human
Don't go! I'm afraid!
gpt
Joe, Tolliver said gently,
human
You're afraid of Joe,
gpt
He came last night after you relieved him at the tower. He knocked, and I wouldn't let him in. It made him mad. He swore. He threatened. He said he'd come back. He said he'd show us we couldn't kick him out of the house just because he couldn't help liking me. We never ought to have let him board here at all.
human
Why didn't you tell me before?
gpt
I was afraid you'd be fighting each other in the tower; and it didn't seem so bad until dark came on. Why didn't you complain to the railroad when--when he tried to kiss me the other night?
human
I thought that was finished, Tolliver answered slowly,
gpt
Don't go away, papa.
human
Put his things on, Sally,
gpt
What for?
human
I'll send him back from the tower with something that will make you feel easier.
gpt
Isn't that against the rules?
human
Guess I can afford to break one for a change, he said.
gpt
I'm not likely to need it myself to-night. Come, Sonny.
human
It's only a little ways, and Sonny can run home fast,