.poor cuss!" All about them were other small fires surrounded by men with their little black utensils.

From one of these near came sudden sharp voices in a row.

It appeared that two light-footed soldiers had been teasing a huge, bearded man, causing him to spill coffee upon his blue knees.
The man had gone into a rage and had sworn comprehensively.

Stung by his language, his tormentors had immediately bristled at him with a great show of resenting unjust oaths.

Possibly there was going to be a fight.
The friend arose and went over to them, making pacific motions with his arms.