human
What is the nearest place in Italy where Lord Lane could get a donkey?
gpt
It is possible that he might be able to buy or hire one at Airolo, said our landlord.
human
At one time they had them there, for the railway works, and mules also. But now I do not----
gpt
We can go there and see,
human
Airolo's on the other side of the St. Gothard, and automobiles aren't allowed on the Swiss passes,
gpt
What do they do to you if you _do_ go?
human
They fined an American gentleman who crossed the Simplon in his automobile last year, five thousand francs,
gpt
Oh! said she.
human
So an American did go over one of the passes? Well, thank you _so_ much; we must decide what to do, and talk it over with you again later. Meanwhile, we're very happy, for it's lovely here.
gpt
I'll tell you what we'll do, said she, in a half-whisper, when surrounded by her body-guard of two.
human
First, we'll ask _everybody_ in Lucerne whether there are any mules or donkeys on the spot, just in case Herr Widmer might be mistaken; if there aren't any, let's go over the St. Gothard _in the middle of the night_.
gpt
Good heavens, what a desperate character I've married!
human
Not at all. Don't you see, at night there would be nobody on their silly old Pass that they make such a fuss about. Even in daylight diligences don't go over the St. Gothard in our times, and at night there'd be _nothing_, so we couldn't expose man or beast to danger. We'd rush the _douanes_, or whatever they call them on passes, and if we _were_ caught, what are five thousand francs?
gpt
I wouldn't dream of letting you do such a thing for me, I broke in hurriedly.
human
If Airolo or the neighbourhood turns out to be the happy hunting ground of the sedate mule or pensive _âne_, I will simply take train----
gpt
You will take the train, if you take it, over Jack's and my dead bodies,
human
It would be rather sport to rush the Pass at night,
gpt
Oh, you darling! cried Molly,
human
I've never loved you so much.