human
Yes, he agreed, when Betty dragged him down the car aisle to the two sections which he had wisely abandoned entirely to his young charges,
gpt
Oh, do you suppose, cried Libbie, big-eyed,
human
Not a chance, replied Uncle Dick, laughing heartily.
gpt
But it does look as though we may have to lay by for a night, or perhaps a night and a day, before we can get on to Cliffdale, which is our station.
human
In a hotel! cried Betty.
gpt
Won't that be fun?
human
Perhaps not so much fun. Some of these country-town hotels up here in the woods are run in a more haphazard way than a lumber camp. And what you get to eat will come out of a can in all probability.
gpt
I wish you wouldn't talk about eating, Uncle Dick. Do you suppose we will catch up with that dining car?
human
I do not think we shall. But there is an eating room at the junction we are coming to. We can buy it out. I only hope there will be milk to be had for the little folks. There is at least one baby aboard. It's in the next car.
gpt
But we'll get to this place we're going to by morning, shan't we?
human
We're two hours late already I understand, said Mr. Gordon.
gpt
We have little to fear, however I fancy if the storm does not hold up they will not try to push past the junction until morning. We've got to sleep in the car anyway; and if we are on short rations for a few hours it certainly will do you boys and girls little harm. At Cliffdale----
human
Oh, Uncle Dick! suddenly exclaimed Betty,
gpt
Oh, indeed? I heard of that mare. To Cliffdale? I believe there is a stockfarm there. It is some distance from my friend Canary's camp, however.
human
Do you suppose that girl got there?
gpt
Even if she did, how disappointed she must be, Betty rejoined.
human
I am awfully sorry for Ida Bellethorne.
gpt
I don't know, said Bobby slowly.
human
I've been thinking. Suppose she did find your beautiful locket and--and appropriate it for her own use,
gpt
You mean steal it, said Betty promptly.
human
No. I don't think she did. She didn't seem to be that sort of person. Do you know, the more I think of her the more I consider that Mrs. Staples would be capable of doing that.
gpt
Oh, Betty! Finding and keeping your locket?
human
I didn't like that woman,
gpt
Neither did I, cried Bobby, easily influenced by her friend's opinion.
human
I didn't like her a bit.
gpt
But, of course, we don't know a thing about it, sighed Betty.
human
I do not suppose we should blame either of them, or anybody else. We have no evidence. I guess, Bobby, I am the only one to blame, after all.
gpt
Well, don't mind, Betty dear, Bobby said comfortingly.
human
I believe the locket will turn up. I told Daddy and he will telephone to the stores once in a while and see if it has been found. And, of course, we have no particular reason to think that you dropped it in Mrs. Staples' shop.
gpt
None at all, admitted Betty more cheerfully.
human
So I'll stop worrying right now. But I would like to know where Ida Bellethorne is in this blizzard.
gpt
Girl or horse?
human
Girl. I fancy that little cockney hostler, or whatever he is, will look out carefully for the mare. But who is there to care anything about poor Ida?