I think the best plan will be to try to get hold of a small
bundle of rushes or straw, or something of that sort, to keep our
heads above it, otherwise we shall risk suffocation."
"It is beastly," Stapleton said emphatically. "Look at the men; what a
change in them since we marched along this road yesterday. Then they
were full of fun and spirits, now they look washed out and miserable.
Were the French to attack us now you wouldn't see our men fight as you
did yesterday."
"But you must remember, Stapleton, the French are just as wet as we
are. This is not a little private rain of our own, you know, got up
for our special annoyance; but it extends right over the country."
"What nonsense you talk, Conway; as if I didn't know that."
"Well, you spoke as if you didn't, Stapleton; but you will see the
fellows will fight when they are called upon. Just at present they are
not only wet but they are disgusted. And I own it is disgusting after
fighting as hard as we did yesterday to find it's all been of no use,
and that instead of marching against the enemy we are marching away
from them. Of course it can't be helped; and if we had waited another
half-hour we should have had all the French army on us, and
yesterday's work would have been mere child's play to it. Still I can
quite enter into the soldier's feelings.
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