[12] "Poilu" means hairy, and conveys the sense of shaggy strength.
[13] The Germans are called "Boches" by the French and "Huns" by the British. The origin of the word "Boche" is disputed; the word "Hun" is used to denote ruthless barbarity.
[CHAPTER V]
THE DISPATCH-RIDER
"Do you suppose," said Horace, after the veteran had gone, "that they'd let me join in the fight? It may begin any time, some one said."
"You wouldn't be any use," the hunchback answered, shaking his head. "What could you do?"
"I could try the cavalry, I ride pretty well," suggested the boy. "I used to live on a ranch when I was a kid."
His companion smiled indulgently.
"What do you know of bugle calls? What practice have you had with a saber? How much do you know about cavalry maneuvers? Why, boy, you'd bungle up a cavalry charge so badly that the kindest thing they could do would be to tie your hands together and let the horse do all the work."
Horace looked crestfallen but he knew his comrade was in the right.