But the knowledge that he is carrying out a perfectly definite order does not make the subaltern turn any the less pink the first time he ticks off a civilian for failing to comply with the regulations.  No, you can’t produce a really good Hun without lots of practice.  I made almost a companion of the Sergeant-Major at first, because he used to say it for me; but the second day I got caught.  It came as I was picking my way down the main (and only) street of the village.  My attention being riveted upon keeping my feet, for there are little streams on either side of the street which freeze and flood it, making life in army boots difficult, I did not notice the approach of the fellow until he was on me.  And then I saw it was a real Hunnish Hun; and, oh joy! he had a fur coat and a face which I had not thought could exist outside bad dreams.  His wicked little eyes glared insolently at me, and he strolled by with his hat stuck at a rakish angle; and for the life of me, would you believe it?  I could not remember the magic words.  Turning in desperation I commanded him without further delay to “hot hoop.”  He appeared surprised.  He made no sort of motion to comply with my order.  “Hut hop!” I cried, purple with vexation, and still the abominable article of headgear remained jauntily perched over his square ugly face.  Advancing threateningly I thundered out that it was my firm intention that he should, under peril of instant arrest, “take his confounded, hat off!” At this final command (the first he had found intelligible) he grabbed hastily at the offending article, slipped up on the ice, and, in my moment of triumph, so did I.

It is a sickening business sitting on the ground opposite a man you don’t like, but I had the better of it in the end, for I had sat down where the water was already frozen, and he hadn’t.

Our Mr. Carfax too had an awkward incident happen to him.  We were walking down the street discussing the Pay Warrant, which gives the young Army of Occupation a bonus from February 1st, and gives us nothing for doing their job until May, when suddenly a civilian passed us with a mere nod.  Mr. Carfax went on with his insubordinate conversation, oblivious to the insult.

“Mr. Carfax,” I said sadly, “when will you learn that private affairs must never be allowed to interfere with military duties?”

“Sir,” he said, surprised and aggrieved, “though a pivotal man of some years’ standing I really am taking an interest in my platoon—­”

“It is not that,” I said; “but do you know you allowed a civilian to pass on your side without taking his hat off?”

Scarlet with chagrin he rushed back after the offender and “hooted him up” more sternly than I could have believed possible for anybody but a Hun to the manner bred.

“I’m most awfully sorry,” said the man, “but I’ve only just got out and didn’t know about it.”  It transpired (as they say) that he was an Englishman who had been interned in the village for four years.