Bell for Adano, A - John Hersey [101]
And then everything was wonderfully clear in the mind of Victor Joppolo. He knew exactly what he would say. Words came to him which were beautiful and were the truth about the new bell and its meaning for Adano, and about what he, Victor Joppolo, wanted for the people of Adano. The words were as clear as anything can be, and as true.
At about two o’clock the courier came by motorcycle from Vicinamare. From his office Sergeant Borth saw him throw the pouch onto the sidewalk in front of the Palazzo. Mail, even official mail, was enough of an event so that Sergeant Borth got up and went across to the Palazzo and up to Major Joppolo’s office to see what there was.
There was nothing for Sergeant Borth, but as long as Major Joppolo was out, Sergeant Borth decided to riffle through what there was.
In time he came on a paper addressed to Major Joppolo. He read it:
“I. You are authorized to proceed by first available transportation to A.F.H.Q., Algiers, via port of Vicinamare.
“2. Reassignment o f station will be made by A.F.H.Q.
“3. Reason for this order is that reference (1) did wilfully and without consultation countermand orders issued by General Marvin, 49th Division, re entry o f mule carts into town o f Adano. “
And the order was signed by General Marvin. Sergeant Borth folded the order, put it in his pocket, and left the building. He went directly to the M.P. command post in the Fascio.
He said to Captain Purvis: “The Major’s been relieved.”
Captain Purvis said: “What the hell do you mean?” “Just what I said: he’s been ordered back to Algiers for reassignment.”
“What the hell for?”
“Insubordination. Countermanding an order by Marvin about mule carts. I guess it was after that affair of the mule the General shot outside town.”
Captain Purvis had forgotten all about the report he had sent to Division. Now that he remembered he didn’t -havev the courage to say anything about lt. All he said was: “What a hell of a note.”
Borth said: “I’ll say it’s a hell of a note. The Major’s just begun to accomplish things in this town.” Captain Purvis said: “Yeah, I guess he has.” A suspicion crossed his mind: this fellow Borth had a way of knowing too much. “How did you know he was ordered out?”
Borth said: “I saw the order up in the Major’s office.”
“Does the Major know about it, then?”
“No, the Major’s out. I have the order in my pocket. I took it. I’m not going to tell him about it until after the party tonight.”
The Major got back to his office at about a quarter to four. He went through the courier mail and worked for a few minutes on a report to Colonel Sartorius. Promptly at four Zito came in and said: “Will you see the officials now?”
“Yes, Zito.”
Now when the officials came in - old Bellanca first as usual, then the others, Gargano, Saitta, D’Arpa, Rotondo, Signora Carmelina Spinnato, and Taghavia - Major Joppolo could see by their cheerful expressions that there was to be no unpleasantness in this interview.
Old Bellanca spoke: “We have something we wish to give the Mister Major.”
D’Arpa could not resist saying in his high voice: “We wish to give the Mister Major a Mister Major.” The others snickered.
Bellanca said: “Please get it, Zito.” Zito went out. First the usher came back carrying an easel. He went out again. Then he brought in Lojacono’s portrait of the Major.
It was really good. When the Major saw it, he stood up in delight. He said: “So that is why you wanted my picture taken!”
Gargano posed as if with one hand on a camera and the other squeezing a shutter bulb and tried to imitate the cracked voice of old Spataforo: “Young man, you are vain. All you want is to