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134
THE YOUNG STAGERS

ran fer the chaplin', forty sloped fer the doctor, an' the remainin' nine mounted guard over Cully 'Ookit an' the eight pennoth o' 'ot rum as the astounded barman 'ad give 'im before he knowed wot 'e was a doin' of.

"In spite o' the fact that the Regiment 'ad got its route an' was entrainin' fer the Plains in the mornin', the Colonel drops heverything an' hups an' leaves 'is work an' rushes dahn ter the Canteen, follered by all the hofficers. Wot a sight meets 'is 'orrified heye. There, at the bar, stood Cully 'Ookit, an' in 'is 'and a steamin' glass o' the best!

"‘Put it dahn or die,' roars the Colonel.

"‘Ho Sir, I cannot,' whimpers the little drummer-boy, aturnin' one black heye hup to 'Eavin' while akeepin' the uvver on the Colonel.

"‘Put it dahn or die,' again roars the Colonel, pluckin' a loaded revolver from 'is belt an' lookin' to the primin' thereof, while hall the hofficers turns their 'eads away.

"‘Ho Sir! pray excuse me,' said pore 'Ookit in dismay. ‘It's too bloomin 'ot.'

"‘Fer the last time,' roars the Colonel, pre-