“Here's a rubber poncho.
“Let's see! that's all in the clothing line. Now for your arms and accoutrements!”
I appealed to the sergeant:
“Let me carry a load of my things to the barracks before receiving my arms and other fixings?”
“Can't do it—take too much time; and if you did go over with part of your outfit, somebody'd steal what you left in the barracks before you returned with the rest.”
“Go it, then,” I exclaimed in despair, and the sergeant continued:
“This carbine is just the thing to kill rebels with if you ever get near enough to them. It's a short-range weapon, but cavalrymen are supposed to ride down the enemy at short range.
“The carbine sling and swivel attaches the carbine over your shoulder.
“This cartridge box will be filled before you go on the skirmish line; so will the cap pouch.
“This funny-looking little thing with a string attached is a wiper with which to keep your carbine clean inside.