human
Faith, ’tis a terrible day for wetness, he said.
gpt
But here I am, and I’ll be glad now to take a look at your machine. Have you it in working order?
human
We gave it a short trial this morning, said Templeton.
gpt
It didn’t behave quite so well as I had hoped, but I’ve spent a couple of hours on it since, and it ought to go better now.
human
I like your modesty, my boy. ’Tis a rare thing in inventors.
gpt
He’s far too modest, said Eves.
human
That’s why I’ve appointed myself his advertising agent. It’s an old road-sweeper, remember; he’s been working under difficulties. In my opinion—of course, I’m not an expert—the thing’s a great success; you should see the amount of mud it scooped up.
gpt
I saw a mighty deal of mud as I came down the lane. You will not try it here, sure?
human
We tried it along the road, said Templeton.
gpt
And I’ve been thinking of a better place. On the other side of the town the road is tarred, and the machine will run much more smoothly. Besides, there’s very little mud.
human
A bright idea, said Eves.
gpt
I propose that you drive the machine over the muddy roads while Mr. O’Reilly and I follow in the growler. We’ll get out when we come to the tarred highway, and I’ll perch up where I was before, and try to keep those brushes in order.