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 that climbing way or that running way . '' `` No . Now you mention it , '' said Billy , `` you do n't look as though you were made for climbing or running -- much . Well , how was it , old Hay-bales ? '' `` The proper way , '' said the camel . `` We all sat down -- '' `` Oh , my crupper and breastplate ! '' said the troop-horse under his breath . `` Sat down ! '' `` We sat down -- a hundred of us , '' the camel went on , `` in a big square , and the men piled our packs and saddles , outside the square , and they fired over our backs , the men did , on all sides of the square . '' `` What sort of men ? Any men that came along ? '' said the troop-horse . `` They teach us in riding school to lie down and let our masters fire across us , but Dick Cunliffe is the only man I 'd trust to do that . It tickles my girths , and , besides , I ca n't see with my head on the ground . '' `` What does it matter who fires across you ? '' said the camel .
`` There are plenty XXXXX men and plenty of other camels close by , and a great many clouds of smoke .
across along besides for of on outside to under with