human
Hallo! Johnson, cried the latter.
gpt
Is there any truth in the--
human
Oh yes, I know what you mean, said Johnson, with a reckless air.
gpt
I know that I'm drunk.
human
I wouldn't say exactly that of you, returned Miles;
gpt
Well, well, I say it of myself, continued the trooper.
human
It's no use humbuggin' about it. I'm swimmin' wi' the current. Goin' to the dogs like a runaway locomotive. Of course I see well enough that men like Sergeant Hardy, an' Stevenson of the Marines, who have been temperance men all their lives, enjoy good health--would to God I was like 'em! And I know that drinkers are dyin' off like sheep, but that makes it all the worse for me, for, to tell you the honest truth, boys--an' I don't care who knows it--I _can't_ leave off drinkin'. It's killin' me by inches. I know, likewise, that all the old hard drinkers here are soon sent home ruined for life--such of 'em at least as don't leave their miserable bones in the sand, and I know that I'm on the road to destruction, but I can't--I _won't_ give it up!
gpt
Ha! Johnson, said Armstrong,
human
I _will_,
gpt
What! _me_ go to a temperance meetin'? cried the trooper with something of scorn in his laugh.
human
You might as well ask the devil to go to church! No, no, Armstrong, I'm past prayin' for--thank you all the same for invitin' me. But what was you askin' about news bein' true? What news?
gpt
Why, that the old shepherd has been killed, and all our cattle are captured, and the Egyptian cavalry sent after them.
human
You don't say so! cried the trooper, with the air of a man who suddenly shakes off a heavy burden.
gpt
If that's so, they'll be wantin' us also, no doubt.