human
Oh! tell me I'm not dreaming, Elmer, and that I have really and truly shot a fine deer, just when we needed it the worst kind?
gpt
There's no mistake about it, old fellow, because here's your deer as plain as anything,
human
Think how the other fellows will yell when they see it! Lil Artha continued,
gpt
I should think not, the scout master admitted;
human
If they try any of that softy business they'll take a back seat in a hurry, let me tell you, was what the matter-of-fact scout remarked.
gpt
But, Elmer, ain't it queer that somehow the snow woods don't look quite so dreary to me now? Fact is, I kind of think this is as pretty a sight as I've seen for a long time.
human
They always say circumstances alter cases, Lil Artha, and when I hear you talking that way I know it's true. When a man's as hungry as he can be and yet live, the world looks different to him from what it does an hour later after some kind friend has filled him up. This deer gives you the magic spectacles through which you view things in an altogether different light.
gpt
I guess you're right, Elmer, admitted the other;
human
I was feeling blue, and so I looked at everything through blue glasses. Now I'm seeing rosy. But say, however will we manage?
gpt
You mean about getting the game back to camp, I reckon, Lil Artha?
human
That's what I'm striking at, Elmer. We must be some distance off, and I should think the deer would weigh between a hundred-and-fifty and two hundred pounds; a pretty hefty load for two boys, with all this snow around. And yet to have to stop so as to cut the deer up would delay us like fun.
gpt
Wait, and let's look around for a strong pole, suggested Elmer, who had seen heavier game than this carried for miles by two husky cow punchers or hunters.
human
I have some good stout cord along, which we'll use to tie his forelegs together, and then the hind ones ditto. The pole will pass through, and is carried on a shoulder of each. That's the way hunters always get their shoot to camp, if there are a pair of them.