human
I say, Anthony, said I, somewhat nervously,
gpt
Indeed I do not! replied Whaup,
human
I've been puzzling my brains for the last three days over the Yeomanry Regulations, but I can make nothing out of their 'Reverse flanks' and 'Reforming by sections of threes?'
gpt
And I'm as ignorant as a baby! What on earth are we to do? That big fellow of a sergeant won't let us stand quietly, I suppose.
human
I stick to Pounset, said Whaup.
gpt
Whatever he does I do, and I advise you to do the same by Randolph.
human
But what if they should ride away? Isn't there some disgusting nonsense about forming from threes?
gpt
I suppose the horses know something about it, else what's the use of them? That brute of yours must have gone through the evolutions a thousand times, and ought to know the word of command by heart--Hallo!--I say, Pounset, just take care of that mare of yours, will ye! She's kicking like the very devil, and my beast is beginning to plunge!
human
I wouldn't be Pounset's rear-rank for twenty pounds, said a stalwart trooper to the left.
gpt
She has the ugliest trick of using her heels of any mare in Christendom.
human
Much obliged to you, sir, for the information, said Whaup, controlling, with some difficulty, the incessant curveting of his steed.
gpt
I say, Pounset, if she tries that trick again I'll hamstring her without the slightest ceremony.
human
Pooh--nonsense! replied Pounset.
gpt
Woa, Miss Frolic--woa, lass!--she's the gentlest creature in the creation--a child might ride her with a feather. Mere playfulness, my dear fellow, I assure you!
human
Hang her playfulness! cried Anthony;
gpt
I've no idea of having my brains made a batter pudding for the amusement of a jade like that.
human
Are you sure, Whaup, that you did not tickle her tail? asked Pounset, with provoking coolness.
gpt
She's a rare 'un to scatter a crowd.
human
Hang me if I'd come within three yards of her if I possibly could help it, quoth Anthony.
gpt
If any gentleman in the neighbourhood has a fancy to exchange places, I'm his man.
human
Threes right!