human
Now, boys, said he,
gpt
No,
human
Then, the first thing for us to do is to change our name, for we don't want to let those cowardly sneaks that deserted us to-night know any thing about us. What shall we be called?
gpt
What name would you like?
human
I think that 'Midnight Rangers' would be a good name for us,
gpt
That's a splendid name!
human
Now, continued Charles,
gpt
So would I, answered William Gage, whom Charles looked upon as his 'right-hand man;'
human
That's so! exclaimed another of the Rangers.
gpt
If we could only go up there, some dark night, and steal his scow, and run her out into the river, and burn her, wouldn't he be mad?
human
Yes, chimed in another,
gpt
I guess so, too, said William Gage.
human
Whatever we do, we must be careful not to start that dog, for he would go through fire and water to catch us; and, if he ever got hold of one of us--
gpt
Hasn't he got an orchard or melon-patch that we could visit?
human
No, answered one of the Rangers;
gpt
Who cares for that? said Charles.
human
We don't go to get the fruit; we only want to pay him for defending the Hiller--meddling with other people's business. It's too late to do any thing to-night, he added, glancing at his watch,
gpt
Where shall we meet?
human
Come here at precisely seven o'clock; and, remember, don't lisp a single word to any one about it, for, if you do, we shall be found out.
gpt
Will not folks mistrust that something is in the wind, if they see us all starting up the road at that time of night?
human
That's a fact, said William Gage.
gpt
Wouldn't it be a better plan for us to meet in the woods, at the back of Mrs. Nelson's lot? Let us all be there at eight o'clock; and, if no two of us go in company, no one will be the wiser for it.
human
That is the best plan, said Charles.
gpt
Now, remember, don't say any thing about it.
human
All right!