human
What's funny?
gpt
You are! Why, I haven't seen you smile for a week, but now you simply must, else I shan't allow you in the canoe with me.
human
That's better. I am going to take you sailing, after all. But are you sure, she added slyly,
gpt
Maybe you can't, though,
human
Well, I just can, Molly asserted proudly;
gpt
I can swim two hundred yards. If I kick off my slippers, this dress won't be much heavier than a bathing suit, either. But, of course, father says I must do my sailing where it isn't deep.
human
Then we'd better edge the shore to that bay by Magoon's boathouse; there's lots of room for tacking, and it's all shallow water.
gpt
How do you know?
human
Look at the color of the water. Don't you notice that it is a whole lot lighter than the rest of the lake? And did you ever see anybody fishing there? And did you ever notice how that steamer from the other end of the lake never puts in, even when it wants to land somebody at Magoon's pier?
gpt
But if it's so shallow, why isn't it a swimming-hole?
human
I don't know--Yes, I do, too. Look at the beach. If you've ever walked along it, you know there's the finest collection of sharp stones on that beach you ever saw, and it must be the same way under water. You couldn't go in swimming there unless you wore hobnailed shoes.
gpt
You're right, Molly admitted,
human
Wait just a minute before you push off, she warned.
gpt
Somebody's coming.
human
It's Horace Hibbs,
gpt
How do you know?
human
By his step, of course. Hello, Mr. Hibbs!
gpt
Caught a glimpse of you down here; so I thought I would stroll over and see you set sail. Better stick to that bay over there by Magoon's, Molly. It is a nice, level beach, not higher than your chin anywhere. Ready for the football game this afternoon, Rodman?
human
I am as ready as I'll ever be, sir,
gpt
We can't all make the team. You will have your chance some day. All ready, Molly? Lee-board set? I'll give you an easy start, and in a second or two you will be under way.