Private. Certainly, Sir. I suppose Borough English was rather before the time of the Norman Conquest?
Captain. I imagine so: but perhaps the best way will be for you all to come to my quarters, where I can explain the matter more fully to you than I can here. I have no doubt the Colonel will excuse the Company, if I inform him for what purpose we propose absenting ourselves. At any rate I will ask him.
Private. A million thanks, Sir. I am sure every man in the Company will be grateful to you.
Sergeant. Right about turn! Quick march! Halt! Front! Shoulder arms!
Captain. Stand them easy while I go away. (Sergeant obeys order, and Captain approaches and salutes Colonel.) Beg pardon, Sir, but may I march my Company to my quarters to give them a lecture on law?
Colonel (rather querulously). Well, Dash, of course I'm not going to say No; but it really is rather rough upon me. Here B Company has got permission to study botany, C Company the elements of engineering, D, F, and G chemistry. I shall be left with H Company, because they have nothing more to learn. What on earth shall I give them to do if you are off too?
Captain. Wouldn't presume to suggest, Sir; but mightn't H have a little practice in the rudiments of drill?
Colonel. By Jove, you are right! They are rusty enough! Very well, you may go.
[Scene closes in upon A Company marching towards Captain Dash's quarters, while the Adjutant gets H Company (with some difficulty) into something like a proper formation for receiving elementary instruction in the mysteries of "fours."