Men heard it above the rolling of the drums.
"Attention!" he cried.

The men straightened up, swung the heavy muskets to their sides.

"Carry arms." As one man the battalion lifted its weapons.

"Make ready!" With a little crash the guns were dropped into the outstretched hands.
The approaching men were nearer now.

Still they came on with arms aport.
Still the drums ruffled and rolled at their head.