human
We're obliged to get on as soon as we can, said Garth.
gpt
We've been chasing the Bishop all the way from the Landing.
human
How did you come up the little river?
gpt
I bought a boat from Pierre Toma.
human
I know her, he said with a chuckle;
gpt
Not while it blows like this,
human
Then I hope it hits it up for a week!
gpt
I was told one Wall-eye Macgregor had a strong boat,
human
Nothing doing! returned the boy.
gpt
He's got it up at the head of the lake.
human
Then I must try to strengthen the bath-tub and coast around the shore,
gpt
I'll help you! said Charley.
human
We'll pitch in first thing to-morrow.
gpt
How long have you been in the country, Mr. Landrum?
human
Two years next March, Miss. I came in over the ice with a freighter. I ran away from school. What was the use?--I got a head like a hickory nut; and I couldn't keep out of trouble. They gave me a bad name; and everything that happened was put on me. So I cleared out and came North.
gpt
I had a lot of fool ideas about the country then; but they were soon knocked out of me. All the kids that run away soon come sneaking home and have to eat their brags; and I wasn't going to do that. So I stuck it out. At first I admit I pretty near caved in with homesickness; but I'm hardened now. The first year I worked for a trader up at Ostachegan creek; and this spring I bought this cabin on credit. Frank Shefford up at Nine-Mile-Point is going to lend me his team and mower when his hay is put up; and I'll put up hay myself.
human
Next winter I'm going to keep a stopping-house for freighters. I've got a good location here, and stable room already for eight teams. I'll build to it later. There's money in that; and it's a pleasant life for a man--plenty of company. And when I get a little money ahead, I'll trade; there's good chances for a free trader that knows the ropes; and in a few years I'll branch out and have a whole string of trading posts, like Nick Grylls. There's a smart one! They say he could sell out for a hundred thousand any day!
gpt
I hope you won't be like Nick Grylls,
human
Don't you like him? asked Charley in concern.
gpt
I always thought he was a pretty smart one. No! he added suddenly.
human
I don't like him either. He's coarse!