human
Heah! Whar yo' goin'? demanded the colored man.
gpt
Whar yo' goin'?
human
Somebody's out in the garden!
gpt
Perhaps it's the same person who took the plans!
human
Hold on, dere!
gpt
Bless my insurance policy! What's the matter? Have there been burglars around? Why all these precautions? Bless my steam heater! Don't you know me?
human
Mr. Damon! cried Tom, a look of pleasure coming over his face.
gpt
Mr. Damon is coming!
human
So I should judge, responded Mr. Swift, with a smile.
gpt
I wonder why Eradicate didn't recognize him?
human
Why, mah goodness! It's Mr. Damon! exclaimed Eradicate.
gpt
I didn't know yo', sah, wif dem whiskers on! I didn't, fo' a fac'!
human
Bless my razor! I suppose it does make a difference, said the eccentric man.
gpt
Yes, my wife thought I'd look better, and more sedate, with a beard, so I grew one to please her. But I don't like it. A beard is too warm this kind of weather; eh, Tom? And Mr. Damon waved his hand to the young inventor and his father, who stood in the low windows of the library.
human
Entirely too warm, bless my finger-nails, yes!
gpt
I agree with you! exclaimed Tom.
human
Come in! We're glad to see you!
gpt
I called to see if you aren't going on another trip to the North Pole, or somewhere in the Arctic regions,
human
Why?
gpt
Why, then this heavy beard of mine would come in handy. It would keep my throat and chin warm.
human
No more northern trips right away, said Tom.
gpt
I'm about to build a speedy monoplane, to take part in the big meet at Eagle Park.
human
Oh, yes, I heard about the meet, said Mr. Damon.
gpt
I'd like to be in that.
human
Well, I'm building a machine that will carry two, went on Tom,
gpt
Have you got a razor?
human
What for?
gpt
Why, bless my shaving soap! I'm going to cut off my beard. If I go in a monoplane at a hundred miles an hour I don't want to make any more resistance to the wind than possible, and my whiskers would certainly hold back Tom's machine. Where's a razor? I'm going to shave at once. My wife won't mind when I tell her what it's for. Lend me a razor, please, Tom.
human
Oh, there's plenty of time, explained the lad, with a laugh.
gpt
The race doesn't take place for over two months. But when it does, I think you would be better off without a beard.
human
I know it, said Mr. Damon simply.
gpt
I'll shave before we enter the contest, Tom. But now tell me all about it.