human
I hope we aren't trespassing, said Mr. Howbridge.
gpt
We were blown on the island last night, and we're looking for help to get our houseboat back into the lake.
human
Oh, no, you aren't trespassing, the man replied with a smile, showing two rows of white teeth that contrasted strangely with his black beard.
gpt
I own part of the island, but not all of it. What sort of boat did you say?
human
Houseboat, and the lawyer explained the trouble.
gpt
Are there men here we can get to help us pole her off the shore?
human
Well, I guess I and my two boys could give you a hand, was the slow answer.
gpt
They've gone over to the mainland with some fish to sell, but they'll be back around noon.
human
We'll be glad of their help, went on the lawyer.
gpt
Do you live here all the while?
human
Mostly. I and my boys fish and guide. Lots of men come here in the summer that don't know where to fish, and we take 'em out.
gpt
Were those your two sons we saw in a motor boat back there in the cove?
human
What sort of boat was it?
gpt
No, those weren't my boys, returned the man, while the dog made friends with the visitors, much to the delight of Dot and Tess.
human
We haven't any such boat as that. I don't know who those fellows could be, though of course many people come to this island.
gpt
I wish we could find out who those men are, said Mr. Howbridge.
human
I have peculiar reasons for wanting to know,
gpt
I think they call themselves Klondikers, because they have been, or claim to have been, to the Alaskan Klondike, said Neale.
human
Do you happen to know any Klondikers around here?
gpt
Yes, I do. A man named O'Neil.
human
What! exclaimed Neale, starting forward.
gpt
Do you know my father? Where is he? Tell me about him!
human
Well, I don't know that he's your father, went on the black-bearded man.
gpt
Though, now I recollect, he did say he had a son and he hoped to see him soon. But this O'Neil lives on one of the islands here in the lake. Or at least he's been staying there the last week. He bought some fish of me, and he said then he'd been to the Klondike after gold.
human
Did he say he got any?
gpt
I wouldn't say so, he remarked.
human
Mr. O'Neil had to borrow money of one of my boys to hire a boat. I guess he's poorer than the general run. He couldn't have got any gold in the Klondike.