The Bishop of Barchester 



ment, too, as well as to the best 'orseman in 

 Hengland. The major, who rather fancies 'imself 

 as a rider, don't answer the question, but says: 



" 'See 'ere, Capt'in Ponsonby, you brag of 'ow 

 you can ride' (and that's a lie, for the capt'in 

 never talks 'orse), 'but I'll lay you an even 'undred 

 pun and beat you four and a 'arf miles 'cross- 

 country on anything, over anywhere you say.' 



"They fixed it then and there, with the others 

 crowdin' around, and wrote out the major's words. 

 They say the captin' was almighty solemn and 

 then, all of a suddent, 'e larfs. Everyone turns 

 around to see what the joke's about, for they know 

 Hs sense of humor, and the major says : 



" 'Perhaps the tea 'as gone to 'is 'ead,' but the 

 capt'in just roared with pleasure. Gawd! What 

 a sense of humor the capt'in 'ad ! Then the colo- 

 nel — old Kris, the Tommies call 'im — bein' a 

 terrible knowin' one 'imself, begins to larf until 'e 

 starts chokin'and they 'ave to 'elp 'im into a chair. 



" 'Lord bless me, Cyril, me boy,' 'e gasps, 'that's 

 the capt'in, you know — 'do you want to kill me 

 with your devilish tricks? What, ho!' And 'e 

 begins to larf again. But the capt'in's face don't 

 show a sign, and 'e's puffin' a cigarette. 'E 

 squints at the colonel sharp-Hke through 'iseye- 

 glarss. 



" 'Colonel,' 'e says, 'be quiet, sir, or you'll pop 

 87 



