I hope that you will go a little further, and learn to form line quickly, and to gather at his call.

These things may seem to you to make very little difference, but in fact will make a great deal.

You saw that you were at least a couple of minutes forming in line just now.
Supposing the enemy's cavalry had been charging down upon you, that two minutes lost would have made all the difference between your receiving them in order, or being in helpless confusion when they came up.
"I have no doubt that one of my generals here has, among his followers, someone who served in the army, and who will teach you within the course of an hour, if you pay attention to his instructions, how to form into line, and back again into fours." "I will give them an hour myself," Monsieur Bonchamp said.

"I have nothing particular to do, and should be glad to instruct young fellows who are so willing, and well disposed.
"Are you too tired to drill now?
You have had a long march." A general negative was the reply.
"Well, then, march to the open space, just outside the town, and we will begin at once." Feeling very proud of the honour of being drilled by a general, the boys fell into their formation, and followed Monsieur Bonchamp and Leigh.

They were at a loss, at first, to comprehend the instructions given them; but by the end of an hour, they had fairly mastered the very simple movement.
"That will do," Monsieur Bonchamp said.