He was in a moving box.
As he perceived this fact it occurred to him that he had never wished to come to the war.

He had not enlisted of his free will.

He had been dragged by the merciless government.

And now they were taking him out to be slaughtered.
The regiment slid down a bank and wallowed across a little stream.

The mournful current moved slowly on, and from the water, shaded black, some white bubble eyes looked at the men.
As they climbed the hill on the farther side artillery began to boom.
Here the youth forgot many things as he felt a sudden impulse of curiosity.