human
What's the matter, Bob? asked Bert, who had taken a liking to the ragged chap. For the time being Mr. Bobbsey's missing coat and the lap robe were forgotten.
gpt
Why are you crying?
human
Can we help you?
gpt
Oh, I--I didn't know anybody was here,
human
That's all right, said Mr. Bobbsey.
gpt
If there's anything we can do to help you---- Where's Mr. Blipper, by the way? There is something I should like to ask him. Or perhaps you can tell me.
human
Not now, Dick, not now, said Mrs. Bobbsey in a whisper, with a shake of her head at her husband. She knew what he wanted to ask--about his coat and the robe.
gpt
Not now; he is too miserable,
human
Has anything happened?
gpt
Ye--yes, stammered Bob, not sobbing so hard now.
human
I--I've run away from Mr. Blipper!
gpt
You've run away!
human
He treated me mean! There was a lot of hard work setting up the merry-go-round at the Bolton Fair, and I had more than my share. He wouldn't give me any money--he hardly gave me enough to eat. And I ran away. I'm not done running yet, only I'm so hungry I can't go very fast any more.
gpt
You poor boy! murmured Mrs. Bobbsey.
human
Is that why you cried--because you were hungry?
gpt
Yes--yes'm,
human
Well, we have plenty to eat, said Mr. Bobbsey, with a kindly pat on the shoulder of the ragged boy.
gpt
Here, we'll give you a lunch, and then maybe you can tell me what I want to know. Where is Mr. Blipper?
human
He's back there at the merry-go-round. We had some trouble with the engine. But I guess he has it fixed by now. He's back at the fair grounds. It opens to-morrow. That is, he's there unless he has come chasing after me.
gpt
Do you think he'd do that?
human
Well, he said if I ever ran away he'd run after me and bring me back, answered Bob.
gpt
Anyhow, I've run away, but it isn't as much fun as I thought it'd be. Only I can't stand Mr. Blipper! He's too cross!
human
Poor boy! murmured Mrs. Bobbsey again.
gpt
Get him something to eat, Dick. He must be very hungry!