1 Th boys fight like hell-roosters.
2 It irritated, like the noises of unimpressed boys.
3 "It's my first and last battle, old boy," continued the loud soldier.
4 "It's my first and last battle, old boy," said the latter, with intense gloom.
5 He coaxed in schoolmistress fashion, as to a congregation of boys with primers.
6 He was not going to be badgered of his life, like a kitten chased by boys, he said.
7 As the two boys approached the line, the lieutenant perceived them and swelled with wrath.
8 Another, who was a boy in years, took his plight with great calmness and apparent good nature.
9 He remembered how he had stood, a small, thrillful boy, prepared to follow the dingy lady upon the white horse, or the band in its faded chariot.
10 The general, whom the boys knew as the commander of their division, looked at the other officer and spoke coolly, as if he were criticising his clothes.
11 I've knet yeh eight pair of socks, Henry, and I've put in all yer best shirts, because I want my boy to be jest as warm and comf'able as anybody in the army.
12 Well," said he profoundly, "I've thought it might get too hot for Jim Conklin in some of them scrimmages, and if a whole lot of boys started and run, why, I s'pose I'd start and run.
13 He was unaware of the machinery of orders that started the charge, although from the corners of his eyes he saw an officer, who looked like a boy a-horseback, come galloping, waving his hat.
14 "Oh, you'll see fighting this time, my boy, what'll be regular out-and-out fighting," added the tall soldier, with the air of a man who is about to exhibit a battle for the benefit of his friends.