human
What's your name, little girl?
gpt
I'm Lucia,
human
Come here, little girl, she said gently.
gpt
I won't hurt you.
human
Please, I can't. I must run----
gpt
Oh, no; don't run, begged Nora, as the child showed every sign of escaping.
human
I am all alone. I just want to talk to you.
gpt
But I must not. I have to run,
human
Why?
gpt
Because----
human
Will any one hurt you if you don't?
gpt
Yes, no, maybe,
human
Well, I won't let anyone hurt you, declared Nora bravely.
gpt
I'm a Girl Scout, do you know what that means?
human
Yes, I know. It means crazy,
gpt
Crazy? Nora was somewhat taken back. Then it dawned upon her that foreigners had a way of saying things--perhaps--
human
Why do you say 'crazy'?
gpt
Oh, they dress funny, and they run all over and they climb trees like--crazy,
human
Don't you like them, the Scouts?
gpt
The little one--I like. The big ones chase me one day, came the indifferent answer.
human
I have to go, I must run sure now,
gpt
Oh, please don't go yet, begged Nora.
human
I have just found you and I want to--know you.
gpt
I don't dast, replied Lucia.
human
I have to hide now,
gpt
Are you hungry?
human
Sure, she replied, beaming.
gpt
What you got?
human
Nothing--just now, faltered Nora.
gpt
But I can bring you lots of good things. You wait here----
human
Oh, no, I get caught, interrupted the woods wraith.
gpt
Then I ketch--it.
human
If you tell me where to leave things for you, I'll bring them and you can get them when no one is around. Would that be all right?
gpt
Maybe, replied the exasperating Lucia.
human
But when you get it?
gpt
Oh, any time, I live near here and I can just run over and be back before you have to go. Where do you go to?
human
I can't tell,
gpt
You mean you do not dare tell me where you live?
human
Yes, that's what I mean.
gpt
Why?
human
I don't dast,
gpt
Who would do anything to you?
human
Nick.
gpt
Nick.
human
If I bring you a lovely sweet pie will you come back and talk to me here?
gpt
Where will you put the pie?
human
Can't you come and get it?
gpt
I don't know.