human
Oh, see, see! cried the boy, joyously.
gpt
It says, 'LIONEL,--HIS RULE FOR LIFE.' That means I can keep it for always, does n't it? Forever 'n' ever.
human
It means, explained Jack Frosty gravely,
gpt
Why, that's what he said himself. He said I must always 'go square.' That was when he was giving me directions how to reach the beautiful place he came from. He called it an estate; and he said if I ever got there I 'd never want to come away. As long as I 'm on the way I guess I 'll try to find that place. Will you take me?
human
I 'm afraid, replied Jack Frost, with a very kindly seriousness,--
gpt
I 'm afraid one must depend on one's self in order to reach that place. But I 'll tell you what I will do; I 'll stay with you for a bit, and, perhaps, having company will hearten you, so if you happen to come across any specially bad places just at first, you won't be discouraged. And I want to tell you that if you are ever in doubt as to the way and no one is there to give you advice, just set yourself to work and use your rule and you 'll come out right. Now don't forget!
human
Why, I thought he was going to stay with me, murmured Lionel, despondently.
gpt
He was so jolly, and I liked him so much. He said he wouldn't leave me just yet--
human
Nor have I, rejoined the hearty voice close by his ear.
gpt
But I can't neglect my business, you know; and at this moment I 'm here and 'way off in Alaska too. Stiff work, is n't it?