human
Now, sergeant, he said, after a little preliminary talk,
gpt
I have been sent up by Captain Wilson, with instructions to root out these bands of bush rangers.
human
We have been doing our best for the last three years, sir, but we have not made much of a hand at it.
gpt
No, Reuben agreed,
human
The men are good enough, sir, but they have certainly got disheartened, lately. One way and another, we have lost something like ten men in the last two years; and of course, that last affair with poor Mr. Thomas was a bad one.
gpt
I understand, Reuben said quietly,
human
Well, that is perhaps about it, sir; but I must say the men have been tremendously hardly worked--pretty nigh night and day in the saddle, often called out by false news to one end of the district; and then to find, when they return, that those scoundrels have been down playing their games at some station at the other end. It's enough to dishearten a man.
gpt
So it is, sergeant. I was speaking to Captain Wilson about it, and saying that if we are to succeed we ought to have some fresh hands, who will take up the work with new spirit. We are seven below our force, at present; and he has promised to send me up fifteen new hands, so there will be eight to be relieved. I will leave it to you to pick out the men to go. Mind, put it to them that they are to be relieved simply because Captain Wilson thinks they have had their share of hard work, and should therefore be sent to a quiet station, for a time. Just pick out the men whom you think would be most pleased to go.
human
Very well, sir. I am glad to hear the news, for to tell you the truth, I do think we want a little fresh blood amongst us.