human
Why, what's this? Can there be two trees, exactly alike, within a half-day's rowing? I've certainly sketched that old landmark from every side, and---- Hello! yonder's my group of white-birches or I'm blind. How queer!
gpt
Good guide, you! Trust a know-it-all for making mistakes.
human
What does it mean?
gpt
Nothing. Only you picked out a run-about, a little branch of river, that wanders out of course and then comes home again. Begins and ends the same. Oh! you're wise, you are.
human
Would the other lead us right?
gpt
Yes.
human
But it turns north. We're bound south.
gpt
That's no matter. Can't a river turn, same as runabouts?
human
I give up. You guide. I'll stick to my brush.
gpt
Only saw them once, too. When I went as far as Donovan's with the master, year before last.
human
Didn't know he ever came so far from the island.
gpt
Why, he goes once every summer, or fall, as far as that New York of yours. Likely he'll be going soon again.
human
He does? Queer he never mentioned it.
gpt
Maybe. I've a notion, though, that the things he don't say are more important than what he does. Ever shoot a rip?
human
No. I've tried and failed. That's how I happened to get lost and wandered to Dutton's.
gpt
He's the boss hand at it. Seems as if the danger fired him up. Makes him feel as I do when I hunt big game. He didn't need my help, only fetched me along to take back some truck. That's how he picked me out to show you. He knew I knew----
human
And I wish I knew--lots of things!
gpt
One of 'em might be that round that next turn comes the first dip. Then, look out.