human
Helloa, Ben! where did you come from?
gpt
Glad to see you, added Burwink, and the two extended their hands.
human
You gave us a great scare, for the woods are full of redskins.
gpt
You startled me, too, replied Ben.
human
I am travelling with my mother and sister to Stroudsburg. I suppose you are aiming for the same place?
gpt
Yes--if we ever get there. What become of that little sarpent you had with you yesterday?
human
She is with us,
gpt
What are you going to do with her?
human
She is in our care, and goes wherever we go.
gpt
You seem mighty fond of the people who played the mischief with us yesterday.
human
Jabez Zitner, I fought just as hard as you, and did all I could to drive back the Iroquois and Tories, but I don't fight little children six years old.
gpt
Who's talking about fighting 'em? demanded Zitner angrily.
human
Their people didn't spare our women and children.
gpt
They are savages, but you and I claim to be civilized.
human
That's all well enough, but my motto is--fight fire with fire. Burwink was listening to this sharp interchange of words, the meaning of which he caught. Wishing to make a friend of him, for Ben foresaw trouble, he asked--
gpt
Am I not right, Mr. Burwink?
human
I should say--on general principles you are; but, after yesterday, I don't feel much love for any of the varmints. Who is this Injin gal that you are talking about?