midday
`` Yes , '' said Colonel Graves , as the morning glided by without incident and midday approached , with the men beginning to show traces of their hot , rapid march . `` Pass the word on , for we can not halt yet . It will cheer the lads , and have a good effect upon the enemy . '' The next minute , just as many of the lads were straining their eyes forward in search of the place likely to be chosen for their midday halt , and making frequent use of their water-bottles , there were the preliminary taps on the big bass , a few vigorous rolls on the kettledrums , and the fifes began to shrill out their sharp notes in a merry air , which brightened every face at once . Some of the lads began to whistle the tune as they stepped out more briskly , and Judkins , of Captain Roberts 's rear company , burst out with : `` Poor old Bill ; that 'll do him good . Pity he ai n't with us . Wonder how he is . ''