"Attention!" he cried in a clear voice.
Behind the staff the drum major held his baton in air, and the musicians stood with their instruments at their lips ready for the order.
The colonel's eye flew down the line.
"Forward—" he cried.
Down came the drum major's baton. The band started "There'll be a Hot Time!"
"—March!" concluded the colonel, and, turning front, stepped ahead.
"Forward—march!" shouted the lieutenant colonel. The order was instantly repeated by the captains.
The battalion came to shoulder arms and moved forward.
"Horrard, Hutch! Horrard, Hutch!" howled the majors.
"Urrgh! Uhh! Huh! Huh!" yelled the captains.