human
My brave comrades! cried I,
gpt
But let us first see how they use their piece. It is a small one, and will not destroy us all at once. Fling yourselves down as they fire. By lying flat on your faces you may not suffer so badly. Perhaps we can hold the corral until our friends reach us. At all events we shall try.
human
Great heaven, Captain! it's terrible!
gpt
What is terrible?
human
Oh! this--this business--such a fix to be--
gpt
Major! remember you are a soldier.
human
Yes; and I wish I had resigned, as I intended to do, before this cursed war commenced.
gpt
Never fear, said I, tempted to smile at the candour of his cowardice;
human
Do you think, Captain, it _will_ stop a shot?
gpt
Ay--from a siege-gun. Look out, men, and be ready to obey orders!