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I must tell it, myself; though, faith, lads, you lose not a little for want of Monsoon's tact in the narrative." "Anything is better that trusting to such a biographer," cried the major; "so here goes:
The cavalry were, it is true, composed mostly of young fellows well-appointed, and in most cases well-mounted; but a more disorderly, careless, undisciplined set of good-humored fellows never formed a corps in the world. Monsoon's opinions were felt in every branch of the service, from the adjutant to the drumboy, the same reckless, indolent, plunder-loving spirit prevailed everywhere.
"It's not a long one," said Power, "so I don't care if I tell it; and besides, if I make a clean breast of my own sins, I'll insist upon Monsoon's telling you afterwards how he stocked his cellar in Cadiz. Eh, Major; there's worse tipple than the King of Spain's sherry?"
"That's some of old Monsoon's particular port." "Pass it round here. Really this is pleasant." "My blessing on the man who left that vista yonder! See what a glorious valley stretches out there, undulating in its richness; and look at those dark trees, where just one streak of soft sunlight is kissing their tops, giving them one chaste good-night " "Well done, Power!"
Our supper was excellent, and we were enjoying ourselves to the utmost, when an orderly sergeant suddenly opened the door, and raising his hand to his cap, asked if Major Power was there. "A letter for you, sir." "Monsoon's writing, by Jove! Come, boys, let us see what it means. What a hand the old fellow writes! The letters look all crazy, and are tumbling against each other on every side.
"Well, well," said Mr Chisholm, who was a jocular sort of young fellow and never hard on a man, besides which he knew Draper's crusty way, "tell us what you know, then." "Very good, sir," replied our old shellback of a coxswain. "Then, I knows, sir, the monsoon's on the shift, and we're agoin' to have a blow from the nor'ard afore dark." "What do you advise our doing, coxen?"
"That's just what I won't; for ye see I don't know it; but I believe old Monsoon's affair has put everything out of their heads." "Monsoon's affair! What is that? Out with it, Dennis." "Faith, I'll be just as discreet about that as your own business.
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