human
A canal boat?
gpt
Perhaps I had better qualify that statement, went on Mr. Howbridge in his courtroom voice,
human
I don't know anything about your legal phraseology, answered Ruth, entering into the bantering spirit of the occasion,
gpt
I am completely at your mercy, Mr. Howbridge broke in with.
human
But, speaking seriously, this boat is on the canal, though strictly it is not a canal boat. You know what they are, I dare say?
gpt
I used to have to take Tess and Dot down to the towpath to let them watch them often enough when we first came here, said Ruth, with a laugh.
human
They used to think canal boats were the most wonderful objects in the world.
gpt
Are we going on a canal boat? asked Tess, overhearing some of the talk on the front seat.
human
Oh, are we?
gpt
Oh, I hope we are! added Dot.
human
My Alice-doll just loves canal boats. And wouldn't it be splendiferous, Tess, if we could have a little one all to ourselves and Scalawag or maybe Billy Bumps to pull it instead of a mule?
gpt
That would be a sight on the towpath! cried Agnes.
human
But what is this about canal boats, Mr. Howbridge?
gpt
Has some one opened a soda water store on board one?
human
Not exactly. You'll see, presently. But I do want your opinion, he went on, speaking directly to Ruth now,
gpt
I still think you are joking, she told him.
human
And except for the fact that we have a canal here in Milton I should think you were trying to fool me.
gpt
Impossible, Minerva,