human
Well, Tom, what is on your mind? asked his father at the supper table that evening.
gpt
What is worrying you?
human
Nothing is worrying me, Dad.
gpt
You are thinking of something. I can see that. Are you afraid your electric rifle won't work as well as you hope, when Ned comes over to try it?
human
No, it isn't that, Dad. But I may as well tell you, I guess. I've been reading in the paper about a big elephant hunt in Africa, and I--
gpt
That's enough, Tom! You needn't say any more, interrupted Mr. Swift.
human
I can see which way the wind is blowing. You want to go to Africa with your new rifle.
gpt
Well, Dad, not exactly--that is--
human
Now, Tom, you needn't deny it, and Mr. Swift laughed.
gpt
Well, I don't blame you a bit. You have been rather idle of late.
human
I would like to go, Dad, admitted the young inventor,
gpt
Don't worry about me, Tom. Of course I will be lonesome while you are gone, but don't let that stand in the way. If you want to go to Africa, you may start to-morrow, and take your new rifle with you.
human
The rifle part would be all right, Dad, but if I went I'd want to take an airship along, and it will take me some little time to finish the Black Hawk, as I have named my new craft.
gpt
Well, there's no special hurry, is there? asked Mr. Swift.
human
The elephants in Africa are likely to stay there for some time. If you want to go, why don't you get right to work on the Black Hawk and make the trip? I'd like to go myself.
gpt
I wish you would, Dad,
human
No, son, I couldn't think of it. I want to stay here and get well. Then I am going to resume work on my wireless motor. Perhaps I'll have it finished when you come back from Africa with an airship load of elephants' tusks.
gpt
Perhaps, admitted the young inventor.
human
Well, Dad, I'll think of it. But now I'm going after my rifle, and--
gpt
It's Ned Newton, I guess,
human
Oh, I guess I'm early, said Ned.
gpt
Haven't you had supper yet, Tom?
human
Yes, we're just finished. Come on out and we'll try the gun.
gpt
And practice shooting elephants,
human
Say! That would be great! cried the bank clerk.
gpt
I wish I could go!
human
Come along! invited Tom cordially.
gpt
We'll have more fun than we did in the caves of ice,