human
I’m going to take more things this time. I know I hadn’t anything fit to wear last year. Camp-life is very hard on clothes and shoes.
gpt
What’s the matter, Drayton? You look as glum as a catfish with a hook in his gills!
human
I feel just as I look, then.
gpt
Come on, boy, we’ve got to start right after breakfast, and there’ll be no time to pack then.
human
I don’t care.
gpt
Nonsense! Come, here’s your valise gaping at you.
human
I’m not going, Carver.
gpt
Fiddlesticks! you are too. There’s the foot-ball and your fishing-tackle. I’ll get your things together for you.
human
No. I tell you I shan’t go. I’ve let this thing go on far enough. I absolutely haven’t courage to go with the rest of the crowd to that island, where I can’t get away, if I feel ever so much like running.
gpt
The supply of courage has given out, has it? asked Ben laughing.
human
There has been a pretty heavy drain on it, I will admit.
gpt
Yes, it has given out,
human
That’s bad; but come, old fellow, you’ll feel better after we get off.
gpt
And leave Joe Chester behind?
human
No, Ben; I’m a pretty mean lot, but I declare it’s getting beyond my depth. The next thing I shall go all under.
gpt
And drag me too,
human
Yes, you too. I have been dragging you along in the same mire, until, to accommodate me, you’ve got in about as deep as I have.
gpt
Don’t mind me, Drayton. It doesn’t trouble me one bit, said Ben carelessly.
human
My lies have all been in the cause of friendship. Come, cheer up, old fellow. We’ll both reform after this, and never again tell lies.
gpt
If I ever do tell another, I’ll be a fool, said Ralph emphatically.
human
It doesn’t pay; besides, it is mean work.
gpt
Yes, but what could you do? Confess to that job with the books? That was enough to expel you; don’t you know it was?
human
I don’t care; that would be better than living a lie here day after day, and seeing those eyes of Joe Chester’s on me day and night. No, sir! I’m not going to the island and leave him behind. You are mistaken in me. I’ve got to the end of my rope.