human
We were both born with a complete pair of parents on ranches, adjoining ones, along Cap Rock in Texas, but circumstances, over which we had no control removed my mother and Bob's father, Jim explained.
gpt
When I was twelve I discovered that my father was spending a lot of time on the Caldwell ranch and I lay awake nights wondering why a Texas gentleman couldn't shoot a lady.
human
And I planned to set a trap for Mr. Austin and fill him full of lead, Bob offered.
gpt
Give me your apple, Jim.
human
Then, one day, I happened along by the water-hole and found some Greasers knocking the stuffing out of Bob. We beat them off, and after that, I went to the Caldwell's. It was a nice, clean house and Mrs. Caldwell gave me a square meal, woman cooked.
gpt
My mother is the best cook in Texas,
human
Yes. That night I started to follow my father and I ran into Bob. We rode about and talked it over. Bob's mother wanted him to go to school.
gpt
And Bob didn't want to,
human
Oh yes I did,
gpt
But a mother, ranch, a string of horses and a pair of blue cranes, is a responsibility, Jim offered,
human
Then, we rode to the house--
gpt
And found his father eating a piece of chocolate cake that I didn't know anything about,
human
And he'd eaten the last crumbs, Jim added.
gpt
Then, we told them they were a pair of boobs. A week later the knots were tied that united the ranches and made us step-brothers. We were all at our place--
human
And Bob was to be sent to school?
gpt
Sure, but his mother said I had to go too,
human
Not so good.
gpt
It was not so bad because his father said that when we finished the course, it was four years, we could have an airplane, he'd see that we were properly instructed in its chauffeuring. We were both hipped about flying,
human
So we went to the school, did the work in two years and a half, learned piloting on the side, then went home and made the old man keep his word. Meet Her Highness,
gpt
I'm glad to, the officer grinned broadly.
human
Now, tell me what you are doing here.
gpt
You haven't told us anything about yourself,
human
Later.
gpt
Bob's mother has a sister, Mrs. Norman Fenton, and she lives on a farm on North Hero Island. In the summer time she takes tourists and calls the house, Stumble Inn. We came to see a bit of the world and to pay her a visit. Arrived yesterday and this morning took a hop over British soil. We like it even if it isn't Texas.
human
That's generous of you. I'm Sergeant Bradshaw on border patrol duty, the horse is Patrick. He was imported from one of the western states, don't know which one, but he was a bloody beast when he was wished on me--
gpt
Somebody had mistreated him, Bob announced.
human
He's got a scar on his leg. Looks like a short-hitch hobble that cut him.
gpt
Reckon it was done with raw-hide,
human
Pat doesn't usually make friends with strangers. You must have a way with horses,
gpt
We came out of the sky to meet him,
human
Dad told us before we started north to make our trip as profitable as possible by learning all we can. It's against our principles to ask impudent questions, but we should like to know what you have to do,
gpt
I have to patrol this territory, watch the roads carefully, and every place where smugglers of any kind might try to break across the border. There has been no end of bootlegging--
human
Thought Canada was all wet,
gpt
The provinces have local option and Quebec went dry, so we have to enforce it, but the rum runners are the least of our troubles, although they are bad enough. There's a lot of objectionable people sneaking in to both this country and yours, besides drugs and jewelry. This is a pretty wild section and it keeps Pat and me on our toes.
human
Noticed from the air it isn't much settled. Didn't know there is so much open space outside of Texas,
gpt
I should think you'd have a plane and you could see what's going on a lot better. With the glasses we knew all about what you looked like before we came down,
human
There are some planes on the job, but men and horses are necessary--mighty necessary, the sergeant answered.
gpt
The airmen can tell us if anything is moving that is suspicious, but we have to be down here to get it, unless the outlaws are taking the air.
human
Anything special afoot now,
gpt
You bet there is. Both boys looked at him eagerly.
human
Our men and yours have been working for months trying to get something on a gang that has put it over every time. If we don't make a killing soon, I can see where there will be a general shaking up in both forces and a lot of us will be sent to hoe hay.
gpt
Tell you what, we didn't think we'd find anything very exciting so far north, but I reckon we'll ooze around here and see what we can pick up. Maybe we can help you. You'll recognize Her Highness if you see her sailing through again, and if we want to communicate with you, we'll circle around and drop you a message if we can't land. How will you let us know if you receive it O.K.?
human
That's fine of you, Jim, but this is a man-sized job. I appreciate your offer no end, old top, but your Aunt and Uncle, to say nothing of your mother and father would come down on me hard if I agreed to let you risk your necks--
gpt
The parents are sensible people, we picked them out for that very reason. They both told us to have a good time, and helping you looks to me like a good time--
human
Besides, what would we risk? All we could do is report to you if we see anything, and like as not what we see won't be much help because we're so green. But, if we did see anything real--because we are such a pair of nuts we might put something over for you. We elect ourselves, you're in the minority, so, if you hear Her Highness, listen, stop, watch. Come on, Buddy, your aunt was making cherry pies when we left and if we don't get a move on, some cadaverous tourist is likely to come along and eat every snitch of it. They are a greedy lot.
gpt
Isn't your aunt the woman who raises such a flock of turkeys?
human
Sure, she used to. She has them on Isle La Motte, but last year they didn't do so well, and she said last night that she isn't having much luck this spring. It's tough because there is money in turkeys if you can ever make them grow up,
gpt
I drove down there once and got a couple for my family. They were grand birds. Come on, Pat.
human
You haven't told us yet how we will know that you get our message,
gpt
I'll wave my hat, and if I want you to come down, I'll keep it off my head, but you fellows watch your step and don't go doing anything that will get us all into the cooler,
human
We'll look out.
gpt
Need any help?
human
Not a bit, thanks.