Which so enraged me that I, also, forgot all discipline and duty, and shook my rifles at the mutineers.
"You Tory dogs!" I said, "we're well purged of you, and I for one thank God that we now know you for what you are!"
Godfrey, a stark, fierce figure in his blackened buckskins, went out in front of our single rank and called to the malcontents:
"Pull foot, you swine, or I'll mark you!"
And, "Pull foot!" shouted Nick Stoner, "and be damned to you! Why do you loiter! Do you wait for a volley in your guts!"
At that, Balty Weed turned and ran toward the woods; but the others moved more slowly and sullenly, not exactly menacing us with their rifles, but carrying them conveniently across the hollow of their left arms.
In the increasing darkness I heard somebody sob, and saw Joe Scott standing with one hand across his eyes, as though to close from his sight such a scene of deep disgrace.
Then I went to him. I was trembling and could scarce command my voice, but gave him a salute and stood at attention until he finally noticed me.
"Well, John," said he, "this is like to be the death of me."
"Sir; will you order the drums to beat a march?"