“Rifle practice!” cried Sliva from the centre. “Officers to their places.”
They unpiled their arms and took their places with much bustle.
“Close up!” commanded Sliva. “Stand at ease!”
And then, coming nearer to the company, he shouted:
“Manual exercise—count aloud. On guard!”
“One!” cried the soldiers, and held their guns aloft.
Sliva went amongst them in a leisurely manner, making abrupt remarks: “Bayonets higher.—Hold the butt-end to you.”
Then he again took up his position in front of the company and gave the order: “Two!”
“Two!” cried the soldiers.
And once more Sliva went amongst them to see if they were doing the exercises correctly.