human
Man, those cats are way out. This is really Endsville. He looked up at where Isobel was haranguing her own crowd, which hadn't been fazed by the men who'd charged through the square going nowhere.
gpt
Look at old Isobel up there. Man, this whole town's like a combination of Hyde Park and Union Square. You oughta hear old Jake making with a speech.
human
What just happened?
gpt
Ah, nothing, Abe said, still watching Isobel and grinning at her.
human
Those cats were the nucleus of a bunch wanted to start some action. Burn a few cars, raid the library, that sort of jazz. So I took over for a while, led them up one street and down the other. I feel like I just been star at a track meet.
gpt
Good Heavens,
human
They're all scattered around now, Abe explained to him.
gpt
Either that or their tongues are hanging out to the point they'll have to take five to have a beer. They're finished for a while.
human
What gives now?
gpt
I'd like to stay around and watch you chaps operate. It's fascinating. However, I'd better get over to the park. That's probably where the greater number of the Dogon will be. He grumbled sourly,
human
I'll roast those blokes with a half dozen bits of magic and send them all back to Sangha. It'll be donkey's years before they ever show face around here again.
gpt
Good man,
human
What gives now, man? he said.
gpt
I ought to get back to Jake. He's all alone up near the mosque.
human
It's about time all of us got over there, Crawford said. He looked at Isobel as they walked.
gpt
How does it feel being a sort of reverse agent provocateur?
human
I suppose it has to be done, but frankly, I'm not too sure just what we are doing. Here we go about pushing these supposed teachings of El Hassan and when we're taken up by the people and they actually attempt to accomplish what we taught them, we draw in on the reins.
gpt
Man, you're right, Abe said unhappily. He looked at his chief.
human
What'd you say, Homer?
gpt
Of course she's right, Crawford growled.
human
It's just premature, is all. There's no program, no plan of action. If there was one, this thing here in Mopti might be the spark that united all North Africa. As it is, we have to put the damper on it until there is a definite program. He added sourly,
gpt
I'm just wondering if the Reunited Nations is the organization that can come up with one. And, if it isn't, where is there one?
human
Great guns, Isobel snorted,
gpt
They've been filtering in from the country,
human
Well, we'll filter 'em back,
gpt
On the double,