midday
They stood side by side , stamping their feet to keep the blood going , without speaking . Once or twice Louis stepped forward , and at a signal from the officer the bearers stopped . But Louis shook his head , and they passed on . At midday the officer was relieved , his place being taken by another , who bowed stiffly to Louis and took no more notice of him . For war either hardens or softens . It never leaves a man as it found him . All day the work was carried on .