human
We've got to use a little common sense, Joe, insisted Matt.
gpt
The girl wouldn't have the least motive in the world for trying to do such a thing as set fire to the _Comet_!
human
We've got to bank on what we see, answered McGlory,
gpt
Great business! he exclaimed.
human
Le Bon got juggled out of the ascension, after all, and Haidee, the sly minx! did her stunt on the trapeze, just as she had planned. How in the world did the machine take fire? Crossed wires, or something?
gpt
You need not try to dodge responsibility, Burton, said Matt sharply.
human
You put up the trick that was played on me.
gpt
On my honor, King----
human
Don't talk that way, interrupted Matt.
gpt
Come out flat-footed and admit it.
human
Well, grinned Burton, a little sheepishly,
gpt
You'll have to cut out the fireworks, Burton, said Matt dryly.
human
It will take a full day to repair the _Comet_.
gpt
Think of the loss! he exclaimed.
human
You've got to repair the machine in time for the ascent this evening. If it's a matter of men, King, I'll give you a dozen to help.
gpt
It's not a matter of men, said Matt.
human
Joe and I are the only ones who can work on the _Comet_. And listen to this--I mean it, and if you don't like it we'll break our contract right here--Haidee has gone up with me for the last time. I'll take Archie le Bon, or any one else you want to send, but not Haidee.
gpt
Is this what you call treating me square?
human
Sufferin' Ananias! grunted McGlory.
gpt
You're a nice lame duck to talk about being treated square! You've got a treacherous outfit, Burton, and Pard Matt and I are not beginning to like it any too well.
human
You're responsible for the trouble that overtook the _Comet_, Burton,
gpt
Me? echoed the showman, aghast.
human
Well, I'd like to know how you figure it.
gpt
Through your schemes, and over my protest, Haidee made the ascent with me.
human
I'll admit that.
gpt
If she hadn't made the ascent, there'd have been no fire.
human
Do you mean to say----
gpt
Now, don't jump at any conclusions. I know what I'm talking about when I tell you that there'd have been no fire if Haidee hadn't made the ascent with me. That isn't saying, mark you, that the girl is to blame for what happened. Would she want to burn the aëroplane and drop herself and me plump into the show grounds? If----