Sergeant. March! (Remainder of rear rank step back.) Order arms! Stand at ease! [He salutes Captain, and comes to attention.
Captain. 'Tention! (Company springs up to desired position.) Now, my men, I hear that some of you require to know something about the Law of Entail. Now those of you who have taken any certificate from a University can take a pace to the front. March! (The entire Company complies.) Dear me! You seem to be very well educated. Eh, Sergeant?
Sergeant. Well, pretty well, Sir. We are not equal to E Company, although we can hold our own fairly against B, C, D, F, and G. As for H Company, it is out of the competition altogether. H Company is the best read Company in the Battalion, if not in the Regiment.
Captain. Well, what is the difficulty? Call out the man who started the subject. Perhaps I may be able to help him.
Sergeant (salutes and turns to Company). Private Thomas Atkins take three paces to your front. March! Now then, salute, Sir!
(Aside.) This extra education makes them rusty with their drill.
Captain. Well, Private Atkins, can I help you at all?
Private Atkins (touching his rifle with his right hand). A thousand thanks, Sir, for your extreme kindness and courtesy. Still I cannot fairly monopolise all your attention, as I was only one of many desirous of learning a little law.
Captain. I suppose you know all about the Feudal System?
Private (smiling). I can safely undertake to say that there is not a man in the Company who does not appreciate its provisions.
Captain. Quite so. Well, the practice of entail is founded more or less on the Feudal System. You understand the advantages and disadvantages of Primogeniture?