human
Please, Sarjint, begged Gid Mackall, as they halted for an instant near a large rock,
gpt
I can't keep up. I can't keep up at all, whimpered little Pete Skidmore.
human
You are just dead certain to lose me.
gpt
Pull out just a little more, boys, Si said pleasantly.
human
We must be almost there. It can't be but a little ways now.
gpt
Close up there in front! commanded Shorty.
human
Keep marchin' distance--19 inches from back to breast. Come on, Pete. Gi' me your hand; I'll help you along.
gpt
I ain't no kid, to be led along by the hand, answered Pete sturdily, refusing the offer.
human
I'll keep up somehow. But you can't expect my short legs to cover as much ground as them telegraph poles o' your'n.
gpt
Wonder which one o' them is the 200th Injianny's?
human
I thought the 200th Injianny was so much finer rijimint than any other that you'd know it at sight,
gpt
I would know it if I was sure I was lookin' at it, answered Shorty.
human
But they seem to have picked out all the best rijimints in the army to go into camp here this side o' Mission Ridge. Mebbe they want to make the best show to the enemy.
gpt
That looks like the camp o' the 200th Injianny over there, said Si, pointing to the right, after scanning the mountain-side.
human
See all them red shirts hangin' out to dry? That's Co. A; they run to red flannel shirts like a nigger barber to striped pants.
gpt
No, answered Shorty;
human
Shorty, admonished Si.
gpt
You mustn't talk that way before the boys. What'll they think o' the rijimint?
human
Think of it? said Shorty, recovering himself.
gpt
They've got to think of it as the very best rijimint that ever stood in line-of-battle. I'll punch the head of any man that says anything to the contrary. Every man in it is a high-toned, Christian gentleman. Mind that, now, every one of you brats, and don't you allow nobody to say otherwise.
human
No, said Si, after further study of the camps,
gpt
Say, said Shorty,