As through a mist he saw that Senior-lieutenant Reimers was smiling a little, probably at his over-heated appearance. Then suddenly he heard the sharp high voice of Brettschneider.
"Please stand in a more respectful attitude, Bombardier Vogt, when you have something to say to me," the voice snapped out.
Vogt pulled himself up and repeated his announcement.
But now the senior-lieutenant began to correct him and find fault with him: he was to put his right shoulder higher, his cap was not straight, he must place the tip of his little finger on his trouser-seam, and put his feet wider apart.
"Straighten your knees!" commanded he at last.
Vogt felt how his legs were trembling. He might have been able to obey; but he was at the end of his patience.
Brettschneider again and in a louder tone commanded: "Bombardier Vogt, straighten your knees!"
But Vogt did not care; a mad resentment surged up in him. He would not obey this idiot at any price. He raised his head, and looked the officer straight in the face with eyes full of open mutiny.
Brettschneider shouted again: "Bombardier Vogt, I order you to straighten your knees. Do you know that you are being guilty of disobedience to orders, and that that is a military crime?"
But Bombardier Vogt remained unmoved, with his mutinous eyes fixed on the senior-lieutenant.