human
We must take to trees, said the chief;
gpt
Why, chief, do you suppose the beast is telling his mates that we are five strong, and he cannot kill us all, and if he should, there would be too much for one to eat?
human
Yes, replied the chief,
gpt
Ha! ha! chief, laughed Howe;
human
Don't laugh, uncle, said Jane.
gpt
It is really horrible to be torn to pieces by these animals.
human
Why, who intends to be torn to pieces by these howling vagabonds? Not I; nor do I intend any of us will. Here, Sidney, you climb this tree and fix a place for Jane. Edward, help yourself into this one also--catch hold of that limb. Jane, place your foot on my hand, and raise yourself so as to catch the next limb. Help her, Sidney. There, all are safe now but us, chief, and I believe we know how to take care of ourselves. Had we better kindle a fire? The panthers, you know, would as soon run up these trees as not; but a fire would have a tendency to keep them at a respectful distance.
gpt
And, perhaps, draw the cannibals on us!
human
I think not, chief. I think that in going through the mountain we escaped from their territory.
gpt
Build the fire and run the risk. They can climb trees like cats; and as we have no weapons but our clubs to defend ourselves with, they would have us, if they come in numbers, in a twinkling.
human
Oh! yes, do!
gpt
Let us run the risk, chief, and light three or four fires around the tree, keeping within the circle, and then, if they press us too hard, we can climb the tree also. It is large and strong, and will hold us with ease.