But Bouquet only flung out a hot "I won't!" at the commander, and launched his gravel snow-ball against the decaying fort.
Napoleon was just about to head the grand assault.

"To the rear with you! to the rear, Bouquet! You are disqualified!" he cried.
But Bouquet was insubordinate.

He did not intend to be cheated out of his fun by any orders that "Straw-nose" should give him.

Instead of obeying his commander, he sang out a contemptuous refusal, and dashed ahead, as if to supplant his general in the post of leader of the assault.
Napoleon had no patience with disobedience.

The insubordination and insolence of Bouquet angered him; and darting forward, he collared his rebellious subordinate, and flung him backward down the slushy rampart.
"Imbecile!" he cried.