human
Good-morning, colonel. Good-morning, Captain Cram. We're in luck to-day. Couldn't possibly have lovelier weather. I'm only sorry this came off so suddenly and I hadn't time to invite our friends out from town. They would have been so pleased to see the battalion;--the ceremonies.
gpt
H'm! There was plenty of time if you'd returned to the post at retreat yesterday, sir, growled old Braxton.
human
Everybody was notified who was here then. What time _did_ you get back, sir?
gpt
Upon my word, colonel, I don't know. I never thought to look or inquire; but it was long after taps. Pardon me, though, I see I'm late inspecting. And in a moment he was riding quietly around among his teams and guns, narrowly scrutinizing each toggle, trace, and strap before taking station midway between his lead drivers, and then, as Cram approached, reporting,
human
Left section ready, sir.