when he had done , and returned slowly to his place , several of the soldiers began to stand forward to make their remarks : one general , a heavy barrel-chested gentleman , discarded his leopard-skin drape impatiently as he paced , with so much energy his skin gleamed in the torchlight with sweat , arguing vehemently in a voice projected to reach the highest tiers , gesturing at them at regular intervals , striking his fist into his hand , and pointing occasionally at temeraire .