human
Oh, how lovely!
gpt
A dream! whispered Ruth.
human
But why do you bring us here to show us this?
gpt
Because, began Mr. Howbridge,
human
I want to know if you would like--
gpt
Oh, Mr. Howbridge, I've been looking everywhere for you!
human
I hope that Supreme Court decision hasn't gone against me, Ruth heard her guardian murmur.
gpt
If that case is lost--
human
They told me at your office you had come here, Mr. Howbridge, said Neale.
gpt
And I hurried on as fast as I could.
human
Did they send you here to find me?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
With any message?
gpt
Yes, I have a message, went on Neale.
human
It's about--
gpt
The Jackson case? interrupted the lawyer.
human
Is there a decision from the court and--
gpt
Oh, no, this isn't anything about the Jackson case or any other, Neale hastened to say.
human
It's about my father. And--
gpt
Oh, your father! repeated Mr. Howbridge.
human
Have you found him, Neale?
gpt
No, sir, I haven't found him. But you know you told me to come to you as soon as I had found that tramp mule driver again, and he's back in town once more. He just arrived at the lower lock with a grain boat, and I hurried to tell you.
human
Yes, that was right, Neale, said Mr. Howbridge.
gpt
Excuse me, Miss Ruth, he went on, turning to the girl,
human
Oh, we don't mind! exclaimed Ruth, with a smile at Neale.
gpt
Of course we know about this, and we'd be so glad if you could help find Mr. O'Neil.
human
All right then, if the young ladies have no objection, said the lawyer,
gpt
I don't see why in the world you want _my_ opinion about this boat, said the puzzled girl.
human
I'm almost sure there's a joke in it, somewhere.
gpt
No, Martha, no joke at all, I do assure you, answered her guardian.
human
You'll understand presently. Now, Neale, you say this mule driver has come back?
gpt
Yes, sir. You know I went to you as soon as he gave me a hint that my father might have returned from Alaska, and you said to keep my eyes open for this man.
human
I did, Neale, yes. You of course know this story, don't you, Miss Ruth?
gpt
Yes, I believe we were the first Neale told about it.
human
Well, went on Mr. Howbridge, while Tess and Dot showed signs of impatience to get on board the boat,
gpt
I told Neale we must find out more from this Hank Dayton, the mule driver, before we could do anything, or start to advertise for Mr. O'Neil. And now, it seems, he is here again. At first, Neale, when I saw you hurrying along, excited, I was afraid I had lost a very important law case. I am glad you did not bring bad news.
human
We'll have a look at this boat, said Mr. Howbridge, as they advanced toward it.
gpt
I'll get Minerva's opinion, and then we'll try to find Hank Dayton.
human
I know where to find him, said Neale.
gpt
He's going to bunk down at the lower lock for a while. I made him promise to stay there until he could have a talk with you.
human
Very good, announced the lawyer.
gpt
Now come on, youngsters!