human
You do the talking,
gpt
Roy wants me to ask you, he began, and then stopped at a punch in the side from Roy's knuckles, and began again:
human
Me and Roy would like--if it wouldn't be too much trouble, and you'd just as soon as not--to have you tell us a horse story next time. Then in a loud whisper aside to Roy:
gpt
You _did_ ask me! You know you did.
human
Well, you needn't put it all on me, if I did,
gpt
A horse story, she said pleasantly;
human
You see, Sammy continued,
gpt
Yes, I see, she said;
human
Yes, 'm,
gpt
He says, said Sammy, rather enjoying the office of spokesman,
human
I know a boy about your age, said Miss Ruth,
gpt
Like the Shetland ponies at the show?
human
Yes; but larger, and not so costly. He is a thick-set, shaggy fellow, always looking as if he were not half-groomed, with his coat all rough and tumbled, his legs covered with thick hair, his mane hanging on both sides of his neck, and his forelock always getting into his bright little eyes.
gpt
What color?
human
Dark brown; not handsome, but so affectionate and intelligent that you would love him dearly. He is as frolicsome as a kitten, and I laughed and laughed again to see him racing round the yard, hardly able to see for the shag of hair tumbling over his eyes, playing queer tricks and making uncouth gambols, more like a big puppy than a small horse. To be sure he has a will of his own, and has more than once--just for fun--thrown his young master over his head; but he always stands stock still till the boy is on his back again, and as Herbert says: 'It is only a little way to fall from his back to the ground.'
gpt
How fast will he go?
human
Fast enough for a boy to ride. From five to seven miles an hour, perhaps, and keep it up all day, if need be, for the Canadian horses have great strength and endurance. The last time I saw Herbert he told me a pretty story about Elf King.
gpt
Is that his name?
human
Yes; isn't it a pretty name? Elf for fairy, you know, and King for the head of the fairies. But perhaps I am keeping you, boys. Is there any thing you ought to be doing at home?
gpt
No, no!
human
Very well; then I will tell you about Elf King's visit to the blacksmith.
gpt
Instead of next Wednesday?
human
Oh, dear, no! I have a long story for next Wednesday. This is very short, and doesn't count; is just a little private entertainment thrown in on our own account.
gpt
All right!