midday
To be sure one of his boots began soon to rasp his toes , but he gave it no share of his attention . They passed at a much faster pace than the troops , and everywhere they met laughter and confidence and the cry . '' On to Prevasa ! '' At midday they were at the heels of the advance battalion , among its stragglers , taking its white dust into their throats and eyes . The dragoman was waning and he made a number of attempts to stay Coleman , but no one could have had influence upon Coleman 's steady rush with his eyes always straight to the front as if thus to symbolize his steadiness of purpose . Rivulets of sweat marked the dust on his face , and two of his toes were now paining as if they were being burned off . He was obliged to concede a privilege of limping , but he would not stop .