human
What's happened, Daddy?
gpt
Oh! . . . A slight accident. Mr. Stringer has broken a rib or two, and we're letting him stay here until he's well again.
human
I know where you've been!
gpt
Who told you?
human
I did, George! answered Gran'pa.
gpt
Will you get it into your head that Molly is part and parcel of this expedition.
human
If you mean that she's coming gorilla-hunting with us . . .
gpt
She'll come to Gaboon, anyway,
human
It's absurd. The idea of a child of twelve . . .
gpt
Daddy! You are _mean_! she cried.
human
I shan't stop at home. If you leave me I . . . I shall run away . . . and I _won't_ go to school. . . .
gpt
What's that, young woman?
human
Let her alone, George! You don't deserve a daughter! The child has spirit and it ought to be fostered, not squashed. In my young days a girl of her age would have wept her eyes out at the mere thought of leaving home--let alone going abroad and perhaps flying by aeroplane. This is the chance of her life. Isn't it, Molly?
gpt
Yes!
human
The sea voyage, went on Gran'pa, relentlessly,
gpt
I doubt it . . .
human
No . . . _fear_! she chortled, simply pouncing on the last word.
gpt
It will be the loveliest thing that ever was! She got down from the knees of her confederate and protector and ran over to me:
human
Oh! Daddy! You might let me.
gpt
You'd be terribly sick,
human
I wouldn't mind a bit. It'll be only at first. I should soon get over it.
gpt
There are no theatres or moving pictures in Gaboon.
human
Pooh! I can see those any time!
gpt
You'd leave Nanny?
human
But couldn't she come, too?
gpt
By all means! I said, glaring at Gran'pa.
human
This is a quiet little family trip. We might even invite a few dozen friends as well.
gpt
Now, George! admonished Gran'pa.
human
Don't be feeble! Molly's suggestion is quite natural, but unfortunately, my dear, he said, addressing her direct,