human
Hello, Mr. Raggedy Tatters! Bonfire greeted a youngster who appeared to be the leader.
gpt
How did you break your sled?
human
I didn't break it. Petey Flack did; he coasted over a rock. And my name isn't Raggedy Tatters, either; it's Jimmie White.
gpt
Thanks! said Bonfire.
human
Glad to know you, Jimmie White. Let's take a look at that sled. He turned it over and ran a practiced eye over the runner.
gpt
H'm! Can't patch that without iron braces, and the blacksmith shop is closed to-day. 'Fraid you'll have to call off this coasting party till to-morrow.
human
Aw, the snow'll melt by then, objected the youngster. He dug the toe of his torn shoe into a little drift and kicked disconsolately.
gpt
Let's nail on a brace and try it.
human
Your grandchildren will always be sorry if you try that, Bonfire told him gravely. And then, somehow, his mood changed; he began to understand the disappointment of the little boys, and to sympathize with them, and to search his mind for ways to help.
gpt
Look here, Jimmie White, he said abruptly,
human
Sure!
gpt
Well, you take this key, trot over there, unlock the door, and--
human
And bring back the long bobsled you'll find inside. Here, he called, as Jimmie grabbed the key and sped away,
gpt
No, flung the boy over his shoulder; and, as if that were inadequate to such a benefactor,
human
No, sir, I won't, Mister.
gpt
What's the idea, Cree?