Roger's unfit for duty, that's what they say. I'm unfit too, they say, but a different kind of unfitness but still unfit like Roger. He gets an honorable discharge, a G.I. Bill of Rights, and even a medical compensation. I get a label. Why is one not treated in the same manner as the other? I loved another man. Maybe it's against the principles of the army to love a man. I can't accept this principle and I'm not wrong.

The discharge clerk was a small boy of nineteen who felt very important in what he was doing and received a vicarious thrill handling discharges like Ethan's.

"Private Aarons, sign here." The voice was squeaky, like that of a mouse or a rat. Ethan avoiding his eyes, signed the paper, and became a free man. Even as he walked out of the building, the little eyes of the clerk did not leave him.

The barracks was empty. Roger had left a short note wishing Ethan good luck. There was no home address. "Boy, you should have known some of the guys who were discharged with me."

"Where are you going, to a bar in town to cruise?"

He looked up from the note. Sergeant Bullwell was standing in the doorway. Ethan felt like spitting but then he remembered Chaplain Michael's remark, "Sergeants are the backbone of the army." Ethan smiled. They've given me a name; I'll give them one.

"Could you recommend one, Sarge?"

Bullwell's face lit up. He was coming across.

"It depends how you like your liquor, Aarons." "I like mine strong."

The Sergeant's voice lost all its harshness.

"I have a bottle in my room.

Ethan looked into his inviting eyes, and began to laugh, laugh hysterically until he almost cried.

"What's the matter, Aarons? My liquor's not good enough for you?"

Ethan picked up his bag, and walked to where Bullwell stood. "Your liquor is too good for me," he said, and walked out.

DER KREIS / LE CIRCLE

Monthly magazine. Half in German, the other half divided between English and French. Liberally illustrated with photographs and drawings. Articles, stories, poetry. Oldest of homophile publications. $11 first class. Send only bank draft or cash to

Lesezirkel Der Kreis, Postfach Fraumunster 547, Zurich 22 / Switzerland. (Or through ONE, Inc.)

Former bound volumes available, 1953-1957 $8 per volume including postage.