This chapter opens with a telegram from the Colonel, informing the soldiers that Sergeant Red has asked to be excused from duty for several days. When Red returns, the soldiers will immediately report to him and examine him. The Colonel tells the soldiers not to stand in the way of Red's inspection because he will be punished if he makes fun of the woman. He also tells them not to get too close to the woman because she is associated with a "thing" that can lead to a nosebleed. He tells the women not to worry about the woman's request for a vacation because there is nothing good in being associated with that "thing." He tells them to take their time resting while he examines them. He asks the women if she wants to hear what he has to say, and she says she will take her time resting. He then asks her what she is going to do about the nosebleed. She tells him to get a prescription for blood pressure medicine. He says he has no way to get high blood pressure because he is not strong enough to open his mouth. She asks him if she is trying to squeeze his body out completely, and he says he will get some sleep and then ask her.