human
What right had you to take my dog, Porter?
gpt
I'm mighty sorry, Ham, was the contrite answer, and for a change Porter was not blustering and overbearing as he usually was.
human
You see I took him in, as I've done once before, and you didn't mind, but----
gpt
Yes, but this time I _do_ mind! exclaimed Dick sharply.
human
He got away from you, didn't he?
gpt
Yes, I tied him to the leg of the billiard table, while I shot a match with Weston. Beat him, too, and I must have felt so jolly over it that I forgot about Grit. When I went to look for him he was gone--he'd slipped out of his collar. I guess he was lonesome for you. He got home all right, I hope.
human
No, he didn't!
gpt
He didn't?
human
He's in the pound, and I have to pay ten dollars to get him out.
gpt
Whew! That's tough luck! I'm mighty sorry about it. If I wasn't so counfoundedly short of funds now I'd give you the money for the fine right away. As it is I'll owe it to you.
human
No, you won't! cried our hero sharply.
gpt
I'll pay it myself, but don't take Grit away again--please.