(On the train, Parker has been assigned to the same compartment as Philip, whose vision has yet to return.)

PHILIP ASHTON
Parker!

PARKER
All present and correct, Sarge.

PHILIP
I ought to have recognised that voice. Why were you put in here with me?

PARKER
Oh, nothing personal. I was in next door with a bloke called Malley, but I got on his wick...politics. I bet that doesn't surprise you, hey?

PHILIP
Not particularly.

PARKER
He's a commie. I told him he wanted his head looking into.

PHILIP
Not as idealistic as you once were?

PARKER
I chucked in my party card.

PHILIP
I couldn't care less.

PARKER
You used to be interested.

PHILIP
All you're saying is that you deserted as well.

PARKER
Saw through the party bullshit, that's all.

PHILIP
Well, nobody shot you in the back.

PARKER
That was war. I believed I was right.

(He becomes visibly upset.)

PARKER
Wasn't I right?

PHILIP
What are you looking for, Parker...absolution? "It wasn't me, teacher. My Uncle Joe said I had to." But it wasn't Stalin that shot Norton. It was you! Then you tried to kill me.

PARKER
(frightened)
Are you going to tell people that? It's your word against mine...you know that, don't you? All the others are dead. You know that, don't you?

PHILIP
Rust isn't. I had a letter from him six months ago.

PARKER
Who's going to believe a little runt like Rust without you to back him up?

PHILIP
Are you threatening me, Parker?

(Parker sighs with his eyes shut.)

PHILIP
When you shot Norton, he wasn't deserting. He just turned his back on something that didn't make sense anymore. You're the real deserter, Parker. You follow the nearest flag, don't you?

PARKER
You're at it again, aren't you, lad? Words!

PHILIP
Well, in the end, that's all there is, Parker...words.

PARKER
Rust was a mate of mine 'til you got at him.

PHILIP
We're all mates. Look at us now.

(Parker begins to panic, grabbing Philip roughly by the lapels of his coat.)

PARKER
You're going to say nothing!

PHILIP
(pulling loose from Parker's grasp)
I'm going to get some sleep. I was a sitting target last time, Parker...this time even more so.

PARKER
You watch it, Ashton!

PHILIP
You wouldn't have the guts, Parker...not twice. You haven't got the party to back you up this time.

PARKER
Don't bet on it, Ashton!
(nervously)
What are you going to do?

PHILIP
You murdered a man, Parker...

PARKER
(frantic)
So, what are you going to do?

PHILIP
I'm going to get some sleep.

(He lies down.)

PARKER
I want to speak to you, Ashton.

PHILIP
I'm turning my back on you, Parker.

PARKER
(screaming)
I want to speak to you! Ashton!

 

(from "Clash by Night" by Jack Ronder and John Finch)