Graham Greene

The war was very tidy and clean at that distance

The canal was full of bodies: I am reminded now of an Irish stew containing too much meat

Two can play at that game.’ I too took my eyes away; we didn’t want to be reminded of how little we counted, how quickly, simply and anonymously death came

One knew what these people believed even if one didn’t share their belief: they were human beings, not just grey drained cadavers

Mal chance,’ the lieutenant said. He bent down and turned the child over. He was wearing a holy medal round his neck, and I said to myself, ‘The juju doesn’t work.’ There was a gnawed piece of loaf under his body. I thought, ‘I hate war.’

Perhaps to the soldier the civilian is the man who employs him to kill, who includes the guilt of murder in the pay-envelope and escapes responsibility

I wondered, but oddly without jealousy, whether Phuong was at the flat

We were all expendable

You are crazy.’

‘Oh no. The only real danger was running aground.’

‘Or being shot up by a naval patrol, or a French plane. Or having your throat cut by the Vietminh.’

He laughed shyly. ‘Well, I’m here anyway,’ he said.

‘Why?’

I laughed. I couldn’t help it. He was so unexpected and serious. I said, ‘Couldn’t you have waited till I got back? I shall be in Saigon next week.’