human
I've a good mind to carry off their lantern, said Jack to himself;
gpt
Now to turn it out,
human
Yer would, would yer, you precious young scallywag.
gpt
Who are you?
human
Bill Smiggers, of the motor boat _Black Beauty_, was the gruff reply.
gpt
They left me up here to watch by the light, and I guess they'll be glad they did when they see who I've caught. I reckon you're one of those snoopy kids I've heard them talking about.
human
I don't know what you mean, replied Jack,
gpt
Huh, I'd be a fine softy to do that, wouldn't I? No, young man, here you are, and here you stay. I'm getting well paid for this job, and I'm going to do a good one.
human
What's the matter, Bill? We saw the light waved, and came right back. Is there any danger?
gpt
Not right now, I reckon, rejoined Bill, with grim humor.
human
Any of you gents know this young bantam I've got triced up here?
gpt
Jack Ready, by all that's wonderful!
human
Dear me, what an--er--what a pleasant encounter,
gpt
So you thought you'd spy on us, did you? snarled Donald, vindictively;
human
So this is that Ready kid I hearn you talkin' about?
gpt
That's the boy, confound him! He's always meddling in my schemes,
human
Bright looking lad, ain't he?
gpt
Too bright for his own good. He's so sharp he'll cut himself.
human
No, his brightness won't help him now, chuckled Donald maliciously.
gpt
I'll bet you're scared to death,
human
Not particularly. It takes more than a parcel of cowards and crooks to frighten me.
gpt
Don't you put on airs with me. You're in our power now, jeered Donald.
human
I'll make you suffer for the way you've treated me.
gpt
It would be like you to take advantage of the fact that my arms are tied,
human
You be careful, or I'll crack you one,
gpt
You're a nice sort of an individual, I must say. Why don't you try fair dealing for a change?
human
I do deal fair. It's you that don't. I----
gpt
That will do, interrupted his father;
human
I've been talking with Bill and he says he knows a place where we can take this young bantam and leave him till he cools off.
gpt
You mean that you are going to imprison me?
human
You may call it that, if you like, said Judson imperturbably;
gpt
Where are you taking me to?
human
You'll find that out soon enough. Now then, forward march and, if you attempt to make an outcry, you'll feel this on your head.
gpt
What do you intend to do with me?
human
You'll find out quick enough, I told you before,
gpt
Don't you know that my friends are in the neighborhood? They will invoke the law against you for this outrage.
human
We know all about that, was the elder Judson's reply,