u."

In saying which he left the foddermaster in a huff, went with
uncertain steps and with black mien through the stable to his own
quarters, drank a big glassful of raw spirits "to quiet his nerves,"
and then threw himself full-clad on the bed.

The two guards in the stable, who had observed these occurrences with
considerable interest, stuck another handful of hay in front of each
horse, and then lay down on the straw in the corner of the stable to
sleep. Sergeant Schmitz, however, went to his room, completely
sobered.

The following noon the orderly transmitted to the reserve squadron of
the regiment a document reading as follows:

REPORT

On the occasion of the stable service last night
Vice-Sergeant-Major Roth gave to Foddermaster Sergeant
Schmitz a formal order, which the latter did not carry out.
When the said Vice-Sergeant-Major Roth emphatically repeated
the order, the aforementioned Schmitz refused once more to
comply therewith. This happened in the presence of the
stable guards, and it is charged by the aforesaid Roth that
Sergeant Schmitz was at the time in an intoxicated
condition.

SPECHT,

_First Lieutenant and Squadron Chief
of the 2d Reserve Squadron._

The foddermaster happened to be seated at his noon meal, when the
sergeant-major stepped up, announced his arrest to him, and took him
to the lock-up. There he was to remain until sentence should be
pronounced in his case, for his offence had been officially designated
as "Peremptory refusal of obedience in the presence of men
assembled." As such "men assembled" the two guards of the stable were
regarded in the eyes of the law.

The incident was reported from mouth to mouth throughout the regiment,
and by far the greater majority were indignant at Roth's action. Even
the officers themselves declared unanimously that such a superior as
Roth ought to be got rid of.

But Roth thought he had done something heroic, and seemed great in his
own eyes. When off duty he declared he liked comradeship, and was ever
ready for a good joke, not taking offence at anything. But when on
duty, why, the devil, they should see that he was not to be trifled
with. Every species of intimacy or friendship was at an end when on
duty. Then it was: I order, and you have to obey, else I'll break your
neck!

And Sergeant Schmitz all this time was in his gloomy, cold cell.
L