human
I say, Ralph, observed Peterkin, as we glided up the stream, which in this place was narrow and sluggish,
gpt
It is rather curious, no doubt. But I suspect we have ourselves to thank for the disinclination. If we did not sit up so late at night we should not feel the indisposition to rise so strong upon us in the morning.
human
There you are quite wrong, Ralph. I always find that the sooner I go to bed the later I am in getting up. The fact is, I've tried every method of rousing myself, and without success. And yet I can say conscientiously that I am desirous of improving; for when at sea I used to have my cot slung at the head with a block-tackle, and I got one of the middies to come when the watch was changed and lower me, so that my head lay on the deck below, and my feet pointed to the beams above. And would you believe it, I got so accustomed to this at last that, when desperately sleepy, I used to hold on in that position for a few minutes, and secure a short nap during the process of suffocation with blood to the head.
gpt
You must indeed have been incorrigible, said I, laughing.
human
Nevertheless, I feel assured that the want of will lies at the root of the evil.
gpt
Of course you do, retorted Peterkin testily;
human
Is it not probable that people always say that just because they feel that there is truth in the remark?
gpt
Humph!
human
Besides, I continued,
gpt
You may be very correct in your reasoning, returned Peterkin;
human
he added, turning to the negro who steered our canoe;
gpt
And here is a capital spot on which to breakfast,
human
First-rate. Now then, follow me, and mind your muzzle. Better put the rifle over your shoulder, Ralph, so that if it does go off it may hit the sun or one of the stars. A six-ounce ball in one's spine is not a pleasant companion in a hunting expedition.
gpt
But, retorted I,
human
Indeed: not even when you pull it?
gpt
Of course when I am about to fire; but you know well enough what I mean.
human
Hush, Ralph! we must keep silence now and step lightly.