And there he was happy enough, for he was rapidly growing into being the pet of the regiment, and first one of the men brought him fruit, and some one thing and some another; but Mrs Corporal was always pretty close at hand to take care that he was not spoiled or made ill, and Corporal Joe said over and over again to his wife, that it was “ama-a-azin’.”
“What’s amazing, Joe?” she said one day. “What do you keep saying that for?”
“’Cause it is,” he said.
“Yes, but why, Joe?”
“’Cause ever since I found that there boy you’ve been as proud as a peacock with two tails.”
“And enough to make me,” said Mrs Corporal tartly. “There never was such a boy before. Look at him!” and she pointed to where the little fellow, in full uniform, was perched on a mule-pack, and the baggage guard with fixed bayonets marched close beside.
“Yes,” said Joe drily, as he screwed up his face; “I’ve been a-looking at him a deal. His coatee fits horrid.”
“That it don’t,” said Mrs Corporal; “and it was the best I could do out of such old stuff.”
“Well, it weer old,” said her husband; “but it’s all crinkles and creases, and that boy puzzles me.”