AustLit

A young man has been confined to bed in a military hospital for seven years and, knowing that his death is now imminent, he reflects upon his time in the hospital.

Born into a neighbourhood of thieves and rogues, young Jacques' mother died giving birth to him, his father abandoned him, and it was only through the attentions of a wily old, alcoholic, beggar-woman that he survived. When Jacques was still a young boy, the old woman died and though he was taken in by the authorities, he fled to return to the sordid life that was all he'd ever known. Inevitably, as Jacques grew, prison became his home until the outbreak of war in 1914 offered him the opportunity to prove his real worth.

Though Bluey is regarded as something of a bumbling fool, a junior officer believes there is more to the soldier and his confidence is vindicated when Bluey undertakes a dangerous mission and succeeds.

A dying old woman, mother of eight children, keenly hopes to see her estranged youngest son one last time before she dies. Her son comes to greet her, but not in the way she expects.

Worldly confirmed bachelor, Marc Connell, shares his views on the evolution of superstitions with a friend, and cites examples that he feels prove his case.