`` Oh , it was you , '' said the mule , `` you and your friends , that have been disturbing the camp ? All right . You 'll be beaten for this in the morning . But I may as well give you something on account now . '' I heard the harness jingle as the mule backed and caught the camel two kicks in the ribs that rang like a drum . `` Another time , '' he said , `` you 'll know better than to run through a mule battery at night , shouting ` Thieves and fire ! ' Sit down , and keep your silly neck quiet . '' The camel doubled up camel-fashion , like a two-foot rule , and sat down whimpering . There was a regular beat of hoofs in the darkness , and a big troop-horse cantered up as steadily as though he were on parade , jumped a gun tail , and landed close to the mule . `` It 's disgraceful , '' he said , blowing out his nostrils . `` Those camels have racketed through our lines again -- the third time this week . How 's a horse to keep his condition if he is n't allowed to sleep . Who 's here ? '' `` I 'm the breech-piece mule of number two gun of the First Screw Battery , '' said the mule , `` and the other 's one of your friends . He 's waked me up too . Who are you ? '' `` Number Fifteen , E troop , Ninth Lancers -- Dick Cunliffe 's horse . Stand over a little , there . '' `` Oh , beg your pardon , '' said the mule . `` It 's too dark to see much .
Are n't these XXXXX too sickening for anything ?
Thieves battery camel camels condition friends harness horse lines week