human
Let us get out of here, Andy, said Pepper.
gpt
We have seen and heard enough.
human
Are you going to blab on us?
gpt
That depends upon what you do, retorted Pepper, bravely.
human
We are not going to stand for such underhanded work as has been going on here.
gpt
If you dare to say a word I'll--I'll thrash you within an inch of your life! hissed Dan Baxter, rushing forward and catching Pepper by the throat.
human
Don't you dare to do it! Don't you dare!
gpt
Le--let up, Baxter! gasped Pepper. He pushed the bully back with his hand.
human
You won't, eh? Then take that!
gpt
What's going on here?
human
Perhaps Baxter will tell you,
gpt
I--er--I haven't anything to say!
human
But I have something to say! cried Pepper, boldly.
gpt
Boys, take care that he doesn't try to bribe you to vote for him. He has just bribed Coulter, Paxton, and Mumps. I saw him pay over his money, and so did Andy Snow.
human
It's a--a--falsehood!
gpt
It's the truth, came from Andy.
human
It was the most disgraceful thing I ever witnessed in my life. We don't want such a chap for a major, or even for a captain.
gpt
Maybe we don't want him even for a high private,
human
That's the way to talk! whispered Mumps.
gpt
Our word is as good as theirs!
human
What these fellows say is not true, came from Gus Coulter.
gpt
I was never bribed in my life.
human
I wouldn't accept a bribe, put in Paxton, loftily.
gpt
I'm not that sort, and my friends know it.
human
We all belong to a secret society, and we were counting up the money in the treasury, said Mumps.
gpt
In the midst of it Ditmore and Snow rushed up and intimated that Dan was bribing us. They ought to have their heads punched for it!
human
Well, you'll never punch them, Mumps, said Pepper.
gpt
And Baxter won't punch them, either.
human
Don't be so sure about that, growled Dan Baxter.
gpt
You may get more than you expect!
human
I am not afraid of you,