Page:The Jail, Experiences in 1916.pdf/123

 I must be something of the sort. He then went on waiting quietly.

A repulsive Monday. We were not even inclined for our usual "scorching".

Papa Declich brought in a bucket of water and began to clean out. Budi climbed up on to the straw mattresses and began to snore. Old Nicolodi, wrapped up in his plaid, sat on his box and stared at the floor. Tironi had made friends with Dr. Smrecsanyi and they were talking together. The artillery-man was looking for somebody who would play wolves and sheep with him—at that moment Papritz burst into the room.

Papritz with a rattling sword and his overcoat buttoned up,—a successful replica of the German monarch,—even with his upturned moustache. He stood there and looked about him,—number 60 grew silent, otherwise nothing happened. "Habt Acht" he belowed angrily, "who is in charge of this room?"

The sergeant pushed platoon-leader Kretzer forward, and he stepped up and reported himself. Papritz looked him up and down twice from head to foot with a withering glance, then burst forth: "Don't you know the proper thing to do? When I enter the room you've got to bring them to attention, come to attention yourself and report yourself to me. And the whole room has got to stand at attention, nobody's allowed to move,—you miserable lot,—I'll give you what for, I'll teach you,—what do you mean by standing there like that, you blockhead you", be snapped at Mr. Fröhlich, "I'll have you put in solitary confinement for twenty-four hours,—and look at this, there's one, of them lying fast asleep,—come down, come down"—(Budi jumped down and opened his sleepy eyes in terror)—"this is a fine collection, look at this, a volunteer in the bargain,—and you take off your hat" he snarled at Lamm.