human
Here is the situation, began the lawyer, when they were all seated facing him. His tone reminded Ruth of the time he had come to talk to them about their inheritance of the Corner House.
gpt
This boat, the _Bluebird_, belongs to an estate. The estate is being settled up, and the boat is going to be sold. A man living at the upper end of Lake Macopic has offered to buy it at a fair price if it is delivered to him in good condition before the end of summer. As the legal adviser of the estate I have undertaken to get this boat to the purchaser. And what I brought you here for, to-day, Minerva, he said, smiling at Ruth,
human
Do you really mean that?
gpt
I certainly do.
human
Well, I should say the best plan would be to start it going, and steer it up the canal to the river, through the river into the lake and up the lake to the place where it is to be delivered,
gpt
But Mr. Howbridge said the boat couldn't be moved by the motor on the canal,
human
Well, have mules tow it, then, advised Ruth.
gpt
That is very simple.
human
I am glad you think so, replied the lawyer.
gpt
And the next matter on which I wish your advice is whether to start the boat off alone on her trip, or just in charge of, say, the mule driver.
human
Oh, I wouldn't want to trust a lovely houseboat like this to only a mule driver!
gpt
That's what I thought, went on her guardian, with another smile.
human
It needs some one on board to look after it, doesn't it?
gpt
Well, yes, I should say so.
human
Then how would you like to take charge?
gpt
Me? cried Ruth.