“ Ils ne sont pas jolis ces b⁠⸺ de Russes ,” 61 says a Zouave among the French.

“ De quoi de ce qu’ils rient donc? ” 62 says another, a dark man with an Italian accent, coming up to our men.

“Coat boon ,” says the cheeky soldier, examining the embroidery of the Zouave’s coat; and everybody laughs again.

“ Ne sors pas de ta ligne, à vos places, sacré nom! ” 63 cries a French Corporal, and the soldiers separate with evident unwillingness.