a full report first thing in the morning. - Yes, Colonel.

- Thank you, Mr. Fothergill. - Colonel.

- I'm sorry, Colonel. - No, Rupert,

you have behaved as I should expect of you.

With exemplary courage and fairness. You've done well.

Thank you, sir.

I only wish... we had done less well.

- Good night, Colonel. - Good night.

Colonel.

I do take little pleasure in what I've done.

You did what needed to be done.

I have this morning received your letter of resignation.

Do you wish me to accept it, or tear it up?

I should like you to accept it.

I'm sorry, Colonel, I find I cannot put the honour of the regiment

above my own.

Your honour and the regiment's should be one, Mr. Drake.

They must be. - Yes, I understand that, Colonel.

That's why I must go.

Very well.

I accept your resignation. With regret.

Alastair.

I couldn't tell you then.

You would've been obliged to take official action.

The regiment

would never have survived the scandal.

What we've hidden... has been hidden too long.

I want the matter ended now.

Very well; leave it to me.

It should be handled in the traditional way. As a matter... of honour.

A matter of honour.

It's not as you think, Ben.

Oh, yes! I am the regiment.

What I have allowed to happen is what I am.

It is well my time here is nearly done.

You will not again...

speak to me of honour.

- Get all those down, Singh. - Yes, sahib.

Quickly!

Is there anything further, sahib?

- Don't come back. - No, sahib.

You've been very anxious to meet him,

haven't you... Mr. Drake?

Now you shall. What?

He's out there, now.

When I turn down this lamp, he'll come in.

Why?

Because he always does.

We talk together. He likes to have someone to talk to.

- But, sir, you can't... - You're very keen on telling us

what we can and can't do!

But you know nothing.

Nothing.

You think all this is about honour.

Isn't it?

No.

It's about comradeship...

... friendship.

If you've witness the mutilation of John Scarlett.

See a man, a friend.... his sex...

ripped away... A man no longer...

But, sir, the sword... the mess game...

Why should Mrs. Bandanai and Mrs. Scarlett be singled out

- for attack in this manner? - They were unfaithful.

In his mind, their infidelity to regimental heroes

had made them... pigs.

And that's how we treat pigs in this regiment.

Now you will seat over there, Mr. Drake,

in that chair, in the shadows.

You may watch, but you will not intervene.

Good evening!

Oh, turn on the lamp, you silly bugger! I can't see what I'm doing!

Now's better.

You won't be needing that jacket tonight, John.

You won't be going anywhere tonight.

Why not, old boy?

- Haven't got the thing donned ever? - Yes.

Only I'm afraid I can't help you... this time.

The regiment must be rid of you.

Whatta, boy?

Alastair...

Lionel,

Look!

I saw him, Alastair.

Oh, God...

- I saw him. - I know.

You are possessed... by him. As if there were two.

I am... possessed by him.

I am two. I tried...

but when he takes over, I...

I... I do know what I've done.

It was me.

Oh, God.

It was me.

Lionel,

too much damage has been done.

I can no longer protect you.

Do you understand me?

I understand.

Then I should tell the Colonel that Captain Scarlett is dead.

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