In doing so, how shall I convey my amazement at the faces that met me--a general titter ran along the entire rank, which not even their fears for consequences seemed able to repress--for an effort, on the part of many, to stifle the laugh, only ended in a still louder burst of merriment.

I looked to the far side of the yard for an explanation, but there was nothing there to account for it.

I now crossed over to where the officers were standing, determining in my own mind to investigate the occurrence thoroughly, when free from the presence of the colonel, to whom any representation of ill conduct always brought a punishment far exceeding the merits of the case.
Scarcely had I formed this resolve, when I reached the group of officers; but the moment I came near, one general roar of laughter saluted me,--the like of which I never before heard--I looked down at my costume, expecting to discover that, in my hurry to dress, I had put on some of the garments of Othello--No: all was perfectly correct.

I waited for a moment, till the first burst of their merriment over, I should obtain a clue to the jest.

But their mirth appeared to increase.