human
said Mr. Hickox,
gpt
How do we get there?
human
Well, there're several ways. Haven't got a horse, have you?
gpt
No, said Leicester;
human
No; 'tain't any too much of a sprint for young legs like yours. It's two miles around by the road and over the bridge. But it's only a mile across by the boat.
gpt
But we haven't any boat.
human
Haven't any boat! well I should say you had. Why there is half-a-dozen rowboats belongs to this hotel; and a catboat too, and a sneak-box,--my land! you've got everything but a steamboat.
gpt
And Captain Kane said we could use his steamboat, cried Dorothy, gleefully;
human
So you have, so you have, agreed Mr. Hickox, rubbing his long hands together, in a curious way he had;
gpt
Do you live near here, Mr. Hickox?
human
Well, yes, miss. Just a piece up the road. And if you want some nice fresh garden truck, now and then,--just now and then;--we haven't got enough to supply you regular.
gpt
We'll be very glad to have it, whenever you can spare it, said Dorothy;
human
I'll send for it.
gpt
Well, no, Miss Dorothy. I'd some rather you wouldn't send for it. You see Mrs. Hickox she's apt to--to be surprised at anything like that.
human
Oh, very well, said Dorothy;
gpt
Now and again,--just now and again. But when we have them to spare I'll bring 'em. It'll be all right. Now I must jog along; Mrs. Hickox will be surprised if I don't get home pretty soon.
human
One thing more, Mr. Hickox, said Mrs. Dorrance.
gpt
Are there ever any burglars or marauders around this neighborhood?
human
Land, no, ma'm! Bless your heart, don't you worry a mite! Such a thing was never heard of in these parts. Burglars! ho, ho, well I guess not! Why I've never locked my front door in my life, and I never knew anybody around here that did.
gpt
What a very surprisable woman Mrs. Hickox seems to be.
human
Yes, agreed Dorothy;
gpt
I'm anxious to see her. I think I'd like to surprise her a few times.
human
Well, he's a nice man, said Lilian;
gpt
I like him.
human
Yes, he is nice, said Leicester;
gpt
Hold on, my First Gold-Stick-In-Waiting, said Dorothy;
human
I think you promised to make a kitchen fire.
gpt
Sure enough, Major-domo, returned Leicester, gaily;
human
I'll do that in a jiffy. Where's the kindling-wood?
gpt
Where's the kindling-wood, indeed, returned Dorothy;
human
All right, my lady. I'll make your fire, even if I have to split up that big settle for fire-wood.
gpt
Oh, grannymother, cried Dorothy,