human
Well, Mother, you looks very sanitary, and what a colour!
gpt
Got, as you well knows, from stewin' over a fire. Been painting your nose wi' ale, or worse, I reckons.
human
Not if I knows meself.
gpt
I say, Garge, as you'll enlist if they want 'ee.
human
They won't want the likes o' me.
gpt
Don't you go upsettin' the boy wi' your ridiculous war-talk, Father. He come nigh on leavin' us to freeze to death in Canady. Why should we fight to save they Frenchies?
human
Ah-h-h! I've a notion about that. I told 'un to the old Captain, and he said 'twas a very notable remark. Fight we shall and must to save our own souls and bodies.
gpt
Never heard o' the British Fleet, I suppose?
human
Mother, I've seen they mighty ships o' war, which is what you can't brag on. But more'n our Fleet were wanted afore, in the days o' Bonaparty, and will be again. You mind that bit o' pork, and leave young Garge to me.
gpt
Be you afeard, Garge?
human
I be bold as brass, except wi' maids.
gpt
That any son o' mine should own up to that! Afeard wi' maids! What a gert booby! I be afeard _for_ maids, if so be as they Proosians come rampin' into France. And 'tis true they be over the line a'ready.
human
How do 'ee know that?
gpt
Never you mind, Mother. I picks up my information as you does, here and there. I told Master Lionel as how France was invaded, and he gave me half-a-crown, he did.
human
You earns money in wondersome ways, Father.
gpt
I do. Now, Garge, I tell 'ee, fair and square, the likes o' you'll be wanted bad, and, mark my words, my lad, if you don't go willin' they'll take 'ee whether or no. I forgot to mention it to Master Lionel, but talk o' conscription be in the air.
human
Stuff and nonsense!
gpt
from Captain Davenant, who asked for nothing better. Uncle had agreed with the Captain heartily, being very sensible of what drill had accomplished for himself, much as he hated it at the time. He thought of George as clay to the hand of a sergeant, not as cannon fodder.
human
Afeard wi' maids!