human
What's your name?
gpt
Harry Fuller,
human
Where do you live?
gpt
Oh, about ten miles from here,
human
Parents living.
gpt
Yes,
human
And so you have joined the king's army and are going to help make it hot for the rebels, hey with a chuckle.
gpt
Good for you.
human
Yes, said Dick,
gpt
I am eager to get a chance to strike blows against the rebels. How soon do you think that will happen? When are we likely to get into a battle with them?
human
Hard telling, young man. That's for the generals to say. What their plans may be is more than I can say.
gpt
I have heard it rumored in our part of the country that he British will make an attack on the rebels soon. That's the reason I came here to-night. I thought maybe the attack might be made to-morrow, and if I didn't get here to-night, I would not arrive in time for the fight.
human
We might be ordered to move against the rebels to-morrow, for all I know, was the reply.
gpt
And then again we might be left sitting here a week or a month. I haven't any idea when the move will be made.
human
I hope it will be soon,
gpt
You'll get a chance to do all the fighting you care for, one of these days, young fellow, said another soldier.
human
Don't worry on that score.
gpt
I'm not worrying about it, sir,
human
Do you think you will fight when the time comes? half-sneered another, rather evil-featured fellow, leering at Dick.
gpt
I'd be willing to wager that you'll do more running than fighting.
human
You might lose your money if you wagered it that way,
gpt
I might, but I don't think I would, with a harsh laugh.
human
I don't think much of the bravery of the Americans, whether rebels or king's men. They are not the kind that make good soldiers.
gpt
I suppose you think that you are,
human
I know it, sonny! fiercely.
gpt
I've been tried in the fire, do you hear? I'm a veteran, and have seen service in the fields of Europe, India and Africa.
human
You seem to be great at blowing your own horn, at any rate,
gpt
Do you mean to insult me?
human
Oh, no, coolly.
gpt
I was simply stating a fact, that is all.
human
Well, you had better be careful, that's all I have got to say! snarled the redcoat, viciously.
gpt
If you weren't a boy, I would give you a thumping for what you have already said.
human
Don't let my youth hinder you, retorted Dick.
gpt
I will say this, that I think you will find the people of America as brave as those of your country or any other, and I think, too, that they will make as brave and effective soldiers.
human
That's right, youngster, hold up for your own people, said one of the soldiers approvingly.
gpt
The boy's all right, Coggins, to the ill-natured soldier.
human
You had no business talking as you did.
gpt
Bah! sneered Coggins.
human
I meant what I said, but as the young fellow is not yet out of his teens, I'll pay no attention to his words. It wouldn't look well for me to thrash a boy.
gpt
You might find that you had your hands full if you tried it,