Part 3 (1/2)
”Of course it does. Seems to rest all over your head instead of being held on like a band round your brows. There, I've taught you something.
Better let me see to your straps and slings. These tailors never have the slightest notion of how a man's accoutrements are to be worn.”
The lieutenant examined straps and slings, altering the sword and sabretache buckles, and when these were to his satisfaction he turned to the jack-boots.
”Tried those on?” he said.
”Not yet.”
”Jump into 'em.”
”Oh, but not now.”
”Yes, now. If a man has a good-fitting pair of boots he's half-dressed.”
”Rather a small half, isn't it?” said d.i.c.k dryly.
”Bah! you're talking about clothes; I'm talking about a horseman's accoutrements. A man can ride twice as well if he has good boots. On with them.”
Once more d.i.c.k obeyed.
”Humph! seem to go on pretty easy. Hurt you?”
”No. A little tight perhaps.”
”They'll soon give. Humph! Yes, those will do. You can manage about your clothes yourself. You did try 'em on for the tailor?”
”Yes.”
”Then they will not be so very full of wrinkles, I suppose. Let's see; there was something else. Oh, yes, I remember. What about a horse?”
”I've done nothing about that yet.”
”I suppose not. You must have a good one, you know; but anything could carry you--you're light as a feather--not like me. But there's Morrison's horse to be sold.”
”Morrison's? Who was Morrison?”
”One of ours, he was killed, poor chap! and his effects were sold--all but his horses. There's the one he used to ride in the troop, and it would make it easier for you, Hulton said, if you bought him; but--”
”But what?”
”He's rather an awkward horse to ride unless you know him.”
”Well, I could get to know him,” said d.i.c.k.
”Humph! yes--in time; but he has bad habits.”
”I should have to break him off them.”
”Of course.”