`` Extraordinary ! Most extraordinary ! '' he said . `` It runs in our family . Now , where has that nasty little beast gone to ? '' I heard him feeling about with his trunk . `` We all seem to be affected in various ways , '' he went on , blowing his nose . `` Now , you gentlemen were alarmed , I believe , when I trumpeted . '' `` Not alarmed , exactly , '' said the troop-horse , `` but it made me feel as though I had hornets where my saddle ought to be . Do n't begin again . '' `` I 'm frightened of a little dog , and the camel here is frightened by bad dreams in the night . '' `` It is very lucky for us that we have n't all got to fight in the same way , '' said the troop-horse . `` What I want to know , '' said the young mule , who had been quiet for a long time -- `` what I want to know is , why we have to fight at all . '' `` Because we 're told to , '' said the troop-horse , with a snort of contempt . `` Orders , '' said Billy the mule , and his teeth snapped . `` Hukm hai ! '' -LRB- It is an order ! -RRB- , said the camel with a gurgle , and Two Tails and the bullocks repeated , `` Hukm hai ! '' `` Yes , but who gives the orders ? '' said the recruit-mule .
`` The man who walks at your head -- Or sits on your back -- Or holds the nose rope -- Or twists your tail , '' said XXXXX and the troop-horse and the camel and the bullocks one after the other .
Billy bullocks dog gentlemen hai hornets night recruit-mule troop-horse ways