human
I--I beg your pardon for----
gpt
Here, young feller, cut in the Captain as Mr. McGowan turned away,
human
I want to interduce you to my best friend, Miss Elizabeth Fox. This here is the new minister, Beth, Mack McGowan.
gpt
I've been hearing very interesting stories about your prowess, Mr. McGowan.
human
I trust they are true.
gpt
Indeed, they are. Captain Pott told me.
human
I did make quite an impression on him, replied Mr. McGowan as he looked at the seaman's swollen eyelids.
gpt
I fear you've heard prejudiced accounts of me.
human
I don't like them that way one bit, laughed Elizabeth,
gpt
See here! I ain't going to stand this insinuating any longer, interposed the Captain, his good humor fully restored.
human
I cal'late they might want a hand to help swab decks, so I'll be going.
gpt
But, Uncle Josiah,----
human
I know, Beth. I've been unpleasant, but being as you have come from the city to help me clean up the old craft, I'd otter show my appreciation by bossing the crew.
gpt
Do you think you'll like Little River well enough to wish to remain?
human
Yes, I think I shall. Mr. Simpson has been telling me about your brother, and about his far-sightedness in organizing the Athletic Club.
gpt
Did Mr. Simpson tell you how the club came to be formed in the first place?
human
No, but I think it a splendid idea. I hope the boys will let me be one of them.
gpt
Father sees no good in the organization. I do. Most of the boys are Harold's friends,--Harold is my brother,--but there are some who are not friendly to any one except the Innkeeper. I think you ought to know that the decent ones were one time in the Sunday school, but because some of your church members would not try to understand them, they were forced to go to the Inn to set up their gymnasium.
human
Isn't the Inn as good a place as any?
gpt
I prefer not to say. You'll doubtless find that out for yourself.
human
That is one thing I intend to find out. I've an invitation to visit the rooms.
gpt
Indeed, so soon? And do you really mean to go?
human
Certainly. Why not?
gpt
I suppose there is no reason why you should not. But----
human
I've heard that sort of statement several times to-day, and invariably with the little 'but' at the end. I'm curious to know why my presence at the Inn will cause any disturbance. Is that the inference?
gpt
Other ministers have tried to get hold of the boys, but they went at it wrong, and failed,
human
I'll try to go at the matter from the right end,
gpt
Will you go if you find yourself opposed?
human
I think I can interest the boys sufficiently to overcome any opposition from the Innkeeper, if that is what you mean.
gpt
What if the opposition comes from other sources?
human
From the members of the church?
gpt
Yes.
human
Why should they interfere with me?
gpt
But suppose they do?
human
I'll go, anyway,
gpt
I'm glad to hear you say that, and I trust you will be able to help the members of the club, she said quietly.
human
But, there! I really must be going. The ladies will think I have deserted them.