He was within a step of overtaking them when he heard one say, with toss of flaunting ribbons, and hoidenish giggle: "Did you EVER see ANY-body wilt as Alspaugh did when old Bite-Your-Head-Off-In-a-Minute was jawing him?
It was so awfully FUNNY that I just thought I SHOULD DIE." The sentence ended with the picturesque rapid CRESCENDO employed by maidens of her type in describing a convulsive experience.
"Just didn't he," joined in another.

"I never saw ANY-thing so funny in all my BORN DAYS.

I was AFRAID to look at either one of YOU; I knew if I DID I would BURST RIGHT OUT laughing.

I couldn't've HELPED it--I know I COULDN'T, if I'd'a knowed I'd'a DIED the next MINUTE." "This would seem to be a pretty good time to drop the fellow," added the third girl, reflectively.
Alspaugh turned and went in another direction.

At the 9 o'clock roll-call he informed the company that the Inspector was well pleased with its appearance on parade..