book_id
stringlengths 2
6
| title
stringclasses 1
value | author
stringclasses 1
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listlengths 1
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|---|---|---|---|
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We must make a move and hustle all we can, he said eagerly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It will be dark in half an hour, and the snow won't take long in filling up the trail."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't see which way it runs, but it certainly doesn't end here, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Go ahead and look for it, Benson; but don't get out of call!"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing yet!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Keep closer!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hadn't you better go after him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No! Blake snapped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It would make things worse to scatter. He raised his voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come back, before your tracks fill up!"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He has found the trail!"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We can follow it if it gets no fainter; but there's no time to lose, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It might be safer if I went first and kept my eye on the trail."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A rough night, he said calmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ye might as weel sit down. Where do ye hail from?"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From Sweetwater; but we have been up in the timber belt since winter set in. Now we have run out of provisions and my partner's lamed by snowshoe trouble."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ay, said the man;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suspected something o' the kind. But maybe ye'll be wanting supper?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I believe, if we were put to it, we could eat half a caribou,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's no to be had, the Scot answered in a matter-of-fact tone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can give ye a good thick bannock and some whitefish. Our stores are no so plentiful the now."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ye'll no walk far for a while, I'm thinking, he commented."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rest it on the chair here and sit ye still."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm all my lone; my clerk's away with the breeds at the Swan Lake, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where are ye making for?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For the south, Blake answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We came here for shelter, badly tired, and we want to hire a dog team and a half-breed guide, if possible, as soon as my partner's fit to travel. Then we want provisions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm afraid I cannot supply ye. Our stores are low--we got few fish and caribou the year, and we have not a team to spare."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, said Benson,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't suppose you'll turn us out, and we'd be glad to pay for our accommodation. We have no wish to take the trail again without food or transport."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ye might wait a week or two; and then we'll maybe see better what can be done."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess you have seen nothing like this round here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said Robertson, after examining it carefully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have made it my business to study the natural products o' the district, and it's my opinion ye'll find no gum of this kind in the northern timber belt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose you're right. Leaving furs out, if the country's rich in anything, it's probably minerals."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's copper and some silver, but I've seen no ore that would pay for working when ye consider the transport."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't suppose you're anxious to encourage prospecting,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If there was a rich strike, we would no object. We're here to trade, and supplying miners is no quite so chancy as dealing in furs; but to have a crowd from the settlements disturbing our preserves and going away after finding nothing o' value would not suit us. Still, I'm thinking it's no likely: the distance and the winter will keep them out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you ever see signs of oil?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No here; there's petroleum three hundred miles south, but no enough, in my opinion, to pay for driving wells. Onyway, the two prospecting parties that once came up didna come back again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll stay here for a while and then look for that petroleum on our way to the settlements."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There are advantages in having a good guide, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We haven't had to face a climb like that all the way. But we'd better get up."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It looks rough, said Benson."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's rather a high ridge yonder. It might save trouble to work round its end. What do you think?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I'm not sure, Harding replied,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean to go straight south."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have better reasons for getting back than the rest of us; though I've no particular wish to loiter up here. Break the trail, Blake; due south by compass!"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The situation requires some thought, Blake said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "First of all, our provisions won't carry us through the timber belt. Now, the shortest course to the prairie, where the going will be easier, is due south; but after we get there we'll have a long march to the settlements. I'd partly counted on our killing a caribou, or perhaps a moose, but so far we've seen no tracks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There must be some smaller animals that the Indians eat,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "None of us knows where to look for them, and we haven't much time to spare for hunting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's so, Harding agreed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's your plan?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm in favor of heading southwest. It may mean an extra hundred miles, or more, but it would bring us nearer the Stony village, and afterward the logging camp on the edge of the timber, where we might get supplies."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's understood that the Indians are often half starved in winter, Benson reminded him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For all that, they might have had good luck; and, anyway, we couldn't cross the prairie with an empty grubsack. My vote's for striking off to the west."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What about the petroleum?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We can't stop to look for it unless we can lay in a good stock of food, and I don't suppose we could do much prospecting with the snow on the ground, Harding paused with a thoughtful air."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When we reach the settlement I must go home, but if the money can be raised, I'll be back as soon as the thaw comes, to try for the oil, Clarke's an unusually smart man, and there's no doubt he's on the trail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll raise enough money somehow,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, we'll raise the money somehow, he agreed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It has been my experience that when you want a thing badly enough, there's always some way to get it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right now I want sleep,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've an idea that this is the valley where Blake fell sick, and it's going to straighten things out for us if I'm right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's so, Benson agreed,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We would be sure of striking the Stony village, and we could afterward follow the low ground right down to the river. With the muskegs frozen solid, it ought to make an easy road."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll know more about it after another march,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, he said,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You were right! I can see a glimmer about a mile ahead. I wonder who the fellows are?"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A blower of natural gas! Harding exclaimed excitedly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In a sense, we've had our run for nothing, but this may be worth a good deal more than your supper."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I had the option, I'd trade all the natural gas in Canada for a thick, red, moose steak, and a warm place to sleep in, Benson said savagely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anyway, it will help us to light our fire, and we have a bit of whitefish and a few hard bannocks left."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "First of all, Harding answered good-humoredly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What would you do with gas in this wilderness?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In due time, I or somebody else would build a town. Fuel's power, and if you could get it cheap, you'd find minerals that would pay for working. Men with money in Montreal and New York are looking for openings like this; no place is too remote to build a railroad to if you can ensure freight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're the most sanguine man I ever met, Blake commented."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Take care your optimism doesn't ruin you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder, Harding went on,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How did the thing get lighted?"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess I can't blame you for not feeling very keen; but that's not the point. I can't answer what you ask, and I believe our forest wardens are now and then puzzled about how bush fires get started. We have crossed big belts of burned trees in a country where we saw no signs of Indians."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If this blower has been burning long, the Stonies must know of it, Blake said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Isn't it curious that no news of it has reached the settlements?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not sure. They may venerate the thing; and, anyway, they're smart in some respects. They know that where the white men come their people are rounded up on reservations, and I guess they'd rather have the whole country to themselves for trapping and fishing. Then, Clarke may have persuaded them to say nothing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's possible, Blake agreed thoughtfully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll push on for their camp the first thing tomorrow."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm very much afraid Clarke's friends are not at home, Blake said with forced calm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll know more about it in half an hour; that is, if you think it worth while to go down."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now that we're here, we may as well spend another hour over the job, Harding decided."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's possible they haven't packed all their food along."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That fellow hasn't been gone very long; there was snow yesterday, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "By the line he took, he must have passed near us. I wonder why he stayed on after the others."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's obvious that they can't be older than yesterday afternoon, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From their depth and sharpness, I should judge that the fellow was carrying a good load, which probably means that he meant to be gone some time. The stride suggests a white man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Clarke, said Harding."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He seems to be up here pretty often; though I can't see how he'd do much prospecting in the winter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's possible, Blake replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I'm anxious to find out whether there's anything to eat in the tepees."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "These northern Indians often have to put up with short rations while the snow lies, Benson remarked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No doubt, they set off for some place where game's more plentiful when they found their grub running out; and as they've all gone the chances are that they won't come back soon. We've had our trouble, for nothing, but we may as well camp here. With a big fire going, one could make this tepee warm."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have wasted too much time already, Blake said with an effort;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Harding slowly assented;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess that would be wiser."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm afraid we're going to have an unusually bad night, and we may as well take precautions,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Another foot would have made a difference to two of us, Harding said coolly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "However, it's fallen where it was wanted; help me heave the thing on."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How far do you make it to the logging camp? Benson asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm taking it for granted that the lumber gang's still there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A hundred and sixty miles, said Blake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And we have food enough for two days; say forty miles."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "About that; it depends on the snow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't see any way out, he said at last."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, Blake answered quietly,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's that? he said sharply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Didn't you hear it?"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A dog team!"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We saw your fire and thought we'd make for it, he explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see your cooking outfit's still lying round."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's at your service, Blake responded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry we can't offer you much supper, though there's a bit of a bannock and some flour."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll soon fix that, the man declared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Guess you're up against it, but our grub's holding out. He turned to the driver."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come and tend to the cooking when you're through, Emile."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't spare it, said the first comer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess these men are hungry; fix up your best menoo."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're wondering who we are?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, no, Blake smiled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can make a guess; there's a stamp on you I recognize. You're from Regina."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You've hit it first time. I'm Sergeant Lane, R.N.W.M.P. This --he indicated his companion--"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, said the Sergeant,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I figure that we have provisions enough to see us down to the settlements all right, and we'll be glad of your company. The stronger the party, the smoother the trail; and after what you've told me, I guess you can march."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where did you find the half-breed? Benson asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your chiefs at Regina don't allow you hired packers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They surely don't. He's a Hudson Bay man, working his passage. Going back to his friends somewhere about Lake Winnipeg, and decided he'd come south with us and take the cars to Selkirk. I was glad to get him; I'm not smart at driving dogs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We found it hard to understand the few Indians we met, said Harding."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The farther north you go, the worse it must be. How will the fellows you left up yonder get on?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When we want a thing done, we can find a man in the force fit for the job. One of the boys I took up can talk to them in Cree or Assiniboin; and it wouldn't beat us if they spoke Hebrew or Greek. There's a trooper in my detachment who knows both."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you specialize in?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Farriery,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Knows a horse all over, outside and in, Sergeant Lane interposed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I allow that's why they sent him when I asked for a good dog driver, though in a general way our bosses aren't given to joking. Walthew will tell you there's a difference between physicking a horse and harnessing a sled team."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's marked, Walthew agreed with a chuckle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I first tried to put the traces on I thought they'd eat me. Even now I have some trouble; and I'll venture to remind my superior that he'd be short of some of his fingers if they didn't serve us out good thick mittens."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's right, admitted Lane good-humoredly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sure no good at dogs. If you're going to drive them, you want to speak Karalit or French. Plain English cussin's no blame use."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's pretty fine,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've seen a better fire, boys, but I've camped with none at all on as cold a night, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So far as I can figure, we have grub enough; but now that there are three more of us we don't want to lose time. You'll be ready to pull out by seven in the morning."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "About as fierce a blizzard as I remember, Sergeant Lane remarked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We were held up three days, and thought ourselves lucky in making a ravine with a steep bank; but the wind couldn't have been quite so strong back north a piece. There'd have been two names less on the roster if we'd been caught down here."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was curious, said Private Walthew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was old Chasseur who led them off, and he's not given to playing tricks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A dead mink or beaver in the snow, the sergeant suggested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't notice anything, but they have a keen scent. Anyhow, let's get into camp."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where are the dogs? he asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They're very quiet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I leaf zem _la bas_, explained Emile, waving his hand toward a neighboring hollow. Then, moving a few paces forward, he exclaimed:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! _les coquins_!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looks as if they'd bolted, Walthew said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think I know where to find them."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Give me a hand, boys. We have to get him out."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's Clarke!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sure, said Harding gravely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not surprised."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then you knew him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes; I knew him pretty well. He lived at Sweetwater, where we're going. I can give you any particulars you want."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll ask you later. The sergeant knelt down and carefully studied the dead man's pose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looks as if he'd been caught in the blizzard and died of exposure; but that's a thing I've got to ascertain. I'll want somebody's help in getting him out of this big coat."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can find nothing wrong,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Considering that you came across the man lying frozen after one of the worst storms you remember, what did you expect to find?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, the sergeant answered dryly,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, he said,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, said the sergeant,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can answer that, said Harding."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was in the habit of staying at the Indian village we told you of. We saw tracks coming from it when we were there the day before the blizzard began."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A white man's tracks? Why did you go to the village?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I believe they were. We went to look for provisions, and didn't get them, because the place was empty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then how do you account for the fellow's being there alone?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't account for it,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's certainly curious,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll start for the village to-morrow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the Indians are away, there won't be much to be learned,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They may have come back. Anyway, it's my business to find out all I can."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was a big medicine man and cured us when we were ill,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you know these white men?"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How was it you left the white man in your village by himself?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is a thing that puzzles us, said one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The white man came alone and told us he had seen tracks of caribou three days' journey back. As we had no meat, and our fish was nearly done, six of us went to look for the deer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Six of you? Where are the rest? These tepees would hold a good many people."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They are hunting farther north, the Indian explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When we got to the place the white man told us of, we could see no caribou tracks. As he was a good hunter, we thought this strange; but we went on, because there was another muskeg like the one he spoke of, and we might not have understood him. Then the snow came and we camped until it was over, and afterward came back, finding no deer. When we reached the tepees, he had gone, and we do not know what has become of him. We could not follow because the snow had covered his trail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is dead, Lane said abruptly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I found him frozen a few days ago."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell them I don't want them any more, he said to Emile, and when the Indians went out he turned to Benson."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Give me all the information you are able to about the man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is no reason to doubt that he came to his death by misadventure, he decided."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't quite understand what led him to visit these fellows; but, after all, that doesn't count."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It isn't very plain, Benson replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is there anything else you wish to know?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, said Lane, looking at him steadily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can take it that this inquiry is closed; we'll pull out the first thing to-morrow. He beckoned Walthew."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now that we're here, we may as well find out what we can about these fellows, and how they live. It will fill up our report, and they like that kind of information at Regina."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sergeant Lane is a painstaking officer, but his shrewdness has its limits, and there are points he seems to have missed. It would have been wiser not to have let Clarke's coat out of his hands until he had searched it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! Blake exclaimed sharply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You emptied the pockets?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I did. My action was hardly justifiable, perhaps, but I thought it better that the police shouldn't get on the track of matters that haven't much bearing on Clarke's death. I found two things, and they're both of interest to us. We'll take this one first."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Crude petroleum, he explained."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should imagine the flash-point is low. I can't say how Clarke got the stuff when the ground's hard frozen, but here it is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Isn't a low flash-point a disadvantage? Benson asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It must make the oil explosive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It does, but all petroleum's refined, and the by-products they take off, which includes gasoline, fetch a remarkably good price. Shake a few drops on the end of a hot log and we'll see how it lights."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I thought! exclaimed Harding."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suspect the presence of one or two distillates that should be worth as much as the kerosene. We'll get the stuff analyzed later; but you had better stopper the flask, because we don't want the smell to rouse Lane's curiosity. The important point is that, as I've reasons for believing the oil is fresh from the ground, Clarke must have found it shortly before the blizzard overtook him. That fixes the locality, and we shouldn't have much trouble in striking the spot when we come back again. His eyes sparkled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's going to be well worth while; this is a big thing!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In a way, it was very hard luck for Clarke, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you're right in your conclusions, he's been searching for the oil for several years; and now he's been cut off just when it looks as if he'd found it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't owe him much pity. What would have happened if we hadn't met the police?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's unpleasant to think of. No doubt we'd have starved to death."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A sure thing! said Harding."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It hasn't struck you that this was what he meant us to do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you making a bold guess, or have you any ground for what you're saying?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I see you'll have to be convinced. Very well; in the first place, the man would have stuck at nothing. I've already tried to show you that he had something to gain by Benson's death. I suspected when we took you away from him that you were running a big risk, Benson."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was running a bigger one before that, if you can call a thing a risk when the result's inevitable, Benson replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The pace I was going would have killed me in another year or two, and even now I'm half afraid---- He paused for a few moments, with somber face and knitted brows."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I believe you're right, Harding, he went on thoughtfully;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm coming to that. There was, however, another member of this party who was in his way, and he made his plans to remove you both."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean me? Blake broke in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't see how he'd profit by my death."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "First, let's look at what he did. As soon as he reached the village, he heard that we had started from the Hudson Bay post. It wouldn't be difficult to calculate how long the food we could carry would last, and he'd see that the chances were in favor of our calling at the village for provisions. Presuming on that, he sent his friends away to look for caribou which they couldn't find. They admitted that they were puzzled, because he was a good hunter. Then he cleared out by himself; and I believe that if there was any food left in the place he carefully hid it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Read it, Benson advised;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I see, he said very quietly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man has been trying to bleed the Colonel, and has got his answer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is that all?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I believe it proves that your conclusions are right. I won't go into particulars, but where my uncle and cousin are threatened I'm, so to speak, the leading witness for the defense, and it wouldn't have suited Clarke to let me speak. No doubt, that's why he took rather drastic measures to put me out of the way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then you mean never to question the story of the Indian affair?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you know about it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know the truth. Haven't I marched and starved and shared my plans with you? If there had been any meanness in you, wouldn't I have found it out? What's more, Benson knows what really happened, and so does Colonel Challoner. How else could Clarke have put the screw on him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I expect you'll find a letter waiting for you at Sweetwater,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The time we lost turning back to the Stony village has made a big hole in our grub, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Guess we'll have to cut the menoo down and do a few more miles a day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our party's used to that, Blake answered with a smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suggest another plan. You have brought us a long way, and Sweetwater's a bit off your line. Suppose you give us food enough to last us on half rations and let us push on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, sir! said Lane decidedly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We see this trip through together. For another thing, the dogs are playing out, and after the way they've served us I want to save them. With your help at the traces we make better time."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then we'll have to make the best speed we can,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! Emile exclaimed suddenly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You hear somet'ing?"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "White man come from ze sout'. _Mais, oui_! He come, sure t'ing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess he's right. I can hear it now; but I can't figure on the kind of outfit."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bob-sled! Emile exclaimed with scorn."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The fellow's sure a farmer, coming up with a Clydesdale team, Lane laughed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One wouldn't have much trouble in following his trail."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Saw your fire a piece back, said one, when they had hauled up a clumsy sled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm mighty glad to find you, Blake; we were wondering how far we might have to go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then you came up after me, Tom? exclaimed Blake."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You wouldn't have got much farther with that team; but who sent you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't quite know. It seems that Gardner got orders from somebody that you were to be found, and he hired me and the boys. We had trouble in getting here, but we allowed we could bring up more grub and blankets on the sled, and we could send Jake back with the team when we struck the thick bush. Then we were going to make a cache, and pack along as much stuff as we could carry. But I have a letter which may tell you something."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's from a friend in England, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You were lucky in finding me, and we'll go back together in the morning."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's something I must tell you, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was Colonel Challoner who sent the boys up from the settlement with food for us, and he begs me to come home at once. That's a point on which I'd like your opinion; but you shall hear what he has to say."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was a good offer, Harding interrupted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Clarke must have had reason for believing he was about to make a big strike; he'd have kept quiet until he was sure of it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blake continued reading."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He omitted the next few lines, and went on:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He insists on my going home."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His difficulty is obvious, Benson remarked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you are blameless, his son must be guilty."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In some ways, it might be better if I went home at once, Blake said at last."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could come back and join you as soon as I saw how things were going. The Colonel would feel easier if I were with him; but, all the same, I'm inclined to stay away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For one thing, if I were there, he might insist on taking some quite unnecessary course that would only cause trouble."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm going to give you my opinion, said Harding curtly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I take it that your uncle is a man who tries to do the square thing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's what you call white, and as obstinate as they're made. Convince him that a thing's right and he'll see it done, no matter how many people it makes uncomfortable. That's why I don't see my way to encourage him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here's a man who's up against a point of honor; he has, I understand, a long, clean record, and now he's prepared to take a course that may cost him dear. Are you going to play a low-down game on him; to twist the truth so's to give him a chance for deceiving himself?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aren't you and Benson taking what you mean by the truth too much for granted?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I haven't heard you deny it squarely; you're a poor liar. It's your clear duty to go back to England right away, and see your uncle through with the thing he means to do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After all, I'll go to England, Blake answered with significant reserve."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "However, we'd better get on, or we won't catch the others until they've finished dinner."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We may not have another chance for a private talk until we reach the settlement, Blake said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are you going to do about the petroleum?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll come back and prospect the muskeg as soon as the frost goes,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It will cost a good deal to do that thoroughly. We must hire transport for a full supply of all the tools and food we are likely to need; one experience of the kind we've had this trip is enough. How are you going to get the money?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not going to the city men for it until our position's secure. The thing must be kept quiet until we're ready to put it on the market."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You were doubtful about taking me for a partner once, Benson interposed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know that I could blame you; but now I mean to do all I can to make the scheme successful, and I don't think you'll have as much reason for being afraid that I might fail you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Call it a deal, said Harding."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're the man we want."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I ought to be back before you start, Blake said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I believe it's such a chance as few people ever get,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then we'll see what can be done. It won't be your fault if the venture fails."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's hard work and perhaps some trouble ahead, but you won't regret you faced it. You'll be a rich man in another year or two!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Emile and the dogs are leaving us behind, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll have to hustle!"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are surprised at my turning up?"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I knew that Colonel Challoner had given orders for you to be traced, if possible, and I knew that you had been found; but that was all Mrs. Keith told me. I suppose she didn't know--didn't think, I mean--that I was interested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shall believe that was very foolish of her,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It really was foolish. But you must have some tea and wait until she comes. I don't think she will be long. She has gone out with Mrs. Foster."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have changed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not astonishing, Blake laughed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We didn't get much to eat in the wilds, and I was thinking how pleasant it is to be back again. He examined his prettily decorated cup."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's remarkable how many things one can do without. In the bush, we drank our tea, when we had any, out of a blackened can, and the rest of our table equipment was similar. But we'll take it that the change in me is an improvement?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In a sense, it is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then I feel encouraged to continue starving myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's a limit; extremes are to be avoided. But did you starve yourselves in Canada?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I must confess that the thing wasn't altogether voluntary. I'm afraid we were rather gluttonous when we got the chance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you find what you were looking for?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No; I think it was a serious disappointment for Harding, and I was very sorry for him at first."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So am I, Millicent responded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It must have been very hard, after leaving his wife alone and badly provided for and risking everything on his success. But why did you say you _were_ sorry for him? Aren't you sorry now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Though we didn't find what we were looking for, we found something else which Harding seems firmly convinced is quite as valuable. Of course, he's a bit of an optimist, but it looks as if he were right this time. Anyway, I'm plunging on his scheme."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean you will stake all you have on it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Blake answered with a humorous twinkle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's true that what I have doesn't amount to much, but I'm throwing in what I should like to get--and that's a great deal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell me about your adventures up in that wilderness,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, he protested,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me judge. Is it nothing to have gone where other men seldom venture?"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you carried your crippled comrade when you were exhausted and starving, she exclaimed, when he came to their search for the factory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One likes to hear of such things as that! But what would you have done if you hadn't found the post?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't answer, he said soberly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We didn't dare think, of it: a starving man's will gets weak. Then his expression grew whimsical."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Besides, if one must be accurate, we dragged him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Still, said Millicent softly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't think you would have left him."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm flattered, Miss Graham, he said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please go on with your story, Millicent begged, disregarding his remark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How long did you stay at the factory?"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you have come back! Mrs. Keith said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How was it you didn't go straight to Sandymere, where your uncle is eagerly awaiting you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sent him a cablegram just before I sailed, but on landing I found there was an earlier train. As he won't expect me for another two hours, I thought I'd like to pay my respects to you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I'm flattered, she responded;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm glad you have come home, she said abruptly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think you are needed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That, replied Blake,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You didn't find waiting for us tedious, she said lightly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose you and Millicent were deep in your adventures when we came in--playing Othello and Desdemona."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As you compare me to the Moor, you must admit that I have never pretended to be less black than I'm painted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! Mrs. Keith exclaimed with marked gentleness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You needn't pretend to me, Dick. I have my own opinion about you. I knew you would come home as soon as you could be found."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then you must know what has been going on in my absence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have a strong suspicion. Your uncle has been hard pressed by unscrupulous people with an end to gain. How much impression they have made on him I cannot tell; but he's fond of you, Dick, and in trouble. It's a cruel position for an honorable man with traditions like those of the Challoners' behind him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's true; I hate to think of it. You know what I owe to him and Bertram."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's old, continued Mrs. Keith."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would be a great thing if he could be allowed to spend his last years in quietness. I fear that's impossible, although perhaps to some extent it lies in your hands. She looked steadily at Blake."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now that you have come back, what do you mean to do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever is needful; I'm for the defense. The Colonel's position can't be stormed while I'm on guard; and this time there'll be no retreat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't add that, Dick; it hurts me. I'm not so hard as I sometimes pretend. I never doubted your staunchness; but I wonder whether you quite realize what the defense may cost you. Have you thought about your future?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You ought to know that the Blakes never think of the future. We're a happy-go-lucky, irresponsible lot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But suppose you wished to marry?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's a difficulty that has already been pointed out. If I ever marry, the girl I choose will believe in me in spite of appearances. In fact, she'll have to: I have no medals and decorations to bring her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have much that's worth more! Mrs. Keith declared warmly, moved by his steadfastness."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Still, it's a severe test for any girl. She laid her hand gently on his arm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the end, you won't regret the course you mean to take. I have lived a long while and have lost many pleasant illusions, but I believe that loyalty like yours has its reward. I loved you for your mother's sake when you were a boy; afterward when things looked blackest I kept my faith in you, and now I'm proud that I did so."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Confidence like yours is an embarrassing gift. It makes one feel that one must live up to it; and that isn't easy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's yours, Dick; given without reserve. But I think there's nothing more to be said; and the Colonel will be expecting you."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dick, Challoner said earnestly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm very glad to see you home. I should like to think you have come to stay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I feel that I need you altogether. It's now doubtful whether Bertram will leave India, after all. His regiment has been ordered into the hills, where there's serious trouble brewing, and he has asked permission to remain. Even if he comes home, he will have many duties, and I have nobody left."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I must go back sooner or later, Blake said slowly;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The question must certainly be raised; that is why I sent for you. You can understand my anxiety to learn what truth there is in the story I have heard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It might be better if you told me all about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very well; the task is painful, but it can't be shirked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, Challoner concluded,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Clarke once approached me about the matter, but he will never trouble either of us again. I helped to bury him up in the wilds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dead!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Frozen. In fact, it was not his fault that we escaped his fate. He set a trap for us, intending that we should starve."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His motive was obvious. There was a man with us whose farm and stock would, in the event of his death, fall into Clarke's hands; and it's clear that I was a serious obstacle in his way. Can't you see that he couldn't use his absurd story to bleed you unless I supported it?"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He urged me to take some shares in a petroleum syndicate,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, I believe you missed a good thing. Blake seized upon the change of topic."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The shares would probably have paid you well. He found the oil, and put us on the track of it, though of course he didn't have any wish to do that. We expect to make a good deal out of the discovery."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It looks like justice, Challoner declared."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But we are getting away from the point. I'd better tell you that after my talk with the man, I felt that he might be dangerous and that I must send for you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why didn't you send for Bertram?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I cabled out instructions to find you, there was no word of his leaving India; then, you must see how hard it would have been to hint at my suspicions. It would have opened a breach between us that could never be closed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, said Blake, leaning forward on the table and speaking earnestly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It lies between my son and my nephew, Dick. There was emotion in the Colonel's voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had a great liking for your father, and I brought you up. Then I took a keen pride in you; there were respects in which I found you truer to our type than Bertram."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You heaped favors on me, Blake replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That I bitterly disappointed you has been my deepest shame; in fact, it's the one thing that counts. For the rest, I can't regret the friends who turned their backs on me; and poverty never troubled the Blakes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But the taint--the stain on your name!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have the advantage of bearing it alone, and, to tell the truth, it doesn't bother me much. That a man should go straight in the present is all they ask in Canada, and homeless adventurers with no possessions--the kind of comrades I've generally met--are charitable. As a rule, it wouldn't become them to be fastidious. Anyway, sir, you must see the absurdity of believing that Bertram could have failed in his duty in the way the tale suggests."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I once felt that strongly; the trouble is that the objection applies with equal force to you. Do you deny the story this man told me?"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think it would be better if I tried to show you how the attack was made. Is the old set of Indian chessmen still in the drawer?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I believe so. It must be twenty years since they were taken out. It's strange you should remember them."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have forgotten nothing at Sandymere; but we must stick to the subject."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, he began,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "--he laid a cigar on the table to indicate the spot--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bertram on the ridge yonder. This bunch of red pawns stands for the Ghazee rush."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It agrees with what I've heard, said Challoner, surveying the roughly marked scene of battle with critical eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You were weak in numbers, but your position was strong. It could have been held!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Ghazees rolled straight over our first line; my mine, which might have checked them, wouldn't go off--a broken circuit in the firing wires, I suppose. We were hustled out of the trenches; it was too dark for effective rifle fire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The trench the second detachment held should have been difficult to rush!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, Blake insisted,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here's another weak point in the tale, which must be obvious to any one who has handled troops; these fellows couldn't have gained a footing in this hollow because it was raked by our fire. There was no cover and the range was short. Then, you see the folly of believing that the section with which the bugler was could have moved along the ridge; they couldn't have crossed between the Ghazees and the trench. They'd have been exposed to our own fire in the rear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think you ought to be convinced,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It all turns upon the bugler's movements,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And he was killed. I've tried to show you that he couldn't have been where Clarke's account had him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think you have succeeded, Dick, though I feel that with a trifling alteration here and there you could have cleared yourself. Now we'll let the painful matter drop for good; unless, indeed, some fresh light is ever thrown on it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That can't happen,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you were once at fault, you have since shown yourself a man of honor. Though the thing hurt me at the time, I'm glad you are my nephew. Had there been any baseness in you, some suspicion must always have rested on your cousin. Well, we are neither of us sentimentalists, but I must say that you have amply made amends."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have not been over often, she said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Foster was remarking about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My uncle seems to think he has a prior claim, he explained;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are going back to Canada?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall have to go when Harding needs me. I haven't heard from him since I arrived, but I'll get my summons sooner or later."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought you had come home for good! Millicent's color deepened, and she added quickly:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you like the life in the Northwest?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It has its charm. There are very few restrictions--one feels free. The fences haven't reached us yet; you can ride as far as you can see over miles of grass and through the clumps of bush. There's something attractive in the wide horizon; the riband of trail that seems to run forward forever draws you on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But the arctic frost and the snow?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After all, they're bracing. Our board shacks with the big stoves in them are fairly warm; and no one can tell what developments may suddenly come about in such a country. A railroad may be run through, wheat-land opened up, minerals found, and wooden cities spring up from the empty plain. Life's rapid and strenuous; one is swept along with the stream."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you were in the wilds!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We were indeed; but not far behind us the tide of population pours across the plain, and if we had stayed a year or two in the timber, it would have caught us up. That flood won't stop until it reaches the Polar Sea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But how can people live in a rugged land covered with snow that melts only for a month or two?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The climate doesn't count, so long as the country has natural resources. One hears of precious metals, and some are being mined. He paused and added in a tone of humorous confidence:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My partner believes in oil."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dick, she said, laying her hand affectionately on his arm,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have had a talk with your uncle. You have convinced him thoroughly, and have taken a great load off his mind. Admiration shone in her eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "None of the Challoners ever did so fine a thing, Dick!"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have been a good nephew, Dick, and since you came home I have felt that I ought to make some provision for you. That, of course, was my intention when you were young, but when the break occurred you cut yourself adrift and refused assistance."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm grateful, sir, but I must still refuse, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm glad you made me the offer, because it shows I haven't forfeited your regard; but I'm sorry I cannot consent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have you any plan for the future?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My partner has, Blake answered, smiling."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I leave that kind of thing to him. I told you about the oil."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes; and Clarke had something to say on the subject. However, he gave me to understand that capital was needed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is true, Blake replied unguardedly, for he did not see where his uncle's remark led."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Boring plant is expensive, and transport costs something. Then you have to spend a good deal beforehand if you wish to float a company."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you believe this venture will pay you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Harding is convinced of it; and he's shrewd. Personally, I don't know enough about the business to judge, but if I had any money to risk I'd take his word for it."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't think my uncle's looking well. Mightn't it be better to send for Dr. Onslow?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He wouldn't be pleased, Miss Challoner answered dubiously."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still, he sometimes enjoys a talk with Onslow, who's a tactful man. If he looked in, as it were, casually----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, assented Blake;"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dick, he said one day, when Blake thought he was too ill to perceive that he was casting a reflection on his son,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wish my personal means were larger, so that I could give Bertram enough and leave Sandymere to you; then I'd know the place would be in good hands. On the surface, you're a happy-go-lucky fellow; but that's deceptive. In reality, you have a surprising grip of things--however, you know my opinion of you. But you won't go away, Dick?"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you feel that you must go, I'll have to consent,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have a duty to my partner. It's probable that he has already set off, but I know where to find him, and there'll be plenty to do. For one thing, as transport is expensive, we'll have to relay our supplies over very rough country, and that means the same stage several times. Then, I don't suppose Harding will have been able to buy very efficient boring plant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He may have done better than you imagine, Challoner suggested with a smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A man as capable as he seems to be would somehow get hold of what was needful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, there's a fast boat next Saturday, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think I'll go by her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait another week, to please me, Challoner urged him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have had a dull time since I've been ill, and now I'd like you to get about. I shall miss you badly, Dick."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have you ever thought about your future?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not often since I have been with you, Millicent answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before that it used to trouble me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then I'm afraid you're imprudent. You have no relatives you could look to for help, and while my health is pretty good I can't, of course, live for ever. I might leave you something, but it would not be much, because my property is earmarked for a particular purpose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As you have found out, I am a frank old woman and not afraid to say what I think. Now, I want to ask you a question. If you liked a man who was far from rich, would you marry him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would depend, Millicent replied, with the color flaming up in her cheeks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why do you ask? I can't give you a general answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then give me a particular one; I want to know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose his being poor wouldn't daunt me, if I loved him enough."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then we'll suppose something else. If he had done something to be ashamed of?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "People are so ready to believe the worst! He did nothing that he need blush for--that's impossible! Then she saw the trap into which her generous indignation had led her, but instead of looking down in confusion she boldly faced Mrs. Keith."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, she added,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you would not regret it. Mrs. Keith laid her hand on the girl's arm with a caressing touch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My dear, if you value your happiness, you will tell him so. Remember that he is going away in a day or two."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How can I tell him? Millicent cried with burning face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I only--I mean you tricked me into telling you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It shouldn't be difficult to give him a tactful hint, and that wouldn't be a remarkably unusual course, Mrs. Keith smiled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The idea that a proposal comes quite spontaneously is to some extent a convention nowadays. I don't suppose you need reminding that we dine at Sandymere to-morrow."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Think over what I told you!"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They'll make you sing again if you stay here,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're interested in Eastern brasswork, I think?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hardly know, said Millicent."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I haven't seen much of it."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You said you were delighted with the things my uncle showed you the last time you were here, and a friend has just sent him a fresh lot from Benares. He gave her an appealing look."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It struck me you might like to see them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes; I really think I should."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Will you give me the key to the Indian collection?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here it is, said the Colonel; and then turned to Mrs. Keith."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That reminds me, you haven't seen my new treasures yet. Dryhurst has lately sent me some rather good things; among others, there's a small Buddha, exquisitely carved. Shall we go and look at them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wouldn't it be better to wait until I'm here in the daylight? If I try to examine anything closely with these spectacles, they strain my eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've had a new lamp placed in front of the case,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very well,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's obvious that you have recovered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I certainly feel much better; but what prompted your remark?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "These stairs. You don't seem to feel them, but if you expect me to run up and down, you'll have to make them shallower and less steep. I've been up twice since I came. I must confess to a weakness in my knee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mrs. Foster mentioned something about your not walking much; I should have remembered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's the weather; I find the damp troublesome. If you don't mind, I think we'll go down."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There they are, he said with a rather nervous smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've no doubt the things are interesting, and if our friends come up they can look at them. But it wasn't Benares brassware that brought me up here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wasn't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Certainly not! One couldn't talk with Foster enlarging upon the only rational way of rearing pheasants! He paused a moment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know I'm going away the first thing to-morrow,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes; I know. I'm sorry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Truly sorry? You mean that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dear little girl, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Does that matter, when it is through no fault of yours?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Millicent! he breathed. Then, after a long silence:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll laugh at cold-blooded prudence and take our chances. It's a wide world, and we'll find a nook; somewhere if we go out and look for it. All my care will be to smooth the trail for you, dear."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where's the key?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm afraid I forgot it, sir, Blake confessed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very sorry, but I'm not even sure I put the things away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you see the Buddha?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Or the brass plate with the fantastic serpent pattern round the rim?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm afraid I didn't,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, he laughed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We are all friends here, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He bowed to Mrs. Keith and the Colonel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As you have taken her guardian's place, madam, and you, sir, are the head of the house, I should like to think we have your approval."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How formal, Dick! Mrs. Keith laughed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I imagine that my consent is very much a matter of form, but I give it with the greatest satisfaction."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My dear, I am very glad, and I think Dick has shown great wisdom. I wish you both all happiness."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cablegram, sir, for Mr. Blake, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hopkins was at the post-office, and they gave it to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Dick! she cried with sparkling eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How splendid!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's from my partner in Canada, and I'm sure you'll be interested to bear it. He read the message aloud:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't understand the last part of it, he said to Challoner."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why does he wish you to know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I sent Mr. Harding five hundred pounds to buy anything he needed for his prospecting, and told him to give me an option on a good block of shares in the new syndicate at par. You're very independent, Dick, but I can't see why you should object to your relatives putting money into what looks like a promising thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've no doubt it was mainly through your help that Harding found the oil,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dick, she said, blushing in a way that he thought quite charming,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then it was understood, Blake answered firmly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I shan't let you off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, if it will bring you home any quicker, dear! But how long must you stay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't tell; there may be much to do. If Harding needs me, I must see him out. But I won't delay a minute more than's needful, you may be sure! You know we may have to live in Canada?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I won't object. Where you are will be home,"
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That sets you free, doesn't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't tell, Blake answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I haven't thought of it in that light. I was very fond of my cousin."
}
] |
14406
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm afraid you will see a marked change in him, Dick. He has not been well since you left, and the news of Bertram's death was a shock."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's a comfort to see you back, Dick; you are all I have now, he said, and went on with a break in his voice:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After all, it was a good end my boy made--a very daring thing! The place was supposed to be unassailable by such a force as he had, but he stormed it. In spite of his fondness for painting, he was true to the strain!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My secret must still be kept, dear, he said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't speak."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, she agreed,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps it's natural for you to be prejudiced in my favor--but I like it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One reason for my loving you, Dick, she said softly, with her face close against his,"
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "GOLDEN HIND"
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A WATCHDOG OF THE NORTH SEA ;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A SUB. OF THE R.N.R."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "THE RIVAL SUBMARINES,"
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "THE BEST OF LUCK"
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "his pack to relieve the weight of the webbing equipment over his shoulders, or sling his rifle while he lighted the almost inseparable"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The distant flashes of the heavy guns glinted from the wet"
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, well, 'tis certain he hath crossed River Somme,' quoted Private Graham Alderhame formerly of the Shakesperian Repertoire Company and now a humble foot-slogging Tommy in a noted Line Regiment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, if this is across the Somme I don't think much of it. Another ten miles by motor-bus, I suppose, and then something in the way of grub. Got a cigarette on you, dear boy?"
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hold hard, chum. Let's have a light."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's that for, George?"
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Listen!"
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wot, no compree? he asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Des woffs, des woffs. Blimey, these old Frenchies don't understand their own bloomin' language. Woffs, I said, missis--them wot we calls heggs."
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who's in charge of this platoon?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am, sir, replied a subaltern fresh from home, a beardless youth of about nineteen, Stanley Dacres by name."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Details for the Second Wheatshires."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Quite about time, rejoined the staff officer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are to take your men to the reserve trenches. Motor-buses for the first five miles. With luck you ought to be there by midnight. Arms and equipment all correct?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All correct, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gas masks?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Two per man, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right; see that one is returned. New pattern gas-helmets will be issued. A guide will accompany you. Good night and good luck."
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Repairs executed while you wait! exclaimed Ginger Anderson."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, dash! There goes my bloomin' tucker."
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Say, sergeant, remarked the luckless private, holding up the bread."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wot am I ter do wi' this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Get outside it when you're hungry, was the N.C.O.'s unsympathetic reply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you've never got to eat stuff worse than that you can thank your lucky stars."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All aboard for 'Appy 'Ampstead!"
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Silence in the ranks!"
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're under shell fire at last, then,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fritz's evening hate, sir, replied the N.C.O. imperturbably."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He drops them occasionally on the high road well behind our lines on the off chance of strafing some of our chaps. That one fell quite five hundred yards away. You'll soon get used to it, sir. There'll be two more coming, and then we can get a move on."
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's the lot, declared the sergeant coolly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seeking a bubble reputation at the cannon's mouth,' declared the ex-actor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If it weren't for the fact that I've come a very long way to see the fun, I, like Pistol's boy, would give all my fame for a pot of ale and safety. What say you, Setley?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The long hours spent in making up the"
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait till it comes to bayonet work, he mused."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then our fellows will give the Huns a bit of a surprise."
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's only 'Gentle Gerty' saying good night to the Boches, sir, explained the guide."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, sir, single file, and no smoking in the ranks."
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Left incline."
}
] |
51332
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I came out 'ere for sojering, remarked the aggrieved man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not to go in for mudlarkin'. I could get plenty of that at Gravesend."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Phit! phit!"
}
] |
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