He became suddenly a modest person.
There was low-toned talk among the troops.

The officers were impatient and snappy, their countenances clouded with the tales of misfortune.
The troops, sifting through the forest, were sullen.

In the youth's company once a man's laugh rang out.

A dozen soldiers turned their faces quickly toward him and frowned with vague displeasure.
The noise of firing dogged their footsteps.

Sometimes, it seemed to be driven a little way, but it always returned again with increased insolence.