human
Whe-ee! he squealed.
gpt
If there's goin' ter be a ruction, yeou kin bet I'll fight fer Merry, though I ain't much of a fighter. I'd ruther run then fight any day, onless I have ter fight, but I reckon I'll hev ter fight in this case, if there is any fightin'.
human
We didn't come here to fight, he said,
gpt
An' to sass Frank, put in the Vermonter.
human
But, b'gosh! yeou are barkin' up ther wrong tree when yeou tackle him! He kin jest natterally chaw yeou up.
gpt
Apologize at once, he said.
human
Come, sir, make haste!
gpt
I didn't mean anything, faltered the frightened actor.
human
I think I was too hasty. I apologize.
gpt
Be careful in the future,
human
Ladies and gentlemen, until Havener just brought the news, I did not know that Parker Folansbee was gone. It was a great surprise for me, as I did not dream he was a person to do such a thing. Even now I cannot feel that he has entirely deserted us. He may have left town rather than face us, but I hope he has been man enough to leave money behind that will enable us to return to Denver, at least. You must see that we are in the same box together. I am hit as hard as any of you, for I had hoped that Folansbee would stand by me so that I would be able to put the play in better shape and take it out again. I have lost him as a backer, and if he has skipped without leaving us anything, I have barely enough money to enable me to get back to Denver.
gpt
Haven't you any way of getting hold of money?
human
Unfortunately, I have not, answered Merry.
gpt
If I had money in my pocket I would spend the last cent to square this thing with you.
human
And I know that's on the level!
gpt
Well, it's mighty tough! muttered Billy Wynne.
human
That's all I've got to say.
gpt
We'll have to get up some kind of a benefit for ourselves, said Havener.
human
That's the only thing left to do.
gpt
Come up to my room, invited Miss Stanley,
human
Whew! breathed Gallup, sitting down on the bed.
gpt
Hanged if I didn't kinder think there was goin' to be a ruction one spell. I wanted to run, but I warn't goin' to leave Frank to be thrashed by a lot of hamfatters, b'gee!
human
They were excited when they came in, said Merry, apologizing for the ones who had departed.
gpt
If it hadn't been for that, they would not have thought of making such a scene.
human
Well, Frank, spoke Bart,
gpt
I hope this will teach you a lesson.
human
How?
gpt
I hope it will teach you not to put so much confidence in human nature after this. Have less confidence and do more business in writing. I haven't a doubt but Folansbee would have stuck by you all right if the new play had proved a winner, but he saw a chance to squeal when it turned out bad, and he jumped you.
human
I had a contract with him about the other piece, said Merry;
gpt
And that lets him out easy.
human
Yes, he gets out without any trouble, and I don't believe I can do a thing about it.
gpt
Mr. Merriwell, said the bell boy,
human
Walk right in, sir, invited Merry.
gpt
What can I do for you?
human
So you are Mr. Frank Merriwell?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
I recognize you, nodded the man.
gpt
Do you remember me?
human
No, sir; I can't say that I do, although I believe I have seen your face before.
gpt
I think you have, but I did not wear a full beard then.
human
Ah! Then it is possible the beard has made the change that prevents me from recognizing you.
gpt
Quite likely.
human
Will you sit down?
gpt
I have some important business with you,
human
See you later, Frank, he said.
gpt
Come on, Ephraim.
human
Thank you, said the man, as he accepted a chair.
gpt
For reasons I wish you would look at me closely and see if you recognize me. I recognize you, although you are older, but I must proceed with the utmost caution in this matter, and I wish you would recognize me and state my name, so that I may feel absolutely certain that I am making no mistake.