Time flies apace when one is engrossed2 in mastering a new profession or calling, and I could with difficulty realise that only six short months separated me from my old life and complete ignorance of all things military, as, on one bright, hot morning in August, I stood at ease as the front rank man in No. 2 file of my company, which had mustered3 with all the strength of the regiment4, and glanced at the serried5 ranks of the men of my corps6, formed up on three sides of a square, round the barrack-yard. In the centre of this hollow square of men was the band of the regiment, and the detachment of sappers.
[Pg 44]
A few paces behind these were the colours, carried by a subaltern, and flanked by their guard with bayonets fixed7. In front of the band and facing the barrack gates, which were in the centre and open side of the square, was Colonel Barbery, our commanding officer, mounted on a white Arab stallion with streaming mane and tail.
Our chief, if one could judge by the anxious glances he threw at his men and the repeated tugs9 he gave to his heavy white moustache, was impatient and a little nervous, for the corps was about to undergo the searching inspection of the General commanding the 19th corps d'armée, of which our regiment was a unit.
Only those who have assisted as an actor in an ordeal10 of this kind, can fully11 appreciate the nervous tension produced on all present by the last few minutes of waiting prior to the event.
The previous day, and indeed part of the night, has been spent in preparations.
"Troops to be paraded in full campaigning order"—so ran the general command; and in consequence there were stores and ammunition13 to be served out in addition to the ordinary[Pg 45] work which devolves on the private and his superiors previous to a big review. Into the preceding twenty-four hours has been crammed14 as much hustling15, rushing, brushing, scrubbing, polishing as the men and their officers can be expected to support; and now that the activity has been suddenly succeeded by a dead calm, and the query16 has arisen in the minds of all present as to whether everything necessary to the upholding of the good traditions of the corps has been done, the three thousand rank and file present and their chief can be reasonably excused the feeling of nervous tension which pervades17 them, and which owes its origin to the brusque reaction of the change from febrile activity to silent and immobile expectancy18.
At such moments the most trivial incidents, which at ordinary times would pass unnoticed, will produce a general impression, even as a tiny twig19 falling into a well will create a ripple21 on the surface of its water.
Impressed, perhaps, by the silence of the motionless men around him, the Colonel's charger arches his beautiful neck, paws the stone pavement and whinnies. The mounts of the majors[Pg 46] and company commanders take up and echo his shrill22 cry, break into little impatient movements, and are at once curbed23 by their riders. The incident, if so it can be called, is over in less time than it takes to describe; but even this banality24 has sufficed to provoke a grin which passes on from face to face, until a wave of still and nervous mirth ripples25 across the features of all.
Some one's steel-shod rifle-butt, breaking the tense silence, clangs on the stones, and one can almost feel the passing of the silent curses which, quicker than thought, go out from each to the comrade for his carelessness. Then in the distance there is a sound—at first a murmur—which as it approaches gains volume, until the noise of trotting26 hoofs27 and the occasional clink of steel can be distinguished28.
All eyes are at once turned to the barrack railings and the gate with its flanking guard house. Beyond this, on the opposite pavement, can be seen the expectant crowd, composed of a big element of French and Spanish colonists29 in ordinary European attire30, many stately Arabs clad in long white burnous, and head-dress of[Pg 47] the same colour, which is secured with the usual cord of camel's hair; a sprinkling of Algerian Jews in baggy31 knickerbockers and gaudy-hued embroidered32 jackets, and here and there a few native women of the lower classes, most of whom wear the haik or long veil which conceals33 their hair and all their features save the eyes, unless they be of Kabyle blood, and expose their small and comely34 traits.
The faces of the crowd are all turned in one direction, their hands raised, shading their eyes from the glare of the African sun, which brings out, with almost painful vividness, the bright dashes of colour in their costumes, as they gaze eagerly towards the approaching cavalcade35, the sound of which is now so near that it mingles36 with the sharp words of command, and the rattle37 of the rifles of the guard at the gate as they come to the salute38. The Colonel draws his sword, and spurs his charger forward a few paces.
From the "adjudant major" comes the sharp order, "Garde à vous!" and there is a rustle39 along the ranks as the men stiffen40 up to attention.
[Pg 48]
Then, "Bayonnettes aux canons!" A sharp rattle, and the lines are tipped with steel.
Suddenly through the iron railings can be seen a rush of bright colours, and the General and his escort are in view. Coming along, almost at a gallop41, he turns sharply and enters the gate; and as he does so, the Colonel, who then faces him, brings his sword up to the salute, and the command rings out "Portez armes!"—"Presentez-armes!" each order being followed by the short, crisp "crash!" of three thousand smartly-handled rifles.
From the men in the crowd outside come cries of "Vive la France!" "Vive la Légion!" And the native women join in the din8 with their repeated yells of "How! How! How!" The flag is unfurled, and floats out proudly on the light breeze.
There is a glare of polished brass42, as forty bugles43 are brought up with a jerk to as many mouths, and they blare out the salute to the flag "Au Drapeau."
The General, who has drawn44 up his charger with a jerk, and sits with his right hand brought up to the peak of his white-plumed cocked hat,[Pg 49] is in the full uniform of a commander of a corps d'armée, and his escort of Arab cavalry45, in red cloaks and blue and white turbans, which has halted just inside the gates after wheeling smartly into line, forms a most picturesque46 background, which shuts out from sight the eager, shouting throngs47 in the street.
The General, and indeed all the officers and troops present, remain at the "Salut," until the last notes from the bugles die away; and then comes the order, "Portez armes," a rattle—and all is still again.
The detailed48 inspection of the troops and their quarters terminated, the regiment is marched out to the parade ground, where man?uvres are gone through, the duration of which depends entirely49 on the whim50 of the Inspector-General.
However, these rarely last more than two hours, and then the corps marches back to barracks through the town, much to the delight of the Arab population, who are a warlike people and thoroughly51 enjoy a military pageant52.
Also the Legion presents a pleasing sight to a soldier's eyes, as with bayonets fixed the men swing by, each battalion53, company and file at[Pg 50] its proper distance. The tramp of feet resounds54 with clockwork regularity55, in union with the musical rhythm of the band, and the blare of the bugles, crashing out the regimental march with its rattling56 chorus, the words seeming to hover57 over the lips of all the men:
"Tiens voila du boudin! voila du boudin! voila du boudin!
Pour les Alsaciens, les Suisses et les Lorrains,
Pour les Belges il n'y en a point,
Pour les Belges il n'y en a point,
Car ce sont des tireurs au flanc.
Pour les Belges il n'y en a point,
Pour les Belges il n'y en a point,
Car ce sont des tireurs au flanc."
No other regiment in France can approach the Legion for smartness at drill and on parade. The men are proud of the reputation, and make every effort to maintain it.
The bands of the 1st and 2nd Régiments étrangers are of the best. That of the first of these corps is particularly good, and it possesses a weird58 and barbaric sort of musical instrument—if so it can be called—which was captured in an engagement with the troops of the famous Arab chief Abd-el-Kader, some sixty years ago.
[Pg 51]
It consists of a haft of polished hard wood about 5 feet long; at the top of this is a big silver crescent, and below, at intervals59 of about 6 inches one from the other, and on either side are five metal brackets, the ends of which are decorated with long streamers of horse-hair dyed a bright red. From these are suspended a multitude of small silver bells, producing a gay and exhilarating sound when shaken in cadence60 with the music. When the regiment is on the march the detachment of sappers is several paces ahead of the band.
Like their confrères in our own army these men carry axes, spades and saws; the original idea of their presence there being, I suppose, that they might clear the route for the troops behind.
However, taking into consideration the existing railways and good roads of to-day, one may safely conclude that their presence in modern infantry61 corps is due rather to a respect for tradition than to actual utility.
The corporal who was in command of the sappers, at the time I am writing of, was the biggest man in the regiment. He was six feet[Pg 52] four, and broad in proportion. He was of Belgian nationality, and called Mertens, and was the hero of an episode of which all the regiment was justly proud. This incident took place at the capture of the fortified62 town of Sontay, in Tonquin, on the 16th December, 1883, which place was defended at the time by Prince Hoang-Ke-View, governor of the province, with about twenty thousand troops, composed principally of Chinese blackflag braves.
When the fire from the French gun-boats and field artillery63 had made a breach64 in the thick walls of the city, Admiral Courbet, who was in command of the expedition, launched a battalion of Arab light infantry (Tirailleurs Algériens) against the position.
Notwithstanding the fact that these men were seasoned troops and born fighters, they were beaten back with severe loss, which speaks much for the desperate resistance offered by the Chinese garrison65, some of whom were daring enough to dart66 out through the gap in the walls and decapitate the dead and wounded left in the track of the retreating column. The bleeding heads, placed atop of bamboo poles, were planted[Pg 53] on the crest67 of the ramparts amid the shrill, triumphant68 yells of the Celestials69.
The Arabs, reformed and stiffened70 by two companies of French marines, rushed once more to the assault, but with no more success, and indeed with greater loss than the first time. Now the white-faced, gory-necked heads of some of the French marines balanced side by side with the dusky bleeding features of their African comrades. The Chinese, howling drunk with success, and heedless of the fire from the French artillery, which was covering the retreat, stood on the wall to yell defiance72 and invective73 at their enemy. Indeed, so greatly was the garrison encouraged that a sortie was made which threatened to develop into a strong attack on the flanks of the expeditionary force.
The Admiral then played his last and trump74 card, and a battalion of the Legion, which till now had formed part of the reserve, rushed at the breach with the band playing and colours flying.
These troops advanced at the pas de charge, and were met by a terrible fire; many fell, but they were not to be denied.
[Pg 54]
In a few minutes the first ranks reached the edge of the ditch, and leaping down on to the slope of débris, formed by the stones and earth detached by the cannonade, they scrambled75 up to the breach, tore away the bamboo palisade, rushed, or were pushed, through it, and gained the crest.
The Legionaries suffered fearful loss; and it is to be feared that, excited by this and the cruel murder of their wounded comrades, they gave little mercy to those who opposed them.
Among the first to gain a footing in the place were a subaltern bearer of the colours, and big Mertens.
The first was immediately shot dead, whereupon the sapper seized the flag, and, rushing to the ramparts, stood on them in view of the whole army. Waving the bullet-torn, powder-stained tricolour above his head, he shouted: "Vive la Belgique! Vive la Légion!"
There was something grimly comical, but truly typical, in the conduct of this mercenary, who, forgetting the country for which he was fighting, and after just risking death a hundred times, coupled in his shout of triumph the name[Pg 55] of his motherland and that of the corps to which he belonged.
Mertens received the médaille militaire for his bravery; and it is reported that Admiral Courbet, when complimenting him on the courage he had shown, said: "And you would have had the Legion of Honour had you cried, 'Vive la France!'"
This last, however, is probably a soldier's yarn76.
With September came the man?uvres which were held in the south of the province of Oran, and along the Morocco frontier towards the Tuat and the Figuig oases77.
My battalion went by train as far as Mecheria, where the column was concentrated.
From this point we proceeded afoot to Ain-Sefra, and thence south, along the caravan78 routes into the desert.
It was terribly hard work marching through the sand under the scorching79 African sun, laden80 as we were with all our kit81.
South of Ain-Sefra there is little or no vegetation, save at an occasional oasis82. The landscape consists of stretches of sand hillocks, with here and there patches of mimosa and Alfa grass, the[Pg 56] monotony being broken only at rare intervals by the brown tents of an Arab encampment.
Fuel was so scarce that it was necessary to burn dry camel dung for cooking purposes. We had been out about ten days when I fell ill with typhoid fever, and was sent back to Sidi-bel-Abbes.
The convoy83 of sick, of which I was a unit, travelled part of the way by camel or mule84 cacolet, and the remainder by rail.
It was a terrible journey, and the sufferings I endured will never be erased85 from my memory. Indeed, even to-day it is a source of wonder to me that I pulled through it, for I was in a sorry state when carried eventually into the military hospital of our garrison town.
During the latter part of my stay in the hospital I learnt from fellow-patients that a violent epidemic86 of typhoid had swept through the corps; and I was terribly grieved when, on my return to the barracks, I was told that my friend Knox had been among the first to be carried off by the scourge87. I remained for a long time under the sad impression which his loss had caused me. He was a true friend and[Pg 57] a good soldier, and, had he lived, would have carved out a place for himself in the regiment.
On rejoining my corps I was examined by our battalion surgeon, Dr Aragon, a kind and really clever medical officer, who liked "mes legionnaires," as he called us, but who was unsparing to malingerers who shammed88 sickness to shirk work.
He declared that I could not possibly go back to my duties for several weeks, so, on his recommendation, I was sent off to Arzew, a small and charming little seaport89 town, situated90 on the coast about 100 miles west of Oran. This city was the "Arsenaria" of the Roman Empire.
It possesses a fine natural harbour, and the ancients used to put in there with their vessels91 to escape from the westerly gales92 so prevalent on this coast.
A chain of hills, varying from 1,000 to 2,000 feet high, encompass93 the town landwards, and on these, facing the sea, are several forts.
One of these works of defence served as a sanatorium for the weak and convalescent men of[Pg 58] the Legion who had returned from Tonquin, or who, like myself, were recovering from diseases contracted in Algeria.
The fort was splendidly situated on the crest of one of the hills, 1,200 feet above the sea, which washed its base. A pine-wood extended from the beach right up to the edge of the moat, and from the other side of the hill one could look right down into the town and count the red-tiled roofs, or the people in the market-place.
I stayed here during three months and recovered all my old strength and vigour94, thanks to the pure air and rest I enjoyed during that period. My time there passed swiftly and pleasantly, for we were at liberty to go for many long walks, and indulge in as much sea-bathing as we liked.
There was also a small theatre fitted up in one of the casemates. The sergeant95 who was in charge of this, a most enthusiastic amateur, decided96, though I could never explain his reason for so doing, that I possessed97 a latent talent for the stage, and he pressed me into the troupe98 to perform minor99 parts. At first reluctant, I[Pg 59] soon found that there was a great deal of amusement to be got out of the rehearsals100 and performances.
I did not shine in men's r?les which it was my lot to fill, but when I appeared as the Alsatian maid-of-all-work in "La consigne est de ronfler" my success was unmistakable.
I am close on six feet, and the skirt and bodice which, an hour before the performance began, were given me to wear, had probably been made for a lady about five feet four. When attired101, my dress reached a little below my knees, the sleeves finished just above my elbows, and a blonde wig20, surmounted102 by a big silk bow, added another good two inches to my height.
If I can judge by the screams of laughter and thunderous applause which greeted my appearance each time I "went on," and by the hilarity103 of my fellow-actors, who sometimes failed to preserve their gravity when I gave them the "cue," I ought to consider that I made a palpable "hit" in a feminine part.
When I had been two months at Arzew I felt so much better that I applied104 to the garrison[Pg 60] doctor for permission to return to my corps, and, after a medical examination, was authorised to do so.
I arrived at my former quarters in Bel-Abbes on the 20th January, 1891. A fortnight after my return an official announcement was made that a detachment of five hundred men, reliefs for the companies in Tonquin, would shortly be sent East, and that those desiring to volunteer should send in their names.
The conditions required were—good conduct, nine months' previous service, and a satisfactory examination by the doctors. It is needless to state that I applied at once, and my jubilation105 was great when, a month later, I was informed by my sergeant-major that I had been accepted.
On the morning of 2nd March, attired in our colonial service kit, we marched out of barracks to the station, escorted by the remainder of the regiment in review order. The Colonel and his staff, the band, and the colours were formed up on the platform. Our chief addressed a few well-chosen words to the detachment, wishing us a safe return, stating that he was confident that we would do our best at all times and[Pg 61] under all conditions to maintain the splendid reputation of the corps.
Then, as our train slid slowly out of the station, the band struck up "The Marseillaise," the troops presented arms, and the colours were lowered. Our Colonel and his staff stood at the salute as we rolled by, and our comrades sent off cheer after cheer, to which we replied to the best of our ability. It was destined106 that I should not return as a Legionary to the headquarters of the regiment, but the enthusiastic send-off given by the corps to our detachment will never fade from my memory.
We stayed in Oran five days awaiting the arrival of the trooper.
Here we met with the most cordial hospitality from the regiment of Zouaves which garrisoned107 the town and in whose barracks we were quartered, and the popularity of our corps was clearly demonstrated by the repeated gifts of tobacco, pipes, books and games of all kinds which were made to us by civilians108, and were destined to solace109 the tediousness of the long journey we were about to take.
Oran is too well known to the English tourist[Pg 62] of to-day for it to be necessary to describe at length this picturesque old city; which in its history and situation resembles Algiers. Both were formerly110 the strongholds of the Moorish111 pirates who swept the Mediterranean112 during several centuries.
The whitewashed113, red-tiled houses rise terrace above terrace, in the form of a crescent from the sea, and a heavy fortress114 palace known as the "Kasba," formerly the residence of the Bey, dominates the city and seems to hold it in submission115.
On the 8th March, accompanied by an armed picquet and the band of the Zouaves, we marched down to the quay116 and embarked117 on the Bien-Hoa, a government transport of about 5,000 tons register, which sailed the same day. Besides our own detachment there were about six hundred men, reliefs for the Infanterie de Marine71 and batteries in Tonquin, and one hundred and fifty battery mules118.
Fortunately for the French soldier of to-day, the Republic no longer undertakes the transport of her troops over seas, and these operations are confided119 to private firms who own big steamers, specially120 fitted out for the trade.
[Pg 63]
The advantages of this system are considerable, both from the point of view of economy to the Government and of comfort to the passengers. On board the Bien-Hoa the troops were submitted to the same discipline as the crew. We were divided into messes and watches, and had to take a turn at scrubbing the decks in the morning, hauling in and slacking the lead ropes at sail drill, and aiding in the several other duties of the ship, which a landsman can safely do without imperilling life and limb. We grumbled121 a great deal, for that is a soldier's prerogative122; and were grumbled at still more for our clumsiness; but the work kept us fit, and was an excellent cure for those disposed to sea-sickness.
Frequent parades and kit inspections123 were also held by our own officers, and these did away with the tendency to slackness and loss of discipline which are the consequent results of the tedium124 and inaction of a long voyage. The food was good and plentiful125. Fresh meat, vegetables and bread were served out four days in each week; salt beef or pork, dried beans or lentils, and ship's biscuits formed the menu of two days' meals; and Friday being a fast-day—for at[Pg 64] that time the French navy still retained many Catholic institutions—meat was replaced by sardines126 and cheese. There was an abundance of good coffee and pure water at the disposal of thirsty men, and each private drew a daily ration12 of a pint127 of red wine.
Defaulters, however, were deprived of this wine during the term of the disciplinary punishment they had incurred128.
All the military passengers, from the sergeants129 downwards130, slept in hammocks slung131 in the 'tween decks, and, judging by my own experience, it is certain that many of us found this mode of accommodation far from comfortable during the first week or so. However, we all seemed to become reconciled to it in the long run, although, even towards the end of the voyage, I would have preferred to sleep on the deck, and I know there were many more of the same mind; but this was strictly132 forbidden.
There is certainly, if one can depend on what the sailors say—and they ought to know—a way of obtaining as much rest in a hammock as in a bed if one only knows how; but I am convinced, from experience, that to gain that knowledge one[Pg 65] must serve a long apprenticeship133 and begin it when young.
Some very good concerts were organised on board, and these, together with the exciting games of draughts134, dominoes or loto, were of great help in assisting us to pass the time when we were not at drill, on duty, or undergoing inspection.
The aum?nier or chaplain of the ship was a great favourite with all. This kindly135 cleric was a fine specimen136 of manhood, who stood over six feet. His erect137 mien138 and the grey beard which fell on his black soutane gave him a most apostolic and benevolent139 exterior140, which was justified141 by the really good, gentle and merry soul it contained. He would often go out of his way to intercede142 with the commander in favour of a punished man, and have the guilty one sent to his cabin, where, by simple straight-spoken homilies, of which he knew the secret, he would appeal to the pride and manhood of his hearer.
More often than not he succeeded in moving the men to real emotion, and few were such fools as to be bold enough to interrogate143 the[Pg 66] abashed144 and sometimes red-eyed delinquent145 who might be returning from a half-hour with the padre.
Neither did he confine his special attention to the souls of the few black sheep of his flock, for at the close of his admonitions he would often comfort the body of the repentant146 and affected147 sinner by administering a glass of Malaga taken from his own special bottle, which would be accompanied by more paternal148 advice concerning the future conduct of his cher gar?on.
More than once did I remark this excellent man, when, after one of these interviews he would come from his cabin, and, leaning on the rail, gaze out at the expanse of blue water dancing in the tropical sunlight, and note on his benevolent features the gentle, contented149 smile which bespoke150 indulgence for the faults of others, and the satisfaction of a duty accomplished151.
Our journey was a long one, for the ship, though a very seaworthy craft, could not steam more than twelve knots at her best. The engines broke down on two occasions, once in the Red Sea, when we were delayed for two[Pg 67] days, and again in the Indian Ocean, where the trooper lay like a log for seventy hours before the necessary repairs could be effected.
For coaling purposes we touched at Colombo and Singapore, but remained only a few hours in these ports.
The Bien-Hoa arrived at Saigon on 13th April, and stayed there for four days, during which we were quartered in the barracks of the 11th Regiment of the Infanterie de Marine.
Here we were able to stretch our legs a little by going out and visiting the town, which is a fine one, and possesses a splendid Botanical Garden and zoological collection. Most of us were specially delighted at being able to sleep for a few nights in a cot again.
We sailed early in the morning of the 18th, and anchored in Along Bay (Tonquin) on the evening of the 21st April.
Here we saw for the first time the land we had all been so impatient to reach, and from which many of us were destined never to return, and speculations152 were rife153 concerning the military operations going on. We were all agreeably surprised to find, after our experience of the[Pg 68] damp, depressing heat of Saigon, that the climate here was quite supportable, and resembled somewhat that of a warm spring day in Europe. However, we were soon to make acquaintance with the tropical summer of Tonquin, which usually sets in about the middle of May—that is to say, as soon as the south-west monsoon154 is well established, when the terrible intensity155 of its heat is all the more appreciable156 owing to the suddenness of its arrival.
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1
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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3
mustered
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| v.集合，召集，集结（尤指部队）( muster的过去式和过去分词 )；（自他人处）搜集某事物；聚集；激发 | |
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4
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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serried
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| adj.拥挤的；密集的 | |
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corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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din
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| n.喧闹声，嘈杂声 | |
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9
tugs
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| n.猛拉( tug的名词复数 )；猛拖；拖船v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的第三人称单数 ) | |
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10
ordeal
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| n.苦难经历，（尤指对品格、耐力的）严峻考验 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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ration
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| n.定量(pl.)给养，口粮；vt.定量供应 | |
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ammunition
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| n.军火，弹药 | |
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crammed
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| adj.塞满的，挤满的；大口地吃；快速贪婪地吃v.把…塞满；填入；临时抱佛脚( cram的过去式) | |
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hustling
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| 催促（hustle的现在分词形式） | |
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query
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| n.疑问，问号，质问；vt.询问，表示怀疑 | |
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pervades
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的第三人称单数 ) | |
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expectancy
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| n.期望，预期，（根据概率统计求得）预期数额 | |
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twig
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| n.小树枝，嫩枝；v.理解 | |
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wig
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| n.假发 | |
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ripple
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| n.涟波，涟漪，波纹，粗钢梳；vt.使...起涟漪，使起波纹； vi.呈波浪状，起伏前进 | |
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shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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curbed
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| v.限制，克制，抑制( curb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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banality
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| n.陈腐；平庸；陈词滥调 | |
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25
ripples
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| 逐渐扩散的感觉( ripple的名词复数 ) | |
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26
trotting
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| 小跑，急走( trot的现在分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
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27
hoofs
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| n.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的名词复数 )v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的第三人称单数 ) | |
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28
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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29
colonists
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| n.殖民地开拓者，移民，殖民地居民( colonist的名词复数 ) | |
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30
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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31
baggy
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| adj.膨胀如袋的，宽松下垂的 | |
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32
embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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33
conceals
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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34
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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35
cavalcade
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| n.车队等的行列 | |
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36
mingles
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| 混合，混入( mingle的第三人称单数 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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37
rattle
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| v.飞奔，碰响；激怒；n.碰撞声；拨浪鼓 | |
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38
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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39
rustle
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| v.沙沙作响；偷盗(牛、马等)；n.沙沙声声 | |
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40
stiffen
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| v.(使)硬，(使)变挺，(使)变僵硬 | |
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41
gallop
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| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
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42
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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43
bugles
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| 妙脆角，一种类似薯片但做成尖角或喇叭状的零食； 号角( bugle的名词复数 )； 喇叭； 匍匐筋骨草； （装饰女服用的）柱状玻璃（或塑料）小珠 | |
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44
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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45
cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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46
picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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47
throngs
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| n.人群( throng的名词复数 )v.成群，挤满( throng的第三人称单数 ) | |
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48
detailed
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| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
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49
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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50
whim
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| n.一时的兴致，突然的念头；奇想，幻想 | |
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51
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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52
pageant
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| n.壮观的游行；露天历史剧 | |
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53
battalion
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| n.营；部队；大队(的人) | |
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54
resounds
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| v.（指声音等）回荡于某处( resound的第三人称单数 )；产生回响；（指某处）回荡着声音 | |
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55
regularity
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|
| n.规律性，规则性；匀称，整齐 | |
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56
rattling
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| adj. 格格作响的, 活泼的, 很好的 adv. 极其, 很, 非常 动词rattle的现在分词 | |
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57
hover
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| vi.翱翔，盘旋；徘徊；彷徨，犹豫 | |
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58
weird
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| adj.古怪的，离奇的；怪诞的，神秘而可怕的 | |
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59
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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60
cadence
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| n.（说话声调的）抑扬顿挫 | |
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61
infantry
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| n.[总称]步兵(部队) | |
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62
fortified
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| adj. 加强的 | |
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63
artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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64
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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65
garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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66
dart
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| v.猛冲，投掷；n.飞镖，猛冲 | |
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67
crest
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| n.顶点；饰章；羽冠；vt.达到顶点；vi.形成浪尖 | |
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68
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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69
celestials
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| n.天的，天空的( celestial的名词复数 ) | |
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70
stiffened
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| 加强的 | |
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71
marine
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| adj.海的；海生的；航海的；海事的；n.水兵 | |
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72
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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73
invective
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| n.痛骂，恶意抨击 | |
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74
trump
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| n.王牌，法宝；v.打出王牌，吹喇叭 | |
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75
scrambled
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| v.快速爬行( scramble的过去式和过去分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
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76
yarn
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| n.纱，纱线，纺线；奇闻漫谈，旅行轶事 | |
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77
oases
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| n.（沙漠中的）绿洲( oasis的名词复数 )；（困苦中）令人快慰的地方（或时刻）；乐土；乐事 | |
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78
caravan
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| n.大蓬车；活动房屋 | |
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79
scorching
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| adj. 灼热的 | |
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80
laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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81
kit
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| n.用具包，成套工具；随身携带物 | |
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82
oasis
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| n.（沙漠中的）绿洲，宜人的地方 | |
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83
convoy
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| vt.护送，护卫，护航；n.护送；护送队 | |
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84
mule
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| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
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85
erased
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| v.擦掉( erase的过去式和过去分词 )；抹去；清除 | |
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86
epidemic
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| n.流行病；盛行；adj.流行性的，流传极广的 | |
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87
scourge
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| n.灾难，祸害；v.蹂躏 | |
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88
shammed
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| 假装，冒充( sham的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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89
seaport
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| n.海港，港口，港市 | |
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90
situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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91
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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92
gales
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| 龙猫 | |
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93
encompass
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| vt.围绕，包围；包含，包括；完成 | |
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94
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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95
sergeant
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| n.警官，中士 | |
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96
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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97
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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98
troupe
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| n.剧团，戏班；杂技团；马戏团 | |
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99
minor
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| adj.较小(少)的，较次要的；n.辅修学科；vi.辅修 | |
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100
rehearsals
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| n.练习( rehearsal的名词复数 )；排练；复述；重复 | |
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101
attired
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| adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服，使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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102
surmounted
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|
| 战胜( surmount的过去式和过去分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
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103
hilarity
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| n.欢乐；热闹 | |
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104
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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105
jubilation
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| n.欢庆，喜悦 | |
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106
destined
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|
| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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107
garrisoned
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| 卫戍部队守备( garrison的过去式和过去分词 )； 派部队驻防 | |
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108
civilians
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| 平民，百姓( civilian的名词复数 )； 老百姓 | |
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109
solace
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| n.安慰；v.使快乐；vt.安慰(物)，缓和 | |
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110
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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111
moorish
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| adj.沼地的，荒野的，生[住]在沼地的 | |
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112
Mediterranean
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| adj.地中海的；地中海沿岸的 | |
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113
whitewashed
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| 粉饰，美化，掩饰( whitewash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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114
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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115
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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116
quay
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| n.码头，靠岸处 | |
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117
embarked
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| 乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
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118
mules
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| 骡( mule的名词复数 )； 拖鞋； 顽固的人； 越境运毒者 | |
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119
confided
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| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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120
specially
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| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
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121
grumbled
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| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
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122
prerogative
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| n.特权 | |
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123
inspections
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| n.检查( inspection的名词复数 )；检验；视察；检阅 | |
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124
tedium
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| n.单调；烦闷 | |
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125
plentiful
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| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
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126
sardines
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| n. 沙丁鱼 | |
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127
pint
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| n.品脱 | |
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128
incurred
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| [医]招致的，遭受的； incur的过去式 | |
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129
sergeants
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| 警官( sergeant的名词复数 )； （美国警察）警佐； （英国警察）巡佐； 陆军（或空军）中士 | |
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130
downwards
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| adj./adv.向下的（地），下行的（地） | |
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131
slung
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| 抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
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132
strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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133
apprenticeship
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| n.学徒身份；学徒期 | |
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134
draughts
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| n. <英>国际跳棋 | |
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135
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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136
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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137
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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138
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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139
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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140
exterior
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| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
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141
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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142
intercede
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| vi.仲裁，说情 | |
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143
interrogate
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| vt.讯问，审问，盘问 | |
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144
abashed
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| adj.窘迫的，尴尬的v.使羞愧，使局促，使窘迫( abash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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145
delinquent
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| adj.犯法的，有过失的；n.违法者 | |
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146
repentant
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| adj.对…感到悔恨的 | |
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147
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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148
paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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149
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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150
bespoke
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| adj.（产品）订做的；专做订货的v.预定( bespeak的过去式 )；订（货）；证明；预先请求 | |
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151
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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152
speculations
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| n.投机买卖( speculation的名词复数 )；思考；投机活动；推断 | |
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153
rife
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| adj.(指坏事情)充斥的，流行的，普遍的 | |
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154
monsoon
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| n.季雨，季风，大雨 | |
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155
intensity
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| n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度 | |
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156
appreciable
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| adj.明显的，可见的，可估量的，可觉察的 | |
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