human
I'd just like to coax your uncle into playing a game of ball with us, said Ned, as the two sat on the piazza one evening at twilight;
gpt
Uncle Richard play ball! exclaimed Noll, laughing at the idea.
human
No! I would almost as soon expect to see this old stone house playing at toss and catch.
gpt
Well, he _is_ the strangest man! observed Ned;
human
I don't know what you'll say, Ned, the plan is so difficult; but I've thought of it a long time,--I believe it's been in my head every day for the last two months,--and it seems to me it is possible. Oh! if it _were_, I'd be the happiest boy in the land!
gpt
Well, now what have you got in your head, I'd like to know? said Ned;
human
Well, in the first place, you must know I want to help those Culm people, somehow. That's--
gpt
Yes, interrupted Ned,
human
That's the object of the plan, and the next thing is how to do it, continued Noll.
gpt
If papa had only lived here a little time, I know it would have been a different place, and I want to make it what he would have made it; but, though I can't do that, I want to do something.
human
I'll warrant you do! said Ned, edging nearer his friend.
gpt
What do you think Hagar has told me about your work this winter? You _are_ the funniest fellow, and I don't see what puts such ideas in your head, anyhow!--they never get into mine.
human
Well, I'll never get to my plan at this rate, said Noll, laughing a bit.
gpt
I don't believe the people will ever be any cleaner or more industrious till they have better houses to live in, and they're too poor to buy lumber and make repairs. Now, if I could only accomplish that, I think they'd soon have some pride in keeping their dwellings nice and neat, and that would keep the fever away, and perhaps--I almost _know_--they'd soon be a different people!
human
My stars! exclaimed Ned,
gpt
Yes, that is what I wish to do, and what I've been planning for, said Noll, peering through the dusk to see how Ned received the project;
human
Well, I _am_ astonished! and if any one else had proposed it, I should say they were out of their wits. Now, what are those dirty fishermen to you, Noll?
gpt
That was not the question, said Noll.
human
Do you think I can succeed?
gpt
I don't know,--can't tell,--it's all so sudden. Where will you get the money? and why don't your Uncle Richard do the work, instead of you?
human
Uncle Richard? why, he--he doesn't care for the Culm people, Noll was obliged to confess;
gpt
But what will your uncle say? Does he know?
human
No, he knows nothing about it. But he gave me permission, a long time ago, to aid the Culm people, and he lets me do as I choose with my money. So doesn't my plan seem possible?
gpt
Yes, if you can tell where lumber and nails and a carpenter are to come from,
human
Oh! but those will have to come down from Hastings, on the 'Gull,' of course. There's nothing here to do with, said Noll;
gpt
My stars! said Ned,
human
I didn't know you were such a fellow. Why, I don't wonder these fish-folks all touch their hats to you,--they can afford to, I think. And, Noll, won't you tell me what these people are to you? I can't see, for the life of me! And why should you spend all your money for them?