human
some word or message, I was sure to hear Peter's limping step and his loud whisper,
gpt
Sure it's dying he is; can't ye lave him in the hands av God, an' go to your bed?
human
While located at Ringgold, Georgia, it was considered desirable to remove some of the convalescents to a camp hospital at Cherokee Springs, some three miles out of town. It became my duty to see these patients every evening, and I rode out on horseback attended by Peter. Riding into camp one evening, I dismounted near a tent in front of which a group of officers were standing, in conversation with Dr. ----, of Kentucky. We exchanged a few words of greeting as I passed on to attend to my patients. Returning, to mount my horse, I noticed that Peter rather rudely pushed before Lieutenant ----, who came forward to assist me. I also noticed that his face wore the old sullen look, and that his manner was decidedly unpleasant. Before we had gone far, he broke out with,
gpt
Amazed, I questioned why?
human
Sure, thim fellers was makin' game av ye an' callin' ye out av yer name.
gpt
Why, Peter, cried I,
human
gpt
Thim offshurs, ma'am. Sure, I couldn't make out their furrin worruds, but I belave 'tis a _sinner_ they called ye. Faith, an' if _ye're_ a sinner, where wad the saints be? Of course, woman-like, I became furious, and, on our arrival at headquarters, indignantly reported the
human
Yes, she is a _sine qua non_. My amusement was mingled with chagrin at my hasty anger, but Peter remained unconvinced and never forgave the offenders. Upon another occasion I was compelled to interfere to protect an innocent victim of Peter's wrath. One of my
gpt
about returning to his command came to take leave of me and to offer a little keepsake. This was, or appeared to be, a crochet-needle prettily carved and having _one end fringed out_. I took it with thanks, saying,
human
I hope I may use this needle to crochet a pair of mittens for you. Cried the donor,
gpt
That ain't no crochet-needle.
human
No? Well, what is it?
gpt
It is a dipping-stick; don't you chaw snuff? Upon my indignant denial, the crestfallen man exclaimed,
human
Well, Lor', lady, I made sure you did, you're so yaller complected