" Company commanders!" he shouted in a voice accustomed to command.

" Sergeants major!... How soon will he be here?" he asked the aide-de-camp with a respectful politeness evidently relating to the personage he was referring to.

"In an hour's time, I should say.

" "Shall we have time to change clothes?" "I don't know, General....

" The regimental commander, going up to the line himself, ordered the soldiers to change into their greatcoats.