the prospect of action had quite swept away the malaise hanging upon the camp , and the iron discipline and drill was telling in their favor : as he walked swiftly through the ranks he heard laughter and joking tones ; the order to stand-to was met everywhere with an instant response , and though the men were themselves in sorry case , wet and pinched with hunger , they had kept their arms in good order , and their colors sprang out gaily overhead , the great banners snapping in the wind like musket-shot .