human
Hartwell, who has your district, is as good a man as he can be put with. He is a careful officer, though perhaps a little slow; but he will be a good man for Reuben to serve under, and I know the chief will put him with him if I ask him, as it can't make any difference where he goes first.
gpt
Well, if you can arrange that, Wilson, I will forgive you. And now, where are you going to?
human
For the time, I am not going anywhere in particular, Captain Wilson replied.
gpt
The chief says he thinks that things have got rather slack, since I have been away. There are several bands of bush rangers, who have been doing a deal of mischief up country; so to begin with, he wishes me to make a tour of inspection, and to report generally. After that, I think I shall be settled here for a time. At any rate, it will be my headquarters. I think it probable the chief himself will be going home on leave, before very long.
human
The sooner you are settled here, the better, Mr. Hudson said;
gpt
Oh, papa, how can you say so! Frances said, laughing and colouring.
human
As far as I am concerned, it may be months and months.
gpt
Oh, that is all very well, Mr. Hudson broke in.
human
I know what you want. You want Wilson here to be always, neglecting his duty, and galloping over from the other end of the colony to see you. No, no, my dear, if Wilson is a wise fellow, he will bring you to book, as soon as I can either build, or get hold of, a place fit for you. We shall be having no peace, now. Every time he is off on duty, you will be picturing him as engaged in some dreadful struggle with bush rangers and blacks; and if letters don't come as often as you expect them, you will be fretting yourself into a fever.
gpt
What nonsense, papa! I know, of course, George will have to do his duty. I don't suppose he's always going to be tied to my apron string.
human
You take my advice, Reuben, Mr. Hudson said,
gpt
There is no fear of that, for a good many years to come, Reuben laughed.
human
Are these blacks really formidable fellows, Captain Wilson?
gpt
Formidable to the settlers, Captain Wilson said,
human
Bush rangers are mostly escaped convicts, are they not?