"Private Tummy is a shirker, who doesn't want to do his duty. But it's your duty as his Commanding Officer to show him that it must be done. And that's the game we're playing. You'll employ tact before you have recourse to stringent measures. Not make the fellow dogged or furious by angry words or threats. When it's necessary to shoot, shoot straight. But, first, you give the order."
"Oughtn't ve officer to have a wevolver?"
"Wait a second, and you shall have mine."
The deft fingers twirled out and pocketed the cartridge-packed chambers, and put the harmless weapon into the childish hands.
"It's veway heavy," Hammy said dolefully, as the shining Army Smith & Wesson wobbled in his feeble clutches, then wavered and sank ingloriously down upon his lap.
"If you had drunk the milk you might have found it lighter. Suppose we try now. Attention!"
—"'Tention!" piped Hammy.
"Hands, catch hold. Mouth, do your duty. And if Private Tummy disobeys, he'll have to take the consequences."
"Please, what are ve confequences?"
"Drink down the milk, and then I'll tell you."