human
If we start off now on foot we shall be tracked, for Mr. Bernard will not rest till he gets news of us.
gpt
That’s so. And if we wait and go by train in the morning, all the town will know it. That will never do.
human
I tell you! Let’s go over to the Cape and see if we can’t find a vessel bound out. Father sent me ten pounds for the camp out, and we’ll hire a passage.
gpt
Agreed!--the very thing! What shall we want to take?
human
We will wear these school-suits, and pack up some rough clothes, our blankets, and just about what we would take to camp, for we may have to work our way to get the fellow to take us.
gpt
Hold on; I will make my will, and leave that rod in the hall for Joe Chester. Here, give me a card! ’For Joe Chester.’ There, that will please the little chap, and let him know I remember him. Now I must write to Bernard. Where’s my portfolio? Oh, here. Well, now, what to say to him? That’s a puzzler. Shall I say anything about you, Ben?
human
I suppose you’ll have to; but I am not anxious to be remembered to him, was the laughing reply, as Ralph dipped his pen in the ink and wrinkled his brow, trying to think of the proper thing to say.
gpt
Tell him I’m just as bad as you are, and we thought we had both better get out from such a high-toned crowd.
human
Well, it is a good crowd, Ben--a splendid set of boys, take them all together. You know it is. No; I am going to do the right thing, and confess without any nonsense. He won’t think me any meaner than I think myself. I’ll just say that you knew about it, and so thought you had better go too.