"Skirmishing order," he shouted.
We had about fifty yards to cover at a double.
"Kneel!"
We knelt down.
"Advance!"
We stood erect, and then immediately had to operate a change of front. The words of command and evolutions followed each other in rapid and varied succession. The captain gave the order and looked on coldly at the execution of it without uttering a word. We all lacked enthusiasm but it did not go badly, all the same. Our covering sergeants knew what they were about, and Henriot slipped in the necessary explanations. I acquitted myself passably in my thankless rôle of supernumerary. The men charged and deployed, and then returned to their first formation, their movements facilitated by their long experience in former days. During the short intervals of respite, reflections were heard:
"How's that for manœuvres!"
"We are having a dose."
At last arms were piled and while the men amused themselves by pulling out pipes or chunks of bread, the captain blew his whistle again.
"The non-commissioned officers!"