human
Is that Colonel Rawley?
gpt
Why, bless my soul! exclaimed he,
human
We have lost two,
gpt
Pah! that's nothing. I came out expecting to bury the whole kit of you. Here's Clayley, too. Clayley, your friend Twing's with us; you'll find him in the rear.
human
Ha! Clayley, old boy! cried Twing, coming up;
gpt
Delicious, by Jove!
human
Come, Captain, try it.
gpt
Thank you,
human
But where is old Bios? killed, wounded, or missing?
gpt
I believe the major is not far off, and still uninjured.
human
Hilloa, Bios!
gpt
Why, bless me, Twing, I'm glad to see you! answered Blossom, throwing his arms around the diminutive major.
human
But where on earth is your pewter?
gpt
Here, Cudjo! That flask, boy!
human
Faith, Twing, I'm near choked; we've been fighting all day--a devil of a fight! I chased a whole squad of the cursed scoundrels on Hercules, and came within a squirrel's jump of riding right into their nest. We've killed dozens; but Haller will tell you all. He's a good fellow, that Haller; but he's too rash--rash as blazes! Hilloa, Hercules! glad to see you again, old fellow; you had a sharp brush for it.
gpt
Remember your promise, Major,
human
I'll do better, Captain. I'll give you a choice between Hercules and a splendid black I have. Faith! it's hard to part with you, old Herky, but I know the captain will like the black better: he's the handsomest horse in the whole army; bought him from poor Ridgely, who was killed at Monterey.
gpt
Very well, Major, I replied.
human
I'll take the black. Mr Clayley, mount the men on their mules: you will take command of the company, and proceed with Colonel Rawley to camp. I shall go myself for the Don.
gpt
We may not get in before noon to-morrow. Say nothing of my absence to anyone. I shall make my report at noon tomorrow.
human
And, Captain--
gpt
Well, Clayley?
human
You will carry back my--.
gpt
What? To which friend?
human
Of course, to Mary of the Light.
gpt
Oh, certainly!
human
In your best Spanish.
gpt
Rest assured,