human
You say the Tenth? said he briefly.
gpt
You have been with the colors? Look here, my man, do you want to serve?
human
I am going right back to Kaskasky for it, sor.
gpt
Why not enlist with us? I need men. We are off for the West, up the Missouri--for a long trip, like enough. You seem a well-built man, and you have seen service. I know men when I see them. I want men of courage and good temper. Will you go?
human
I could not say, sor. I would have to ask leave at Kaskasky. I gave me word I'd come back after I'd had me fling here in the East, ye see.
gpt
I'll take care of that. I have full authority to recruit among enlisted men.
human
Excuse me, sor, ye are sayin' ye are goin' up the Missouri? Then I know yez--yez are the Captain Lewis that has been buildin' the big boat the last two months up at the yards--Captain Lewis from Washington.
gpt
Yes, and from the Ohio country before then--and Kentucky, too. I am to join Captain Clark at the Point of Rocks on the Ohio. I need another oar. Come, my man, we are on our way. Two minutes ought to be enough for you to decide.
human
I'll need not the half of two! rejoined Patrick Gass promptly.
gpt
Give me leave of my captain, and I am with yez! There is nothin' in the world I'd liever see than the great plains and the buffalo. 'Tis fond of travel I am, and I'd like to see the ind of the world before I die.
human
You will come as near seeing the end of it with us as anywhere else I know, rejoined Lewis quietly.
gpt
Get your war-bag and come aboard.