“But I didn’t mean this; why, I have cut two pairs of boots to pieces against these here sharp rocks since we began it.”
“Ay,” said Kavanagh, “but you had already worn-out some of your garments at the other game, so it was only considerate to give the feet a chance.”
“Well, it’s a pity them that likes it should not have the doing of it,” said the judicious Tarrant.
“Well, you know, you could not pull an oar, and you can pull a rope,” said Grady, “so you are a trifle more useful now than you were before; and begorra you had need.”
“I could pull a rope if it were over the bough of a tree, and the other end round your neck,” snarled Tarrant.
“Oh, the murdering villain!” cried Grady. “And would ye be after hanging a poor boy who never harmed ye in all his life?”
“Well, keep a civil tongue in your head.”
“Sure, and it’s myself that has kissed the Blarney stone, and can do that same. And if you had such a thing as a bottle of whisky or a pound of tobacco about you, I would make you believe you were a pleasant companion, and pretty to look at besides. But what’s the use of telling lies when there’s nothing to be got by it?”
“Suppose you were to pull a bit harder and talk a bit less,” said Corporal Adams.
“And I will, corporal dear,” replied Grady. “But sure I thought we was marching at ease.”