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Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

"From Mine Own People"

Echo, sir. Speshul edition! Star, sir."--"Shall I get you a foot-
warmer?" said another.
"Thanks. I'll pay my footing," said Dick, and relations of the most amiable
were established ere silence came with the arrival of the subaltern, and the
train jolted out over the rough track.
"This is an immense improvement on shooting the unimpressionable Fuzzy in the
open," said Dick, from his place in the corner.
"Oh, but he's still unimpressed. There he goes!" said the subaltern, as a
bullet struck the outside of the truck. "We always have at least one
demonstration against the night-train. Generally they attack the rear-truck,
where my junior commands. He gets all the fun of the fair."
"Not tonight though! Listen!" said Dick. A flight of heavy-handed bullets was
succeeded by yelling and shouts. The children of the desert valued their
nightly amusement, and the train was an excellent mark.
"Is it worth giving them half a hopper full?" the subaltern asked of the
engine, which was driven by a Lieutenant of Sappers.
"I should think so! This is my section of the line. They'll be playing old
Harry with my permanent way if we don't stop "em."
"Right O!"
"Hrrmph!" said the machine gun through all its five noses as the subaltern drew
the lever home.


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