It was a very hot night, and my musket was very heavy.

We marched and marched; and the nearer we approached the seat of war, the hotter I grew and the thirstier I got.

I was behind my friend; so, finally, I asked him to hold my musket while I dropped out and got a drink.

Then I branched off and went home.

I was not feeling any solicitude about him of course, because I knew he was so well armed, now, that he could take care of himself without any trouble.