human
Well, it was not a very good story after all, he said rudely.
gpt
Thank you for nothing. Why aren't you in the sentry-box? I am inclined to bayonet you for breaking your word.
human
I should not have been able to move about sufficiently, the Rabbit answered.
gpt
I should have suffered from cramp.
human
Stuff and nonsense! the Sentry replied.
gpt
I stand in it for hours at a time.
human
But not without moving? asked the Rabbit, with an air of disbelief.
gpt
Without stirring an eighth of an inch,
human
I don't believe it, replied the Rabbit.
gpt
I challenge you to keep perfectly still for any length of time. I bet you a gold piece you won't stand motionless whilst I run home and back again.
human
Done!
gpt
This sentry-box gets slimy and dirty, he said, without the least idea of what the Rabbit had done.
human
It is quite sticky with dirt. It wouldn't be a bad thing if you were to clean it out for me some day.
gpt
I'll see, answered the other carelessly, fearing to be either too polite or too rude lest he should arouse any suspicions in the Sentry's mind.
human
I don't generally care to do other people's dirty work, but I may do that some day when I am not busy. You serve your country, so you deserve a little help.
gpt
If you don't do it willingly, you shall do it unwillingly, he blustered.
human
If _I_ serve my country, _you_ must serve me.
gpt
There's plenty of time to think it over, answered the Rabbit.
human
In the meanwhile, you can't stir even to have it cleaned or you lose your bet. I'm off. But wait, I must call the Owl to be a witness that you keep strictly to the terms we have agreed upon.