`` Do n't you ever trip ? '' said the troop-horse . `` They say that when a mule trips you can split a hen 's ear , '' said Billy . `` Now and again perhaps a badly packed saddle will upset a mule , but it 's very seldom . I wish I could show you our business . It 's beautiful . Why , it took me three years to find out what the men were driving at . The science of the thing is never to show up against the sky line , because , if you do , you may get fired at . Remember that , young un . Always keep hidden as much as possible , even if you have to go a mile out of your way . I lead the battery when it comes to that sort of climbing . '' `` Fired at without the chance of running into the people who are firing ! '' said the troop-horse , thinking hard . `` I could n't stand that . I should want to charge -- with Dick . '' `` Oh , no , you would n't . You know that as soon as the guns are in position they 'll do all the charging . That 's scientific and neat . But knives -- pah ! '' The baggage-camel had been bobbing his head to and fro for some time past , anxious to get a word in edgewise .
Then I heard him say , as he cleared his throat , nervously : `` I -- I -- I have fought a little , but not in XXXXX climbing way or that running way . ''
against as at for if in of that to with