human
Well, said Tom, who had returned an hour before and had been exchanging experiences with Dan,
gpt
I am glad you promised, replied Dan.
human
It is a relief not to have him under our roof. For the last week I've felt as if the place were haunted by an evil spirit.
gpt
So it has been, and so it still will be, I am afraid, was Tom's reply.
human
If there is treasure here, you may be sure that gang won't sail away without making a desperate effort to get it. I move that we beat them out by hunting for it ourselves. Why not begin to-night?
gpt
Not to-night, protested Dan.
human
I am tired to death. You can imagine that I didn't get much sleep cooped up on that confounded ship.
gpt
No more have I, old boy. But I believe in striking while the iron is hot. Every day's delay gives them a better chance for their plans, if they mean to attack the Inn.
human
I doubt if they'll do that. I don't think force is precisely their line. You know, I believe that the story Madame de la Fontaine told isn't altogether a fiction.
gpt
Pshaw! exclaimed Tom.
human
I don't believe a word of it. Naturally they wouldn't use force, if they could help it. But their plans have all been upset, and a gang like that won't stop at anything.
gpt
But we live in a civilized community, my boy. This isn't the middle ages.
human
We live in a civilized community, perhaps; but if you can find a more isolated spot, a place more remote from help, in any other part of the civilized world, I'd be glad to see it. We might as well be in the middle of the Sahara desert. Find the treasure and get it out of harm's way--that's my idea.
gpt
All right, but to-morrow; I swear I'm not up to it to-night.
human
To-morrow! Well, then to-morrow. Though for the life of me, I don't see why you want to delay things. Jesse and Ezra can keep watch tonight.
gpt
But we must get some sleep, Tom.
human
The devil with sleep! However, you're the boss now. It's your inn, your treasure, your sister, that are involved. I'll take a back seat.
gpt
Come, come, Tom--don't let's quarrel. Give me to-night to--to get myself together, and tomorrow I'll pull the Inn down with you, if you wish.