human
Say, but you can whistle! cried Rick.
gpt
That was great!
human
Yes, I have a knack that way, said the sailor.
gpt
Well, after I took your dog away in the junk wagon I thought I was going to have good luck. But I didn't. We went to the old house near the swamp, and there I met another sailor. I wasn't good friends with him, for once I had played a mean trick on him. And, just to get even with me, I suppose, he went out in the night and cut loose the dog I had tied up.
human
Oh, so that's how Ruddy got loose, was it?
gpt
That was it; yes, answered the ragged sailor.
human
At first I was mad at Jed Porter, but afterward I was glad. Then he and I got to be friends again, and he gave me this parrot.
gpt
Pretty Poll! Pretty Poll!
human
She always calls herself that when you mention her, went on the ragged sailor.
gpt
Well, as I say, after I had the parrot I began to think she would do me as a good luck mascot, instead of the dog, and she did. I began to do better right away. Now I have a chance to sail on a long voyage aboard a good ship, and I'm going to take Polly with me.
human
Over the bounding waves, we sail, we sail, we sail! shrilled the bird.
gpt
What ho! The stormy winds do blow!
human
Now please keep quiet a minute until I finish,
gpt
I've taught her not to, the sailor went on.
human
Well, as I was saying, when I had this parrot for a mascot I felt I didn't need the dog. So I stopped around to tell you not to worry any more. I'll never whistle him away again.
gpt
Oh, I'm so glad! cried Rick.
human
Now you belong to me forever, Ruddy!
gpt
Yes, he's yours forever, said the sailor.
human
He was mine, but I give him to you. A dog that could get to shore after being blown overboard the way he was, is a good dog!
gpt
Yes, Ruddy is a good dog, and we all like him very much,
human
And I'm sorry I caused you so much trouble in taking him away,
gpt
Oh, we had fun camping out, and I'm going to be a Boy Scout, said Rick.
human
And Ruddy's going to belong, too!
gpt
That'll be fine! said the sailor.
human
Well, now having said all I'm going to, I'll haul up my anchor and get under way. Good-bye! he added.
gpt
Good-bye to you, lady, and to you, boy and you, Ruddy, the red dog! I'll never trouble you again! I'm off on a long voyage!