human
Why, you're not going to take the dog. What's the use of that? I want him here to keep watch with me,
gpt
Pooh! father; why can't you let the poor devil have a run on shore? He wants to eat grass, I am sure, for I watched him this day or two. We shall be back before dark.
human
Well, well, just as you please, Tom.
gpt
And now, Tom, what are you after?
human
A'ter, Jacob, going to have a little shooting on Wimbledon Common; but father can't bear to see a gun in my hand, because I once shot my old mother. I did pepper her, sure enough; her old flannel petticoat was full of shot, but it was so thick that it saved her. Are you anything of a shot?
gpt
Never fired a gun in my life.
human
Well, then, we'll fire in turns, and toss up, if you like, for first shot.
gpt
I wonder where green men are to be found? observed Tom, laughing;
human
I suppose they live in the same country with the _blue_ dogs my father speaks about sometimes. Now, then, its time to load.
gpt
I think I must have hit it, said I;
human
I saw it wag its tail.
gpt
More proof of a miss than a hit, replied Tom.
human
Had you hit it he'd never have wagged his tail again.
gpt
Never mind, said I,