human
Can you make an effort, Nessa?
gpt
Make an effort? Of course I can. I thought you were bowled over. That's why I kept quiet. I'm all right, and to my surprised relief she sat up at once.
human
What shall we do?
gpt
I thought you were almost down and out,
human
Because I fainted? That was the reaction, I expect. I've never done such a thing before that I can remember. But I'm all right again now. I've been thinking.
gpt
I've been doing a bit of that myself. Are you sure you're fit?
human
Of course I am, except for being a little shaken. It was an awful business while it lasted; but it's over and got us out of all that trouble. Of course every one will believe we were burnt alive; and she shuddered.
gpt
I suppose it's an awful disaster.
human
Better not think of it. The last glimpse I had showed that our carriage and the one behind it were in flames. You can see the glare through the door there.
gpt
Oh, Jack! And they were crowded with people!
human
We can't do anything to help, and we'd better think of ourselves,
gpt
I've been thinking the same. Surely there's only one thing to do?
human
Well?
gpt
The 'third wheel', of course. It's been in my mind from the very moment of the collision. I don't know how it was, but that rushed into my head instantly; and when you weren't hurt, I could think of nothing but that;
human
It was the last word you spoke before fainting.
gpt
And the first when I came round. I was so thankful when I saw you'd brought it away all right. I didn't care after that. You didn't seem really hurt; only shaken; I knew I should be all right soon; and I felt a sort of certainty that the third wheel would carry us into safety. Hadn't we better go?
human
Yes, if you feel fit to do a few miles before daylight?
gpt
You'll soon see that, if you'll go to your own room and change and leave me to do the same.
human
was the back of the shed outside, and I lost no time in getting off my own clothes and putting on the workman's dress over what my flying friend had called the
gpt
How's this, matey?