O'SHEEVO.--Well, well; but you mustn't be obstinate you know, my boy,
in matters that you can't possibly know much about; you can never
learn any thing that way.
PIPECLAY.--You should have a little modesty, Lovell.
O'SHEEVO.--We're a liberal set of fellows here; but, by Jove, Lovell,
I've known many a man that would have asked you to a leaden breakfast.
Young Spanker of the 18th was called out by old Mullins for only
asking him to repeat the number of oysters he said he ate in his great
bet with M'Gobble. They fired six shots without effect, and Mullins
was thought very lenient in not asking for an apology or the seventh.
OLDHAM.--Oh! the service would go to the devil if youngsters were
allowed to lay down the law.
PIPECLAY.--That would never do.
OLDHAM.--A strange file was that old Mullins you were talking of. Our
second battalion was quartered with the 18th once, in Chatham
barracks, when there were some memorable sittings.
PIPECLAY.--I saw old Mullins once only, and then I could form little
opinion of him, as he was half screwed.
O'SHEEVO.--Half screwed! you must be mistaken.
PIPECLAY.--I assure you I am rather under the mark in saying half
screwed.
O'SHEEVO.--Ah! I knew he never made so near an approach to sobriety as
to be half screwed.
OLDHAM.--_He_ would have been the fellow to receive the French! Come,
now, Lovell, I'll show you, if you won't be obstinate and
contradictory.