human
Say, boss, isn't it time we struck the boys' tracks?
gpt
Yes, said Gerald, recognizing that much depended on how he handled the situation.
human
We should have picked them up this morning.
gpt
Looks as if we'd got off our line, one of them then said resolutely.
human
How were you heading?
gpt
Northwest, magnetic.
human
No, sir. You were a piece to the west of that.
gpt
You think so?
human
Sure! I was raised among the timber; guess I've broken too many trails not to know where I'm going.
gpt
Well, said Gerald in a confidential tone,
human
I didn't mention it before because I didn't want to make you uneasy, but I'm afraid this compass is unreliable. It hasn't been swiveling as it ought; oil frozen on the cap, perhaps, or the card warped against the glass. I tried to adjust it once or twice, but my fingers were too cold.