The youth, turning swiftly to make sure that the rear was unmolested, saw the commander regarding his men in a highly regretful manner, as if he regretted above everything his association with them.
The man at the youth's elbow was mumbling, as if to himself: "Oh, we 're in for it now! oh, we 're in for it now!" The captain of the company had been pacing excitedly to and fro in the rear.

He coaxed in schoolmistress fashion, as to a congregation of boys with primers.

His talk was an endless repetition.

"Reserve your fire, boys--don't shoot till I tell you--save your fire--wait till they get close up--don't be damned fools--" Perspiration streamed down the youth's face, which was soiled like that of a weeping urchin.

He frequently, with a nervous movement, wiped his eyes with his coat sleeve.