human
Why can't I have a dog, mother? he asked.
gpt
I'm old enough now, and lots of the boys have 'em! Henry Blake, he's got a dog he says I can have. Why can't I have him?
human
Doesn't Henry want his dog any more?
gpt
No! was the eager answer, and Rick seemed to seize on the question as a ray of hope.
human
Oh, can I have his dog?
gpt
No, Richard, dear, answered his mother gently.
human
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but, really I don't want you to have a dog--just yet.
gpt
But when may I have one?
human
Well, perhaps when Mazie gets a little older, so I could trust her around a dog. As she is now, she'd just as soon pull a dog's tail as not, or put her hand in his mouth, and she might be bitten. You wouldn't want your little sister to be bitten, would you?
gpt
No, mother! Course not! Henry's dog doesn't bite. And if I could have him I'd take care of Mazie so she wouldn't pull his tail, or anything! Please, mother!
human
You might think you could look after Mazie, she said with a smile,
gpt
How long before she'll be old enough so I can have a dog, mother?
human
Oh, in a year, perhaps. But I wish you wouldn't tease now, Rick, dear. Bring me a few chips to boil the kettle. It's almost supper time and your father will be here soon.
gpt
If I had a dog, said Rick, in a dull, sad sort of voice,
human
I could teach him to bring in a basket of chips every night. It would be a good trick for him!
gpt
Why, Richard, dear! You don't mind bringing me in a few chips; do you?
human
Oh, no'm, course not! he answered quickly.
gpt
But it would be a lot of fun if I had a dog and _he_ could bring 'em in; wouldn't it, mother?
human
It might, if he didn't run all over the yard with the basket, and spill my wood,
gpt
Oh, my dog wouldn't do that! declared Rick.
human
He'd be a good dog. Henry Blake's dog is a good one. His name is Spot and he jumps in Weed River and brings out sticks when Hen throws 'em in.
gpt
Why does Henry want to give away his dog?
human
No, Richard, dear! I'm sorry, but really I'd be worried if you had a dog. I'd be thinking, all the while, that you or Sister were going to be bitten. After you get older, perhaps you may have a dog. Now go get Mazie for me, please. I want to wash her and get her ready for supper.