The two sergeants had given the word of command, "Fire!" as the cork flew out, and the trumpeter had blown a fanfare. All five buried their noses in their glasses and let them be tickled by the rising bubbles. Then they drank off the wine, which was far too warm, and could not praise it enough.
The trumpeter, who was always imitating the officers, considered himself a judge of wine. He smelt the champagne, let it lie on his tongue, while at the same time his face took on an enraptured expression, and he shouted enthusiastically, "Gentlemen, gentlemen! in this bouquet one recognises the true French brand. It is utterly different from German champagne!"
The others imitated his action and were in complete agreement with him.
Only Kühn remarked discontentedly, "The hog-wash tastes like bitter almonds!"
At which the landlord took offence. "Don't you know then, baker," he snarled, "that that is just the way to know genuine French champagne?"
And he looked lovingly at the two corks which he had placed carefully in a corner.
When Captain von Wegstetten entered the orderly-room on the morning of April 1st, he at once said to the deputy sergeant-major, "What is the matter with you? You look quite green."
Heppner answered, "Excuse me, sir, my wife has had a very bad night."
"Indeed!" drawled Wegstetten. "I am sorry to hear it."
But to himself he thought: "If that is at all true, the man must have been consoling himself with whisky; one can smell it five paces away from him."