human
Well, shall we travel on?
gpt
Oh, yes, let's go on! urged Agnes.
human
I'm crazy to go through one of the locks.
gpt
Will there be any trouble about getting the houseboat through? asked Ruth of her guardian.
human
She is a pretty big craft!
gpt
But not as long as many of the canal boats, though a trifle wider, or 'of more beam,' as a sailor would say, he remarked.
human
No, the locks are large enough to let us through. But tell me, do you find this method of travel too slow? he went on.
gpt
I know you young folks like rapid motion, and this may bore you,
human
Oh, not at all, she hastened to say.
gpt
I love it. The mules are so calm and peaceful.
human
That's just as good as a honk-honk horn on an auto!
gpt
Calm and peaceful! tittered Agnes.
human
How do you like that, Ruth?
gpt
I don't mind it at all, was the calm answer.
human
It blends in well with the environment, and it's much better than the shriek of a locomotive whistle.
gpt
Bravo, Minerva! cried Mr. Howbridge.
human
You should have been a lawyer. I shall call you Portia for a change.
gpt
Don't, please! she begged.
human
You have enough nicknames for me now.
gpt
Very well then, we'll stick to the old ones. And, meanwhile, if you are all ready I'll give the word to Hank to start his mules. There is no hurry on this trip, as the man to whom I am to deliver this boat has no special need for it. But we may as well travel on.
human
I'll be glad when I can start the gasoline motor,
gpt
Which will be as soon as we get off the canal and into the river, said the lawyer.
human
I'd use the motor now, only the canal company won't permit it on account of the wash of the propeller tearing away the banks.