human
And the peculiar part of the business is, said Mr Marston,
gpt
Why didn't he catch him then? said Dick sharply, for Mr Marston's look annoyed him;
human
Don't speak pertly, Dick!
gpt
It was because he is so big that he did not catch him, Richard Winthorpe, said the engineer coldly.
human
The ice bore the person who fired the places, because he was skating.
gpt
Skating!
human
Yes, skating! said Mr Marston.
gpt
Bargle says that the man hobbled over the ground in his skates, but as soon as he reached the ice he went off like a bird. The ice cracked and splintered, but it seemed to bear him, and in less than a minute he was out of sight, but Bargle could hear him for a long time.
human
Well, it wasn't me, Mr Marston, said Tom, laughing.
gpt
I was skating along with Dick, but it was neither of us. We went to another fire.
human
Breakfast is getting cold,
gpt
Look here, said the squire suddenly;
human
I cannot, and I will not, have unpleasantness of this kind in my house. I must speak plainly, Marston. You suspect my boy of firing your men's huts last night?
gpt
I am very sorry, Mr Winthorpe, and I do it unwillingly, but appearances are very much against him.
human
They are,
gpt
I like Dick; I always did like Dick, said the engineer;
human
I am not surprised, Mr Marston, said Mrs Winthorpe, rising and going to her son's side.
gpt
Dick was out last night skating with Tom here over the thin ice, and of course it must have been a very light person to cross last night in skates; but you are mistaken. My boy would not commit such a cowardly crime.