human
No, no, said the Possum, shaking his head.
gpt
No removing people's hats. Removing hats is larceny, and you'll get six months for it.
human
No bashing heads, either, said the Wombat.
gpt
That's manslaughter, and we'll have you hung for it.
human
This is an unforeseen predicament, he said.
gpt
Just mind them puddin'-thieves a minute, Ben, while we has a word in private. He took Sam and Bunyip aside, and almost gave way to despair.
human
What a frightful situation, wailed he.
gpt
We can't unlawfully take a puddin'-thief s hat off, and while it remains on who's to prove our Puddin's under it? This is one of the worst things that's happened to Sam and me for years.
human
It's worse than being chased by wart-hogs,
gpt
It's worse than rolling off a cowshed,
human
It's worse than wearing soup tureens for hats,
gpt
It's almost as bad as swallowing thistle buttons,
human
It's worse than when at midnight you Tread on a silent cat, To have a puddin'-snatcher who Will not remove his hat.
gpt
All is not yet lost, said Bunyip Bluegum.
human
Without reverting to violent measures, I will engage to have the hat removed.
gpt
You will?
human
I will, said Bunyip firmly.
gpt
All I ask is that you strike a dignified attitude in the presence of these scoundrels, and, at a given word, follow my example.