The ranks were strung out in long, ragged lines, each man going as he pleased. Something blocked the way ahead and the columns butted into one another and pinched the heels of the men in front.
In their anger the fellows smarting with pain forgot the orders for silence. A storm of low muttering and growling rumbled through the darkness.
"What 'ell here!"
"What's the matter with you——"
"Keep off my heels!"
"What 'ell are ye runnin' over me for?"
"Hold up your damned gun——"
"Keep it out of my eye, won't you?"
"Damn your eye!"
They start again and run into a bog of mud knee deep cut into mush by the artillery and wagons which have passed on.