human
What do you want here?
gpt
Oh, don't hurt me! cried Tom.
human
I only want to look at you; you are so handsome.
gpt
Ah? said the salmon, very stately but very civilly.
human
I really beg your pardon; I see what you are, my little dear. I have met one or two creatures like you before, and found them very agreeable and well behaved. Indeed, one of them showed me a great kindness lately, which I hope to be able to repay. I hope we shall not be in your way here. As soon as this lady is rested, we shall proceed on our journey.
gpt
So you have seen things like me before?
human
Several times, my dear. Indeed, it was only last night that one at the river's mouth came and warned me and my wife of some new stake-nets which had got into the stream, I cannot tell how, since last winter, and showed us the way round them, in the most charmingly obliging way.
gpt
So there are babies in the sea? cried Tom, and clapped his little hands.
human
Then I shall have some one to play with there? How delightful!
gpt
Were there no babies up this stream?
human
No! and I grew so lonely. I thought I saw three last night; but they were gone in an instant, down to the sea. So I went, too; for I had nothing to play with but caddises and dragon flies and trout,
gpt
Ugh! cried the lady,
human
My dear, if he has been in low company, he has certainly not learnt their low manners,
gpt
No indeed, poor little dear; but how sad for him to live among such people as caddises, who have actually six legs, the nasty things; and dragon flies, too! why they are not even good to eat; for I tried them once, and they are all hard and empty; and as for trout, every one knows what they are.