human
Where are you goin' in sich a devil of a hurry? the teamster asked.
gpt
Smell a distillery somewhere?
human
Hello, Groundhog, is that you? Ain't you dead yit? Say, have you seen a squad o' recruits around here--all boys, with new uniforms, and no letters or numbers on their caps?
gpt
Lots and gobs of 'em. Camp's full of 'em. More comin' in by every train.
human
But these wuz all Injianny boys, most of 'em little. Not an old man among 'em.
gpt
Shorty, I know where your boys are. What'll you give me to tell you?
human
Groundhog, I've just had my canteen filled with first-class whisky--none o' your commissary rotgut, but old rye, hand-made, fire-distilled. I got it to take out to the boys o' the rijimint to celebrate my comin' back. Le' me have just one drink out of it, and I'll give it to you if you'll tell.
gpt
I wuz offered $10 on the other side.
human
I'll give you the whisky and $10.
gpt
Le' me see your money and taste your licker.
human
Here's the money, said Shorty, showing a bill.
gpt
I ain't goin' to trust you with the canteen, but I'll pour out this big spoon full, which'll be enough for you to taste.
human
It's certainly boss licker, said Groundhog, after he had drunk it, and prudently hefted the canteen to see if it was full.
gpt
I'll take your offer. You're to have just one swig out o' it, and no more, and not a hog-swaller neither. I know you. You'd drink that hull canteenful at one gulp, if you had to. You'll let me put my thumb on your throat?
human
Yes, and I'll give you the canteen now and the money after we find the boys.
gpt
All right. Go ahead. Drink quick, for you must go on the jump, or you'll lose your boys.
human
Great Jehosephat, you didn't let me git more'n a spoonful. But where are the boys?
gpt
Old Jeff Billings's got 'em down at Zeke Wiggins's hash-foundry feedin' 'em, so's he kin toll 'em off into another rijimint.
human
Old Billings agin, shouted Shorty in a rage.
gpt
Where's the place? Show it to me. But wait a minute till I run back and git my pardner.
human
Gi' me that licker fust, shouted Groundhog, but Shorty was already running back for Si. When he returned with him he threw the canteen to Groundhog with the order,
gpt
Go ahead and show us the place.
human
There's your man and there's your boys, said Groundhog, pointing to them.
gpt
Now gi' me that 'ere sawbuck. You'll have to excuse me havin' anything to do with old Billings. He's licked me twice already.
human
Here, you black-whiskered old roustabout, where 're you takin' them boys?
gpt
Git out o' my way, you red-headed snipe,
human
If you don't go off and leave them boys alone I'll belt you over the head with my gun,
gpt
You drunken maverick, answered Billings, trying to brave it out.
human
I'll have you shot for insultin' and threatenin' your sooperior officer. Skip out o' here before the Provo comes up and ketches you. Let me go on about my business. Forward, boys.
gpt
Officer nothin'. You can't play that on us, said Si.
human
Halt, there, boys, and stand fast.