human
Did you say to save us?
gpt
Most assuredly!
human
Well, certainly, if you found your way in, we can find our way out by the same road.
gpt
A likely story, and leave the field clear for the whole pack to come in and find out our stores. Pretty havoc they would make!
human
No, we must stay here,
gpt
Of course we must, replied Clawbonny,
human
I told you so, said Johnson, rubbing his hands.
gpt
I knew nothing was hopeless if Mr. Clawbonny was here; he has always some expedient in his wise head.
human
My poor head is very empty, I fear, but by dint of rummaging perhaps I----
gpt
Doctor, interrupted Altamont,
human
I suppose there is no fear of the bears getting in by the passage you have made?
gpt
No, I took care to stop up the opening thoroughly, and now we can reach the powder-magazine without letting them see us.
human
All right; and now will you let us have your plan of getting rid of these comical assailants?
gpt
My plan is quite simple, and part of the work is done already.
human
What do you mean?
gpt
You shall see. But I am forgetting that I brought a companion with me.
human
What do you say?
gpt
I have a companion to introduce to you,
human
I shot it this morning, he continued,
gpt
What on earth do you mean?
human
I mean to blow up the bears en masse with 100 lbs of powder.
gpt
But where is the powder?
human
In the magazine. This passage will lead to it. I made it purposely.
gpt
And where is the mine to be?
human
At the furthest point from the house and stores.
gpt
And how will you manage to entice the bears there, all to one spot?
human
I'll undertake that business; but we have talked enough, let us set to work. We have a hundred feet more to add to our passage to-night, and that is no easy matter, but as there are five of us, we can take turns at it. Bell will begin, and we will lie down and sleep meantime.
gpt
Well, really, said Johnson,
human
It is a sure one, anyway,
gpt
So sure that I can feel the bear's fur already on my shoulder. Well, come, let's begin then.