Page:The Story of the Gadsbys - Kipling (1888).djvu/66



(to himself, fingering a headstall).—Jack's an ass. There's enough brass on this to load a mule and, if the Americans know anything about anything, it can be cut down to a bit only. 'Don't want the watering-bridle, either. Humbug! Half a dozen sets of chains and pulleys for the same horse! (Scratching his head.) Now, let's consider it all over from the beginning. By Jove, I've forgotten the scale of weights! Ne'er mind. 'Keep the bit only, and eliminate every boss from the crupper to the breastplate. No breastplate at all. Simple leather strap across the breast—like the Russians. Hi! Jack never thought of that!

(entering hastily, her hand bound in a cloth).—Oh, Pip, I've scalded my hand over that horrid, horrid Tiparee jam!

(absently).—Eh! Wha-at?

(with round-eyed reproach).—I've scalded it aw-fully! Aren't you sorry? And I did so want that jam to jam properly.

—Poor little woman! Let me kiss the place and make it well. (Unrolling bandage.) You small sinner! Where's that scald? I can't see it.

—On the top of the little finger. There!—It's a most 'normous big burn!