They were like critical shepherds struggling with sheep.
Presently, the regiment seemed to draw itself up and heave a deep breath.

None of the men's faces were mirrors of large thoughts.

The soldiers were bended and stooped like sprinters before a signal.

Many pairs of glinting eyes peered from the grimy faces toward the curtains of the deeper woods.

They seemed to be engaged in deep calculations of time and distance.
They were surrounded by the noises of the monstrous altercation between the two armies.