This chapter is mainly connective. Notice, however, that Frederic Henry's desertion is illustrated with concrete specifics: gunless now, he pulls the insigniae from the sleeves of his uniform.
Hemingway's masterful way with action manifests itself at the start of Chapter XXXI and when Henry boards the train. Also note the author's curious use of you and we in what is otherwise a first-person-singular ("I") narration. While swimming, Henry describes himself as you, and then we. The effect is of close identification with the reader — of our implication in his actions, even. We are all Frederic Henry, Hemingway seems to be implying.
