human
Not a soul in the whole house! he reported.
gpt
I've been all over it, from attic to cellar. Everything in good order; beds made up, and so forth. But no food in the larder, so I assume the family has gone away for a time.
human
Well, of all funny situations!
gpt
Come to the fire, Little Billee, and see if you can't begin to commence to dry out a little bit.
human
I've just washed my hair, and I can't do a thing with it! said Big Bill, comically, as he ran his fingers through his thick mane of brown, wavy hair.
gpt
But, I say, this fire feels good! Wow! but I'm damp! I say, Pennington, I've been thinking.
human
Hard?
gpt
Yes, hard. Now you must all listen to me. I expect opposition, but it doesn't matter. What I'm going to say now, GOES! See?
human
I'm at the head of this expedition, and in the present emergency, my word is law!
gpt
Well, go on, said Patty, laughing.
human
What's it all about?
gpt
It's just this. You two girls have got to stay in this house, ALONE, while Pennington and I walk back to Spring Beach, NOW!
human
Good gracious! What for?
gpt
I WON'T do it! I WON'T stay here alone!
human
Be quiet, said Bill, looking at Daisy sternly.
gpt
You MUST do as I say.
human
You're right, Farnsworth, said Jack Pennington.
gpt
It's nearly one o'clock, and we must start right off.
human
Yes, agreed Bill.
gpt
Now, Miss Fairfield, I assure you, you will be perfectly safe here. It isn't a pleasant prospect, but there's nothing else to be done. The house is securely fastened against intruders. You can lock the drawing-room doors on this side, so the broken window need cause you no uneasiness. We will walk back to 'Red Chimneys,' unless we can get a lift somehow. But, at any rate, we will send a car back here for you at the earliest possible moment.
human
It IS the only thing to do, agreed Patty;
gpt
Good idea! laughed Bill.
human
I saw some men's raincoats in the hall. I think we will appropriate them, eh, Pennington?
gpt
Good-night, ladies,
human
It's awful, Daisy whimpered,
gpt
You're talking nonsense, Daisy, said Patty, sternly.
human
Now, look here, if you'll just be friendly and decent, we needn't have such a bad time, but if you're going to be cross and cry all the time, I shall simply let you alone, and we'll have a horrid, uncomfortable time.
gpt
What are you going to do? she enquired as Patty took off her chiffon gown, and held it carefully before the fire.
human
That frock is ruined.
gpt
Yes, I know, but I'm going to pick it out and make it look as decent as I can. I suppose I'll have to wear it home when I go. Take off yours, and I'll dry them both nicely. I'm good at this sort of thing. Here, I'll unhook it.