human
You'll catch it for that! he cried.
gpt
Dan Baxter'll most kill you!
human
He has got to spell able first,
gpt
See here, what did you do that for?
human
I told you this was none of your affair! answered Jack.
gpt
After this you attend to your own business, and I'll attend to mine.
human
I told you to let up on Mumps.
gpt
Well, you are not my master, Baxter.
human
Mumps is under my protection.
gpt
What you mean is, that he is one of your toadies.
human
I ain't anybody's toady,
gpt
Yes, you are, and you're a sneak in the bargain,
human
I've a good mind to give you a crack with this,
gpt
Here, don't you hit Jack Ruddy with that!
human
Thanks, Andy, came from Jack.
gpt
But I don't think he'd dare.
human
So you're going to take part in this too, eh?
gpt
Oh, I only want to see fair play,
human
Andy, were you up in your dormitory a while ago?
gpt
Yes.
human
Did you get hit with a lump of mud?
gpt
Yes. I'd like to spot the rascal that threw it.
human
I was hit myself. That's why I came down after Mumps.
gpt
So you're the guilty party, eh?
human
Don't! screamed the lank boy, and turning, he ran off at top speed.
gpt
Come on, Dan! he called out, when at a safe distance.
human
Don't have anything more to do with 'em!
gpt
We'll settle this some other time,
human
Better settle it now,
gpt
I--I've got something else to do,
human
Baxter is afraid of you, Jack, came from Andy Snow.
gpt
He's a bully if ever there was one.
human
He certainly is a bully.
gpt
A thrashing would do him good.
human
Well, he'll get it unless he minds what he is doing.
gpt
It was a mean trick of Mumps to throw mud in at the windows, went on Andy Snow, as they walked away.
human
I had just put on a clean shirt when it hit me in the shoulder.
gpt
Mumps is as much of a mean sneak as Baxter is a bully, Andy. They make a fine team.
human
Where are you bound?
gpt
Pepper Ditmore and I were going for a row on the lake, but Pep got into trouble with Mr. Crabtree and had to go to the classroom.
human
I'll go for a row if you wish.
gpt
All right. We haven't much time, but we can take a short row anyway. It's a pity Pep isn't along.
human
You and he are great chums, aren't you?
gpt
Yes. You see, it is this way: His father and mine were old college chums, and we take after them. Besides that, his father and mine are associated in several business affairs.
human
Hullo, you fellers! came from back of the boathouse.
gpt
Is it yerselves that's afther wantin' company, I don't know? If yez do, it's meself will be afther comin' along.
human
Hullo, Emerald! returned Jack.
gpt
Yes, come on if you wish--there is room enough.
human
It's meself that would loike to learn how to row,
gpt
All right, Emerald, we'll give you lessons, came from Andy Snow.
human
Wait till we get out on the lake.
gpt
Sure, an' it looks aisy enough,
human
It is easy--after you know how, answered Andy.
gpt
By the way, he went on to Jack,
human
Yes, and so is Pepper.
gpt
Good enough. I hope you both win.
human
Now, take hold this way, said Andy Snow,
gpt
Look out! cried Jack.
human
Emerald, we've had all the bath we want.
gpt
Sure, an' I didn't mane to wet yez, was the answer.
human
The oars schlipped before I knew it!
gpt
There's that craft again!
human
What craft is that, Jack?
gpt
Oh, I forgot, Andy. It's a sloop Pepper and I saw day before yesterday. We thought the fellows on board acted queerly.
human
In what way?
gpt
They sailed up and down the shore at least ten times, as if they were on the lookout for something or somebody.
human
Who was on board?
gpt
Two men. I tried to catch a good look at their faces, but they wouldn't give me a chance.
human
It's certainly queer they should sail up and down here, was Andy's comment.
gpt
Did they come from Cedarville?
human
I don't know.
gpt
Did you notice how they kept their faces hidden?
human
Sure, I did that, answered Hogan.
gpt
B'ys, they are up to some thrick.
human
It certainly is strange, said Andy, thoughtfully.
gpt
See, they are turning back once more.
human
Perhaps they know some of the cadets, and would like to meet them.
gpt
More than likely they want to steal some of our boats.
human
I'm going to hail them, and learn what they have to say for themselves,
gpt
Do it,
human
Sloop ahoy!
gpt
What do you want?
human
Fine day,
gpt
Looking for anybody around here?
human
No.
gpt
Saw you cruising around here day before yesterday, didn't I?
human
Maybe you did. We've been out on the lake quite some the past week,
gpt
Thought, if you were looking for somebody, I might help you.
human
No, you can't help us,
gpt
Do you belong at Putnam Hall?
human
Sure, we do that,
gpt
Got many pupils there now?
human
Forty or fifty so far,
gpt
Humph! How many teachers?
human
Two regular teachers, besides Captain Putnam. Then we have others for French, and German, and music.
gpt
Who are the regular teachers?
human
Mr. Crabtree and Mr. Strong.
gpt
Do they stay there all the time?
human
Yes.
gpt
It must grow rather monotonous for them.
human
Oh, we try to make it lively enough.
gpt
Don't they ever go to town, or go boating?
human
Of course. Mr. Strong is quite an oarsman,
gpt
You can come ashore and look at the school if you wish,
human
No, thank you, we don't care to do so,
gpt
Well, they are a queer pair and no mistake, murmured Jack.
human
Did you notice how one kept his hand over his forehead?
gpt
And how the other had his cap pulled far down over his eyes,
human
Sure, an nayther of 'em looked roight sharp to me, put in Hogan.
gpt
I'd not like to be spendin' much toime in their company.
human
I believe they are up to something, said Jack.
gpt
I'd like to know what it is.
human
Perhaps we'll find out later,