human
You are a very unfortunate person, Mr. Hamblin,
gpt
It was done on purpose, Mr. Stoute,
human
O, no! It couldn't be! protested the fat professor.
gpt
You are simply unfortunate. First, a coil of rope falls on your head, and then you fall overboard. You should be careful.
human
Has that student been punished for throwing the rope upon me?
gpt
No, sir. I stood by during the investigation at the mainmast. It could not be proved that the act was done on purpose; and, for my part, I did not believe it was.
human
I am very confident it was. I can read the expression on the faces of the boys; and I am certain there is a conspiracy among them to knock out my brains or drown me in the river.
gpt
Boys will be boys, and they are very prone to look at the ludicrous aspect of an accident, added the stout professor.
human
I should not give a serious interpretation to any little signs of mirth I happened to see.
gpt
Mr. Stoute, you allow yourself to be hoodwinked, deceived, overwhelmed, by these artful boys. You should maintain more dignity in your intercourse with them.
human
There is a true and a false dignity, Mr. Hamblin. I shall endeavor to avoid the one, and cling to the other,
gpt
You are aware that I asked for the gig before I started for the ship?
human
I am; and I was also aware that the first cutter had been appropriated to the use of the instructors.
gpt
I demanded the gig. It was refused. What did that mean?
human
It meant just what the captain said--that the principal required him to furnish the first cutter for our use.
gpt
That is not what it meant, persisted Mr. Hamblin.
human
The crew of the first cutter had been instructed to tip me into the river. When I called for the gig, it deranged the plan. I am only sorry that I did not refuse to take the cutter, and insist upon having the gig; but I do not wish to make trouble.
gpt
But why did you ask for the gig?
human
Because I saw Morgan, who, I knew, belonged in the cutter, laughing when the rope fell on my head. He would as lief drown me as not.
gpt
I think you misjudge the boys.
human
I am surprised that one who has been a teacher as long as you have does not understand boys any better, replied Mr. Hamblin, coldly.
gpt
I am satisfied that Kendall is at the bottom of all this mischief.
human
I am very sure he is not,
gpt
The crew of the cutter had been prepared for their work.