Myself. That would be nice; and if you were to give me plenty of these things, I should have no objection. But what would my father say? I think he would hardly let me.
Man. Why not? he would be with you; and kindly would we treat him. Indeed, without your father you would be nothing at all.
Myself. That’s true; but I do not think he could be spared from his regiment. I have heard him say that they could do nothing without him.
Man. His regiment! What are you talking about?—what does the child mean?
Myself. What do I mean!—why, that my father is an officer-man at the barracks yonder, keeping guard over the French prisoners.
Man. Oh! then that sap is not your father?
Myself. What, the snake? Why, no! Did you think he was?
Man. To be sure we did. Didn’t you tell me so?
Myself. Why, yes; but who would have thought you would have believed it? It is a tame one. I hunt vipers, and tame them.
Man. O-h!