human
Well, what do you think of that? exclaimed the guide.
gpt
I never saw anything like that outside of a circus.
human
Howdy, fellows, greeted Tad laughingly as he leaped from his pony, followed by Walter who, less gracefully, fell off.
gpt
Didn't look for me just yet, did you?
human
This is Mr. Vaughn, our guide,
gpt
I am very glad to know you, sir,
human
And, ahem! This is Mr. Stacy Brown, the handy man,
gpt
Hello, Chunky. Not growing thin, are you?
human
Be kind enough not to call attention to my superfluities. I am somewhat sensitive, you know.
gpt
I beg your pardon,
human
Is that the way you treat me after I have run a mile more or less to welcome you?
gpt
My, you're wet!
human
Yes, he's been in bathing with his clothes on, observed the fat boy solemnly.
gpt
Something ought to be done to break him of such slovenly habits. But how do you happen to be here, if I may be so bold as to inquire?
human
Don't you know?
gpt
Come over and sit down, and I'll tell you about it. By the way, have you folks anything to eat? I'm starving.
human
You're not getting Chunky's disease, are you?
gpt
I am afraid I am, boys. Well, Mr. and Mrs. Perkins fixed it up to have Mother go with them to the mountains. You see, Mrs. Perkins is rather delicate and Mr. Perkins wanted her to go to the mountains, where he had taken a cottage for the summer. Of course he couldn't be with her all the time, having to attend to his business at home, so he asked Mother to go along for company. In fact, I guess he insisted. Mother agreed. I think she did so that I might join you boys. I came with them as far as Utica, N.Y. You see, they went to the Adirondacks. I had to come on after they had made those plans. I think Mr. Perkins fixed it up on purpose, so we would all be satisfied. I knew Mother would be in good hands and I knew she would feel better about it if I came on and joined you.
human
But how did you find us?
gpt
Why, they told me, at the village, that you were camping out here. They gave me directions so I couldn't miss you.
human
Hm-m-m! mused the fat boy, screwing up his features and regarding Tad narrowly.
gpt
How did you know we were in this part of the country?
human
Everybody in New England knows that,
gpt
Yes, they know Chunky is here,
human
It strikes me that there is a gentleman of color in the woodpile, observed Stacy.
gpt
In fact, I might say there are several of them hidden in the stove wood.
human
Yes, I reckon you're right. And you didn't know a thing about it?
gpt
But we may have had our suspicions--our suspicions, you understand? said the fat boy.
human
Still, there are several things that need explanation.
gpt
Professor, you knew about this all the time, didn't you?
human
I see no harm in saying that I did.
gpt
He was in the conspiracy, boys, but I didn't know a thing about it until the day before I left Chillicothe,
human
Then Professor Zepplin knew about it before we left home, eh?
gpt
I guess he did,
human
You in this thing, too, Walt?
gpt
I plead guilty,
human
Well, I call it a shame to deceive innocent boys like that. But, sir, added Chunky, turning pompously to Tad Butler,
gpt
I welcome you in the name of the Pony Rider Boys. We will now kill the fatted calf.
human
In other words, Stacy Brown, interjected Rector.
gpt
It's a good thing you are here, Tad. There is no holding Chunky. Why, you have no idea how he is acting. Am I right, Professor?
human
I will admit that Stacy is at times inclined to be rude,
gpt
Everyone is against me, growled Stacy.
human
Everything I do is the wrong thing and nothing that I do is right. You fellows don't stop to think what tame affairs these trips would be without somebody to poke fun at. I am the mark for everyone. The trouble with me is that I am not valued at my true worth. Mr. Vaughn, have you learned to know me well enough to realize how valuable I am to this company?
gpt
I'll confess that I should be lonesome without you,
human
There, I'm glad someone in this outfit has the sense to recognize a good thing when he sees it. How about a fire for cooking?
gpt
I will build the fire, cried Tad, proceeding at once to heap the sticks into a little pyramid under the crane that Cale had arranged. Butler eyed the contrivance critically.
human
It is plain to be seen that someone has been camping before. That is an excellent idea.