The passage highlights the challenges faced by a group of soldiers during their march to Suez at night. While they could navigate in darkness, the daytime revealed the desert's unforgiving nature, where the absence of shelter became a significant problem. Soldiers found themselves struggling with the need for privacy in a desolate landscape, leading to delays in their movement. Their embarrassment about basic human needs contrasted sharply with their otherwise bold behavior in conversation.

This scenario not only illustrates the harsh realities of a military campaign in such an environment but also emphasizes the human side of soldiers, revealing their vulnerability despite their bravado. The juxtaposition of their outward confidence with their inner discomfort adds depth to their character and highlights the complexities of life on the frontlines, where even simple acts can become sources of challenge and delay.