human
John, cried the latter,
gpt
Where is Hal?
human
Why, they--aren't they--they'll be here in a few minutes,
gpt
Where are they?
human
Now hold on here, said Uncle John, regaining his composure with an effort.
gpt
I'll explain. Hal and Chester are all right. They'll be here in a few minutes.
human
And what on earth is the matter with you, John?
gpt
What's the matter with me?
human
Yes. Your collar is half off, your clothes are dirty and there is blood on your shoe. What is the matter?
gpt
Well, nothing much, replied Uncle John in great confusion,
human
And were Hal and Chester with you?
gpt
Yes, that is no. I mean--
human
Come now, John, no fibbing, said Mrs. Crawford.
gpt
You were in trouble, and Hal and Chester were with you. Where are they now?
human
Well, to tell the truth, I don't know where they are, said Uncle John.
gpt
I supposed they would be here by this time.
human
They left the house without being hurt?
gpt
Yes, ma'am.
human
Then where can they be now?
gpt
I'm sure I don't know, unless they have stopped for a talk with the general, and that's about the size of it.
human
I guess you are right, replied Mrs. Paine with relief.
gpt
But why didn't you tell us all this before you went out to-night?
human
Yes, why didn't you?
gpt
Well, said Uncle John slowly,
human
You are getting too old for such foolishness,
gpt
I thought so myself, replied Uncle John,
human
I'll think you have reached your second childhood if you ever let me hear of anything like it again,
gpt
I'll go out and see if I can find the boys,
human
Please do,
gpt
And see that you keep out of mischief yourself,
human
These women are funny things, he said.
gpt
I wonder what can have happened to those boys? They've probably gone back to look for me. Guess I had better head that way myself. I may come in handy, you never can tell.
human
I may have use for this next time,