Cummings is at Headquarters, leaving Dalleson in charge during his absence. Dalleson is perplexed, because he has received conflicting reports about a deserted Japanese bivouac close to the American lines. At first, he doubts the information, remembering the false report Sergeant Lanning had given, but he verifies that the report is genuine, and he is resentful that Cummings has chosen this day to be away, leaving him having to make a decision. In the latrine, he thinks there should be a better way of keeping the paper dry than using a tin can. He wonders if the Japanese are setting a trap, and with no clear idea of what he should be doing, Dalleson mounts an exercise that succeeds despite itself, killing General Toyaku and half his staff and capturing two-thirds.....
