Private Jones was summoned to appear before his captain.
"Jones," said the officer, frowning darkly, "this gentleman complains
that you have killed his dog."
"A dastardly trick," interrupted the owner of the dog, "to kill a
defenseless animal that would harm no one!"
"Not much defenseless about him," chimed in the private, heatedly. "He
bit pretty freely into my leg, so I ran my bayonet into him."
"Nonsense!" answered the owner angrily. "He was a docile creature. Why
did you not defend yourself with the butt of your rifle?"
"Why didn't he bite me with his tail?" asked Private Jones, with spirit.