‘Sergeant, these men all seem inclined to slow down to an infantryman’s pace, and I think that on parade, at any rate, they might keep to our own quick, short step. Of course, one can’t expect to get quite the same pace out of them under these conditions: they carry a bit more weight out here, than they do at home. And it’s very hot today, isn’t it? That man on the right there; no, he’s on the left now, he seems to be a bit slow. He shouldn’t think about the other men. He seemed inclined to check his pace a little, as though to give ’em time to swing round into the new alignment.’

He spoke slowly, giving the sergeant time to recover from his exertions.

‘That man ’as been in the orderly-room the last ten days, sir. ’e may be a bit slack, an’ out o’ condition for the moment; but as a rule ’e’s not bad at ’is drill. I thought ’e wanted a bit of extra work to get fit, sir, that’s why I put ’im out on a flank.’

‘Oh, that was it, was it?’ said Captain Malet, enlightened. ‘What do you think of your men, Sergeant? Let me have your own opinion.’

‘I don’t think they’re a bad lot o’ men, sir,’ replied Sergeant Tozer, secretly indignant that there could be any question on the subject.

‘No. I don’t think they’re a bad lot at all,’ Captain Malet agreed. ‘When I come along with a few criticisms, I don’t want you to think I am dissatisfied. I think you always keep to a high standard, and that gives me the impression that you handle your men well. Get ’em into extended order again, and double ’em down the field and back again. Then they may fall out for ten minutes and smoke.’

Sergeant Tozer struck his rifle in salute, and turned to the men. Calling them to attention, standing them at ease again, and then calling them up with a bark, he told them off with considerable vigour and snap. He not only, by this means, did something to restore his prestige; but he also managed to convey the impression, that his own contempt, for their utter lack of all soldierly qualities, was only an ineffectual echo of Captain Malet’s opinion; and, in that way, he got home as well on his company officer, who quite appreciated the fact. Then, as he had been ordered, he extended the men, and sent them about a hundred and fifty yards and back again at the double. When he halted them they looked at him indignantly, panting like blown cattle. He considered them for a little while with an air of patient disparagement, and telling them to fall out for ten minutes returned to Captain Malet.

‘Fuckin’ slave drivers, that’s what they are!’ said Minton, flinging himself on the ground. ‘What’s the cunt want to come down ’ere buggerin’ us about for, ’aven’t we done enough bloody work in th’ week?’