Military life in Italy : sketches - Societa italiana di storia militare

1 1 2 MILITAR V LIFE.
one by one with his eyes as they went out, and when no one
was passing he looked steadfastly on the ground. He had
the air of one of those good fellows who leave with much
pain the family and village where they were born, but come
to act as soldiers full of resignation and good-will. The concise
law which enforces this duty, the fact that their names
had been placed on the conscript the list, examples of their
fathers and their comrades, afford them justification for such
a course ; and, in fact, as their king calls them, there is
nothing
to be said, and no one is
permitted to make any further
investigations
on the subject. But on his face there was something
more of that expression, half pensive, half astonished, which
is
peculiar to conscripts during the first few days ;
there was
melancholy. Perhaps he was repenting not having wished to
go out with the others. It is always rather sad to stop at home
on Sunday when the weather is fine.
Gradually the quarters were deserted, and an absolute silence
reigned.
A corporal in fatigue dress, hastily crossing the court, sees
the conscript, stops, and asks him brusquely
:
" What are you doing there with your hands folded ? "
" " I ? replies the conscript.
" " I ? repeats the corporal, drawling, and assuming a stupid
expression of face. " This is curious ! To whom are you
speaking now ? the moon ? Yes, you. And rise to your feet
when you speak to your superiors."
The conscript rose to his feet.
" Who are you ? and what company do you belong to ? "
"
Company
? "
"
Company
? " asked the corporal in his turn, in a mocking
tone.
" Do you know that you are a great blockhead, you ? "