human
What! cried Inga.
gpt
Didn't the warriors get you, either?
human
If they had, calmly replied Bilbil,
gpt
I shouldn't be here.
human
But how did you escape?
gpt
Easily enough. I kept my mouth shut and stayed away from the rascals, said the goat.
human
I knew that the soldiers would not care for a skinny old beast like me, for to the eye of a stranger I seem good for nothing. Had they known I could talk, and that my head contained more wisdom than a hundred of their own noddles, I might not have escaped so easily.
gpt
Perhaps you are right,
human
I suppose they got the old man?
gpt
What old man?
human
Rinkitink.
gpt
Oh, no! His Majesty is at the bottom of the well, said Inga,
human
Then let him stay there,
gpt
That would be cruel. I am sure, Bilbil, that you are fond of the good King, your master, and do not mean what you say. Together, let us find some way to save poor King Rinkitink. He is a very jolly companion, and has a heart exceedingly kind and gentle.
human
Oh, well; the old boy isn't so bad, taken altogether, admitted Bilbil, speaking in a more friendly tone.
gpt
But his bad jokes and fat laughter tire me dreadfully, at times.
human
Here's Bilbil! shouted the boy to the King.
gpt
The enemy didn't get him, it seems.
human
That's lucky for the enemy, said Rinkitink.
gpt
But it's lucky for me, too, for perhaps the beast can assist me out of this hole. If you can let a rope down the well, I am sure that you and Bilbil, pulling together, will be able to drag me to the earth's surface.
human
Be patient and we will make the attempt,