That is, provided you rouse up from lethargy, and bear your part as becomes a man." I spoke with heat, for his indifference irritated me; yet I failed to note that my words made the slightest impression on him, for I did merely mark a slight shrugging of the shoulders, while he crossed his legs more comfortably, rolling some fresh tobacco, before he took trouble to reply.
"You are evidently of a choleric temper, friend Benteen.

Great Heavens, what names have you English!" he exclaimed.

"And you need greatly to practise better control over yourself, as such weakness is apt to lead one into just such scrapes as this of ours.

_Sacre_! it hath been my failing also, otherwise would I now be a fat Major of the Line instead of a poor devil condemned to the volley, for no worse crime than an over-hot head.

But seriously, Monsieur, and I am truly of a most grave disposition, it is not so easy to accomplish that which you propose with so glib a tongue.