Everybody was surprised. Heimert? Who was Heimert? No one could say.
Ah! It went on: "Deputy sergeant-major Heimert will therefore be relieved from his management of the forage department of the infantry and artillery ammunition columns and will return to his battery."
So it really was that fellow with the gigantic nose, who was always slouching about the coach-houses and baggage sheds!
Heppner returned to the orderly-room and sat down at his table, on which lay a mass of unfinished writing. Now the wakeful night was making itself felt. The sergeant yawned and took up his work unwillingly. Evidently the post of sergeant-major had some drawbacks! To be kept shut up in this room! It was not pleasant to retire from drill, riding remounts, giving riding-lessons, and leading a line in driving exercises--all that had been so much after his own heart. And this eternal scribbling would be altogether against the grain.
If only he had a clever clerk, like Blechschmidt of the fifth battery, who did not over-exert himself! But Käppchen was a lazy fellow; and yet on Käppchen he must rely, asking his advice about all kinds of things, because he himself did not know the routine yet.
It was very late before he locked his desk and went home.
His sister-in-law greeted him with news which did not improve his temper. "The tailor has been here," she said, "and wanted the money for your uniform, which you have owed for a month. He will come again to-morrow."
Heppner grumbled: "The fellow must wait!" He had no more money. It had nearly all vanished yesterday, and to-day he had been obliged to give the greater part of what remained to the women for housekeeping.
With a surly face he sat down to his supper.
"Have you been made sergeant-major?" his wife asked.