The chairman gives out number twenty-nine.

"First verse," he cries, and away all go, each two men holding a book between them exactly as two people might hold a hymn- book in church.

There is a pause at the end of each verse until the chairman starts the company on the next.

As every German is a trained singer, and as most of them have fair voices, the general effect is striking.
Although the manner may be suggestive of the singing of hymns in church, the words of the songs are occasionally such as to correct this impression.

But whether it be a patriotic song, a sentimental ballad, or a ditty of a nature that would shock the average young Englishman, all are sung through with stern earnestness, without a laugh, without a false note.