R.C.SHERRIFF: Journey's End Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it: The German Boy, calm now, bows stiffly to the Colonel and goes away, followed by the two Soldiers and the Sergeant-Major. The Colonel is deeply absorbed in the German's pay-book. He mutters “Splendid!” to himself, then looks at his watch and rises quickly. Stanhope comes slowly down the steps. Colonel: [excitedly] Splendid, Stanhope! We've got all we wanted – 20th Wurtembergers! His regiment came into the line last night. I must go right away and 'phone the brigadier. He'll be very pleased about it. It's a feather in our cap, Stanhope. Stanhope has given one look of astonishment at the Colonel and strolled past him. He turns at the table and speaks in a dead voice. Stanhope: How awfully nice – if the brigadier's pleased. The Colonel stares at Stanhope and suddenly collects himself. Colonel: Oh – er – what about the raiding-party – are they all safely back? Stanhope: Did you expect them to be all safely back, sir? Colonel: Oh - er - what - er Stanhope: Four men and Raleigh came safely back, sir. Colonel: Oh, I say, I'm sorry! That's er - six men and er - Osborne? Stanhope: Yes, sir. Colonel: I'm very sorry. Poor Osborne! Stanhope: Still it'll be awfully nice if the brigadier's pleased. Colonel: Don't be silly, Stanhope. Do you know er - what happened to Osborne? Stanhope: A hand grenade – while he was waiting for Raleigh. Colonel: I'm very sorry. And the six men? Stanhope: Machine-gun bullets, I suppose. Colonel: Yes. I was afraid er His words trail away; he fidgets uneasily as Stanhope looks at him with a pale, expressionless face. Raleigh comes slowly down the steps, walking as though he were asleep; his hands are bleeding. The Colonel turns to the boy with enthusiasm. Very well done, Raleigh. Well done, my boy. I'll get you a Military Cross for this! Splendid! Raleigh looks at the Colonel and tries to speak. He raises his hand to his forehead and sways. The Colonel takes him by the arm. Sit down here, my boy. Raleigh sits on the edge of Osborne's bed. Have a good rest. Well, I must be off. [He moves towards the steps, and, turning once more to Raleigh as he leaves] Very well done. [With a quick glance at Stanhope, the Colonel goes away.] There is silence now in the trenches outside; the last shell has whistled over and crashed. Dusk is beginning to fall over the German lines. The glow of Very lights begins to rise and fade against the evening sky. Stanhope is staring dumbly at the table at Osborne's watch and ring. Presently he turns his haggard face towards Raleigh, who sits with lowered head, looking at the palms of his hands. Stanhope moves slowly across towards the doorway, and pauses to look down at Raleigh. Raleigh looks up into Stanhope's face, and their eyes meet. When Stanhope speaks, his voice is still expressionless and dead. Stanhope: Must you sit on Osborne's bed? He turns and goes slowly up the steps. Raleigh rises unsteadily, murmurs “Sorry” and stands with lowered head. Heavy guns are booming miles away.