human
Isn't he a pretty creature, Tom? He grows worse. Father won't sell him, because, he says, he's an old friend. He has always been my enemy.
gpt
You always whacked him so,
human
No, I didn't; I never touched him till he began it. Of course I wanted to ride him and make him pull the sled, and you know how he ran after me and bit me on the back.
gpt
Yes, I know that somebody must have ill-used him first.
human
I tell you they didn't. He's always been petted and spoiled. Why, that day when he kicked me and sent me flying into the straw I'd gone to give him some carrots.
gpt
But didn't you tickle him or something?
human
No, I tell you. A nasty ungrateful brute! I've given him apples and turnips and bread; one Christmas I gave him a lump of cake; but no matter what you do, the worse he is. He's a natural savage, father says; and it isn't safe to go near him without a stick.
gpt
Well, you've told me all that a dozen times, said Tom maliciously.
human
It's only an excuse for ill-using the poor thing.
gpt
Say that again and I'll hit you,
human
No, you won't. Here, give me the harness again and I'll put it on, only keep back with that stick. That's what makes him vicious.
gpt
How clever we are! cried Dick, handing back the collar.
human
There: go and try.
gpt
Ah, I'll show you!
human
Take care, Tom; mind he don't bite!
gpt
He can't bite with his hind-legs, can he? replied Tom.
human
I'll mind. Now, then, old fellow, turn round; I won't hurt you.
gpt
Don't be a stupid, cried Tom;
human
I want your head, not your tail.
gpt
You leave off laughing, he said,