human
Wires are so clogged we can't get messages through. But we knew that Number Forty was stalled about here. Going to be a job to dig her out. I've got a message for the conductor,
gpt
Wasn't it a hard task to get here?
human
Not so bad. My folks live right over the ridge there, about half a mile away. I just came from the house with the dog. Down, Nero! Behave yourself!
gpt
We are going to be hungry here pretty soon,
human
There will be a pung come up from the station with grub enough before night. Furnished by the company. That is what I have come to see the conductor about.
gpt
I tell you what, said Betty's uncle, who was nothing if not quick in thinking.
human
My party were bound for Cliffdale.
gpt
That's not very far away. But I doubt if the train gets there this week.
human
Bad outlook for us. We are going to Mountain Camp--Mr. Canary's place.
gpt
I know that place, said the telegraph operator.
human
There is an easy road to it from our farm through the hills. Get there quicker than you can by the way of Cliffdale. I believe my father could drive you up there to-morrow.
gpt
In a sleigh? cried Betty delightedly.
human
What fun!
gpt
In a pung. With four of our horses. They'd break the road all right. Ought to start right early in the morning, though.
human
Do you suppose you could get us over to your house to-night? asked Mr. Gordon quickly.
gpt
There are a good many of us----
human
How many in the party? asked the young man.
gpt
My name's Jaroth--Fred Jaroth.
human
There are four girls, four boys, and myself. Quite a party.
gpt
That is all right, Mr. Gordon, said Fred Jaroth cheerfully.
human
We often put up thirty people in the summer. We've a great ranch of a house. And I can help you up the bank yonder and beat you a path through the woods to the main road. Nothing simpler. Your trunks will get to Cliffdale sometime and you can carry your hand baggage.
gpt
Not many trunks, thank goodness, replied Mr. Gordon.
human
What do you think, Betty? Does it sound good?
gpt
Heavenly!