human
Well, if it ain't Mr. Howbridge! exclaimed Mr. Newcomb.
gpt
Well now, sufferin' caterpillers, this is providential! Is that your boat?
human
I may say I control it, was the answer.
gpt
Why do you ask?
human
went on the constable, for such he was.
gpt
I'll have to take possession of your craft in the name of the law.
human
What do you mean? asked Mr. Howbridge, rather sharply.
gpt
Is this craft libeled? All bills are paid, and I am in legal possession. I have a bill of sale and this boat is to be delivered to a client of mine--
human
There you go! There you go! Ready to fight at the drop of the hat! chuckled the constable.
gpt
Just like you did before when I worked on that timber land case with you. But there's no occasion to get roiled up, Mr. Howbridge. I only want to take temporary possession of your boat in the name of the law. All I want to have is a ride for me and my posse. We're on the business of the law, and you, being a lawyer, know what that means. I call on you, as a good citizen, to aid, as I've got a right to do.
human
I recognize that, said the lawyer, now smiling, and glancing at Ruth and the others to show everything was all right.
gpt
But what's the game?
human
Robbery's the game! came the stern answer.
gpt
We're going to round up and close in on a band of tramps, robbers and other criminals! They have a camp on an island, and they've been robbin' hen roosts and doin' other things in this community until this community has got good and sick of it. Then they called in the law--that's me and my posse, he added, waving his hand toward the men back of him.
human
The citizens called in the law, represented by me, and I am going to chase the rascals out!
gpt
Very good, assented Mr. Howbridge.
human
I'm willing to help, as all good citizens should. But what am I to do? Where do I come in?
gpt
You're going to lend us that boat, said Constable Newcomb.
human
It's the only large one handy just now, and we don't want to lose any time. As soon as I saw you put into the dock I made up my mind I'd commandeer the craft. That's the proper term, ain't it?
gpt
Yes, assented the lawyer, smiling,
human
I believe it is. So you want to commandeer the _Bluebird_.
gpt
To take me and my posse over to Cedar Island, and there to close in on a bunch of Klondikers!
human
Anybody on board that's afraid to come may stay at home, said the constable quickly.
gpt
I mean they can get off the boat. But we've got to have the craft to get to the island. Now then, Mr. Howbridge, will you help?
human
Certainly. As a matter of law I have to,
gpt
And will you help, and you? went on the constable, looking in turn at Neale and Hank, who were on deck.
human
I call upon you in the name of the law.
gpt
Yes, they'll help, said Mr. Howbridge quickly.
human
Don't object or say anything, he added to Neale in a low voice.
gpt
Leave everything to me!
human
Fall in! Get on board! We'll close in on the rascals!