human
Any chance of crossing to-night, Uncle Ben?
gpt
He-he! hardly, Mr. William; the river has been closed for a week,
human
Oh, of course, I did not expect to go on the boat; I was thinking of crossing on the ice.
gpt
I think that would scarcely be safe, Mr. William; the weather has moderated a great deal since nightfall, and I rather think the ice may be weak.
human
Pooh! nonsense! fiddle-de-dee! exclaimed the other traveler, testily;
gpt
I shouldn't like to try it, though, sir,
human
The gentleman can try it, if he likes, continued the old man, with a grin,
gpt
Why, the ice will certainly bear a foot-passenger safely across,
human
I dare say it may; but, at any rate, I wouldn't try it, Master William--'specially as it's a long, dark, slushy road between here and the widow's.
gpt
Why, Uncle Ben, do you think I am a young chicken, to be killed by wetting my feet? asked William, laughing.
human
Besides, at this very moment, my good mother is waiting for me, and has a blazing fire, a pot of strong coffee, and a bowl of oysters, in readiness. I would not disappoint her, or myself, for a good deal.
gpt
If it were not for this confounded lameness in my feet, I would not stop at this vile hole to-night,