"Get in line there," he commanded. "Smart now. Eyes ahead."
They resented his tone, but obeyed with military promptness.
"Present arms."
They hesitated and looked at each other.
"Present arms," I said.
"If you please, sir," said Bart, "we have no guns."
"I know it," snapped the officer. "Go through the motions."
So without a word they did as directed.
"Shoulder arms."
They did so.