human
How a man could attempt this trip all alone is something I can't understand, observed Randy.
gpt
Imagine getting lost in those mountains over yonder! It makes a fellow shiver to think of it!
human
Men have been lost out here, replied Dr. Barwaithe, gravely,
gpt
I guess that is what would happen to me, answered Randy.
human
Oh, what's that stung me? A mosquito, I declare! Who would expect to find one of those pests at this season of the year?
gpt
You'll get mosquitoes enough presently, replied Foster Portney.
human
Don't you remember the mosquito netting I brought along? During the short summer here the insects are apt to worry the life out of a person.
gpt
I suppose they thrive in this moss that I see around, said Earl.
human
What did you say it was called, Uncle Foster? tundra?
gpt
Yes, tundra, Earl. The moss is thicker than this up in the north and covers everything. If it wasn't for the moss, I think the ground might thaw out more in the summer, but as it is, the moss prevents the sun from striking in, and the ground is as hard as in midwinter six or eight feet below the surface.
human
The moss doesn't seem to have any effect on the berry bushes, though, said Randy.
gpt
I see 'em everywhere. Do they bear fruit?
human
Oh, yes, they have everything in the way of berries up here, Randy. But they are rather small, and they haven't the flavor of those at home. The berries have to take the place of larger fruits, such as apples, pears, and peaches, and the birds live on them.
gpt
Well, we won't starve as long as we have berries, birds, and fish, said Earl.
human
I don't see where this cry of starvation comes in, I must say.
gpt
O' course ye don't--not now! burst in Captain Zoss.
human
But wait till winter sets in. Then the berries will be gone, an' birds will be mighty scarce.
gpt
But we'll have the fish, captain. We can cut holes in the ice on the river and spear them, as we do down in Maine.
human
Wall, maybe, my lad. But ye don't catch me a-tryin' it when I kin git anything else--not with the ice eight or ten feet thick an' the mercury down to forty below nuthin' at all!