GR translation: hedge or hang

[David Morris]

Definition of HEDGE

1: a fence or boundary formed by a dense row of shrubs or low trees b:
barrier, limit

2: a means of protection or defense (as against financial loss)

3: a calculatedly noncommittal or evasive statement

So, Pointsman is being evasive by non-chalantly not accepting the
implicit command he fears:   (Does he mean “forget Slothrop”?)

The "hang" other side of "or" would be a figurative execution.

On Mon, Dec 19, 2011 at 10:39 AM, Mike Jing
<gravitys.rainbow.cn at gmail.com> wrote:
> P53.2-6   “Take the octopus.” Does he mean “forget Slothrop”? A charged moment.
>               But then Pointsman laughs the well-known laugh that’s
> done him yeoman service in a profession where too often it’s hedge or
> hang. “I’m always being told to take animals.”
>
> What exactly is "hedge or hang"?