"How did that thur bonfire get alight?"
"Go along with you trying to tap a King's trooper."
The dragoon winked at a group of women. He was a fat, lusty, cheerful dog, and the women giggled and were flattered.
"The sergeant knows."
"Just look at his wicked eye."
"I like a chap to be red and healthy. They do say the French be the colour o' tallow."
"Now, sergeant, we were that terrified!"
"Sure—you'll be for telling——"
"Well, ladies, if old men will nip a little to keep out the cold! It all came of old Daddy Tonks having a bottle of smuggled rum on him."
"What, he set her alight while he was merry?"