On the March

"Do your men compete among themselves? Between the companies?" It should be possible to arrange such a thing, if not at their first night's stop then later. Marching rarely carried on until nightfall. It might be interesting - and let the 62nd know how good their new companions were.

"They have been known to arrange such competitions, sir, yes." Vickery said. "Only a week or so ago, one of my own men had a private competition with Rifleman Hagman. I understand it was the best of five shots, and he won. Though he will doubtless try to claim it was a fluke; Hagman is well known among the Riflemen, of both regiments, as being an extremely good shot."

"Would you see any merit in a public competition - between a few of your best marksmen? Which my men - my redcoats - could watch. I think they would be interested, and I should hope impressed. Could it be arranged?"

That would give the Riflemen a chance to show off, something any man worth his salt would do.

"Aye. It'd show them what we do, a bit, which redcoat soldiers don't allus understand. And I reckon the Riflemen would like a chance to show what they're good at. It ain't so often they get to show their training."

It was Vickery's turn to nod. "It'll keep them sharp, and they always like a chance to demonstrate their skills."

"Good. We'll arrange it for a couple of day's time. Find out how many wish to compete, and ... What would be a suitable prize? I realize that they will do it for the honour and to practice their skills, but a prize shows that we value those skills too."

Edrington stood up and stood with his hand on Bauer's bridle. "Thank you. That will be something. I am sorry to have taken up your break." He nodded and mounted.

"We shall have to think about what to offer as a prize, my lord. Though even a guinea or two would be appreciated by the winner."

Vickery wondered if they could tie in a competition with a training day - get all the Riflemen working together, while under the eyes of the redcoats, demonstrating what it was they did to those who very rarely saw it, and didn't necessarily understand what they saw even when they could see it.

Sharpe just stood to attention, his mind busy but his face blank.

"If that would be acceptable, then make it that. Until later, Captain. Mr Sharpe."

And not one "Sir, yes, Sir". Was this an improvement? He turned to cross the road and to wait there as the battallion and its riflemen, prepared to return to the march.

"Wonder what he was after," Cotton said, re-corking his canteen as he watched Edrington take his leave of Captain Vickery and Lieutenant Sharpe. "Whatever it was, the Captain looks pleased as Punch 'bout it."