Barry
was much interested in the psychological element introduced into the
exercises by the drill master.
"You must halways keep in mind that the henemy is before you. It's
important that you should visualise your foe. The henemy is hever before
you. Anything be-ind a British soldier won't trouble anybody, and you
are to remember that hit's either you or 'im."
In moments of rapid action the sergeant major evidently had difficulty
with his aspirates.
"The suspended sacks before you represent the henemy. You are to treat
'em so."
Having got his line within striking distance of the swinging sacks,
the exercise was directed by two commands, "On guard!" and "Point!" the
first of which was supposed to knock off the enemy's thrust, and the
second to drive the bayonet home into his vitals, after which, without
command, there must be a swift recovery.
"Naw then, Hn-gah!--Pint!!!"
For some moments, in response to these orders, the squad practised
"guarding" and "pointing," not, however, to the complete satisfaction of
the sergeant.
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