Read the following extract, and then answer the question that follows it: Hibbert: I've a perfect right to go sick if I want to. The men can why can't an officer? Stanhope: No man's sent down unless he's very ill. There's nothing wrong with you, Hibbert. The German attack's on Thursday; almost for certain. You're going to stay here and see it through with the rest of us. Hibbert: [hysterically] I tell you, I can't – the pain's nearly sending me mad. I'm going; I've got all my stuff packed. I'm going now you can't stop me! He goes excitedly into the dug-out. Stanhope walks slowly towards the steps, turns, and undoes the flap of his revolver holster. He takes out his revolver, and stands casually examining it. Hibbert returns with his pack slung on his back and a walking-stick in his hand. He pauses at the sight of Stanhope by the steps. Hibbert: Let's get by, Stanhope. Stanhope: You're going to stay here and do your job. Hibbert: Haven't I told you? I can't! Don't you understand? Let – let me get by. Stanhope: Now look here, Hibbert. I've got a lot of work to do and no time to waste. Once and for all, you're going to stay here and see it through with the rest of us. Hibbert: I shall die of this pain if I don't go! Stanhope: Better die of the pain than be shot for deserting. Hibbert: [in a low voice] What do you mean? Stanhope: You know what I mean Hibbert: I've a right to see the doctor! Stanhope: Good God! Don't you understand! – he'll send you back here. Dr. Preston's never let a shirker pass him yet – and he's not going to start now – two days before the attack Hibbert: [pleadingly] Stanhope - if you only knew how awful I feel – Please do let me go by He walks slowly round behind Stanhope. Stanhope turns and thrusts him roughly back. With a lightning movement Hibbert raises his stick and strikes blindly at Stanhope, who catches the stick, tears it from Hibbert's hands, smashes it across his knee, and throws it on the ground. Stanhope: God! you little swine. You know what that means don't you? Striking a superior officer! There is silence. Stanhope takes hold of his revolver as it swings from its lanyard. Hibbert stands quivering in front of Stanhope. Hibbert: Never mind, though. I won't have you shot for that Stanhope: Let me go If you went, I'd have you shot – for deserting. It's a hell of a disgrace - to die like that. I'd rather spare you the disgrace. I give you half a minute to think. You either stay here and try and be a man or you try to get out of that door – to desert. If you do that, there's going to be an accident. D'you understand? I'm fiddling with my revolver, d'you see? – cleaning it – and it's going off by accident. It often happens out here. It's going off, Hibbert: and it's going to shoot you between the eyes. [in a whisper] You daren't Stanhope: You don't deserve to be shot by accident – but I'd save you the disgrace of the other way I give you half a minute to decide. [He holds up his wrist to look at his watch.] Half a minute from now There is silence; a few seconds go by. Suddenly Hibbert bursts into a high-pitched laugh. Hibbert: Go on, then, shoot! You won't let me go to hospital. I swear I'll never go into those trenches again. Shoot! – and thank God – [with his eyes on his watch] Fifteen more seconds – Stanhope: Go on! I'm ready Hibbert: [He looks up at Hibbert, who has closed his eyes.] Five. Again Stanhope looks up. After a moment he quietly drops his revolver into its holster and steps towards Hibbert, who stands with lowered head and eyes tightly screwed up, his arms stretched stiffly by his sides, his hands tightly clutching the edges of his tunic. Gently Stanhope places his hands on Hibbert's shoulders. Hibbert starts violently and gives a little cry. He opens his eyes and stares vacantly into Stanhope's face. Stanhope is smiling. Stanhope: Good man, Hibbert. I liked the way you stuck that.