"My course lies anywhere," said I.
"Then—if you be so minded—?"
"I am so minded," said I.
"Then, sir, jump up," said he.
"Thanks!" said I.
So I climbed upon the seat beside him, and then I saw that he had a wooden leg, and straightway understood his smart bearing, and general neat appearance.
"You have been a soldier?" said I.
"And my name's Tom, and I could tell you a sight about them Spanishers, and Frenchies—that is, if—you be so minded?"
"I am so minded; fire away, Tom."
"Well," he began, fixing his eyes on the "wheeler's" ears, "they Frenchies ain't so bad as is thought, though they do eat frogs, but what I say is—if they be so minded, why frogs let it be!"