human
Great heaven, Captain! Why do you allow them to come so near?
gpt
How am I to prevent them?
human
Why, my rifle will reach farther than that. It might keep them off, I think.
gpt
Major, you are dreaming! said I.
human
They are two hundred yards beyond range of our rifles. If they would only come within that, we should soon send them back for you.
gpt
But, Captain, mine will carry twice the distance.
human
It's a _zundnadel_, I assure you, and will kill at eight hundred yards.
gpt
Is it possible? cried I, starting; for I now recollected the curious-looking piece which I had ordered to be cut loose from the saddle of Hercules.
human
Why did you not tell me that before? Where is Major Blossom's rifle?
gpt
This hyur's the major's _gun_ answered Sergeant Lincoln.
human
But if it's a rifle, I never seed sich. It looks more like a two-year old cannon.
gpt
Is it loaded, Major?
human
It is.
gpt
Can you hit that man with the sponge?
human
If this hyur thing'll carry fur enuf, I kin,
gpt
It will kill at a thousand yards, point blank,
human
Ha! are you sure of that, Major?
gpt
Certainly, Captain. I got it from the inventor. We tried it at Washington. It is loaded with a conical bullet. It bored a hole through an inch plank at that distance.
human
Well. Now, Sergeant, take sure aim; this may save us yet.