human
Not a bad fellow Miles, after all, if he w-wasn't so fond o' the b-bottle!
gpt
But I don't wonder that the men who drink, go in for it harder than ever here, continued Miles.
human
There is such hard work, and constant exposure, and so little recreation of any sort. Yet it is a pity that men should give way to it, for too many of our comrades are on the sick-list because of it, and some under the sod.
gpt
It is far more than a pity, returned Armstrong, with unwonted energy.
human
Drink with its attendant evils is one of the great curses of the army. I have been told, and I can well believe it, that drink causes more loss to an army than war, the dangers of foreign service, and unhealthy climates, all put together.
gpt
That's a strong statement, Willie, and would need to be founded on good authority. Who told you?
human
Our new parson told me, and he is in my opinion a good authority, because he is a Christian, if ever a man was; and he is an elderly man, besides being uncommonly clever and well informed. He told us a great many strong facts at the temperance meeting we held last night. I wish you had been there, Miles. It would have warmed your heart, I think.
gpt
Have you joined them, Willie?
human
Yes, I have; and, God helping me, I mean to stick by them!
gpt
I would have gone to the meeting myself, said Miles thoughtfully,
human
Strange, returned Armstrong,