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| title
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|---|---|---|---|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is this the place?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, said Hetty, with a little gasp."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If we don't meet him here he will have passed or gone by the other trail, and it will be too late to stop him. Can you hear anything, Flo?"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, she said, in a strained voice;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can hear nothing at all. It almost makes one afraid to listen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't go on, and it is worse to stand still, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Flo, if he didn't stop--and he wouldn't--they would shoot him. He must be coming. Listen. There's a horrible buzzing in my ears--I can't hear at all."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Flo--can't you hear it? Tell me!"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pull right up there, and wait until we see who you are,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Larry! cried Hetty; and the second time her strained voice broke and died away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Larry!"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will you drive Miss Schuyler slowly in the direction she was going, Breckenridge? he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hetty, I want to talk to you, and can't keep you here."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is not what I meant to tell you, but doesn't this remind you of old times, Hetty?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't want to remember them--and what have they to do with what concerns us now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A good deal, I think. Hetty, if you hadn't driven so often beside me here, would you have done what you have to-night?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Grant said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have done a rash as well as a very generous thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was rash; but what could I do? We were, as you remind me, good friends once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't thank you, Hetty--thanks of any kind wouldn't be adequate--and there is nothing else I can offer to show my gratitude, because all I had was yours already. You have known that a long while, haven't you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was not good enough to understand its value at first, and when I did I tried to make you take it back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I couldn't, he said gently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was perhaps worth very little; but it was all I had, and--since that day by the river--I never asked for anything in return. It was very hard not to now and then, but I saw that you had only kindness to spare for me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then why do you talk of it again?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think, said Grant very quietly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stop! said the girl with a shiver."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I dare not think of it. Larry, can't you see that just now you must not talk in that strain to me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But there is a difference?"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, she said softly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You still believe your father right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, said Hetty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I must hope so; and if he is wrong, I still belong to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you can believe that I am right, too?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, said Hetty simply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am, at least, certain you think you are. Still, it may be a long and bitter while before we see this trouble through. I have done too much to-night--that is, had it been for anyone but you--and you will not make my duty too hard for me."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, my dear, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the trouble can't last for ever, and when it is over you will come to me? I have been waiting--even when I felt it was hopeless--year after year for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whether I shall ever be able to do that, Larry, neither you nor I can tell; but at least I shall never listen to anyone else. That is all I can promise; and we must go on, each of us doing what is put before us, and hoping for the best."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is the first time, Hetty. I will wait patiently for the next; but I shall see you now and then?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I meet you; but that must come by chance, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want you to think the best of me, and if the time should come, I know I would be proud of you. You have never done a mean thing since I knew you, Larry, and that means a good deal now."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have been sending them along. Was it you or Hetty who drove, Miss Schuyler?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hetty, of course; but I want you to remember when we came in, she said, mentioning when they left Cedar."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I told Mrs. Ashley we would get here inside an hour, and she wouldn't believe me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If anyone wants to know when you came in, send them to me, said the man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There are not many horses that could have made it in the time."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's abominably cold, Larry, he said, with a shiver."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hadn't we better get on?"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You heard what Miss Torrance told me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Breckenridge said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I notice, however, we are still heading for the bridge. Can't you cross the ice, Larry?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I wanted to I fancy I could."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then why don't you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pshaw! he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would be a good deal less risky than meeting the Sheriff at the bridge. You are not going to do anything senseless, Larry?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No; only what seems necessary."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, he said slowly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can guess what you're thinking, and, of course, it's commendable; but one has to be reasonable. Is there anything that could excite the least suspicion that Miss Torrance warned you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There are two or three little facts that only need putting together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still, if we called at Muller's and drove home by the other trail it wouldn't astonish anybody."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would appear a little too much of a coincidence in connection with the fact that Miss Torrance and I were known to be good friends, and the time she left Cedar. As the cattle-men have evidently found out, I have crossed the bridge at about the same time every Wednesday; and two of the cow-boys saw us near Harper's."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Larry, said Breckenridge,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seems to me that argument has quite frequently accounted for a good deal of meanness. It is tolerably presumptuous for any man to consider himself indispensable."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, said Breckenridge, divided between anger and approval,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have found out already that it's seldom any use trying to convince you, but each time you made this round I've driven with you, and it's quite obvious that if one of us crossed the bridge it would suit the purpose. Now, I don't think the Sheriff could rake up very much against me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm going to cross the bridge, but I don't purpose that either of us should fall into the Sheriff's clutches, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You saw what Jardine's glass had gone down to?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It dropped like that before the last blizzard we had."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's one meaning to that, said Grant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll have snow in an hour or two, and when it comes it's going to be difficult to see anything. In the meanwhile, we'll drive round by Busby's and get our supper while the cow-boys cool. The man who hangs around a couple of hours doing nothing in a frost of this kind is not to be relied upon when he's wanted in a hurry."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No sign of him yet? he said, when Christopher Allonby and Clavering came up together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Larry will stay at home to-night. He has considerably more sense than we seem to have."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have seen nothing, said Allonby, who, in the hope of restoring his circulation, had walked up the trail."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Still, the night is getting thicker, and nobody could make a sleigh out until it drove right up to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If Larry did come, you could hear him,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know, said the lad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nobody could hear very much through that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ugh! said the Sheriff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We will have a blizzard on us before long, and Government pay doesn't warrant one taking chances of that kind. Aren't we playing a fool's game, Clavering?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There are other emoluments attached to your office which should cover a little inconvenience, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, I fancy I know Larry Grant better than the rest of you, and it would take quite a large-sized blizzard to keep him at home when he had anything to do. Once you put him out of the way it will make things a good deal more pleasant for everybody. Larry is the one man with any brains the homesteaders have in this part of the country, and while they would make no show without him, we can expect nothing but trouble while he's at liberty. It seems to me that warrants our putting up with a little unpleasantness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quite improving! said Allonby, who was not in the best of temper just then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One could almost wonder if you had any personal grudge against the man, Clavering. You are so astonishingly disinterested when you talk of him. Now, if I didn't like a man I'd make an opportunity of telling him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're young, Chris, or you wouldn't worry about folks' motives when their efforts suit you. What are the men doing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Freezing, and grumbling! said Allonby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They've made up their minds to get Larry this time or we wouldn't have kept them here. It's the horses I'm anxious about. They seem to know what is coming, and they're going to give us trouble."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A fool's game! repeated the Sheriff, with a shiver."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Got any of those cigars with you, Clavering? If I'm to stay here, I have to smoke."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If Larry doesn't come soon, I guess we're going to find it hard to keep them here, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They're 'most pulling the branches they're hitched to off the trees."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Larry would be flattered if he knew the trouble you and I were taking over him, Clavering, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's also the first time I've seen you worry much about this kind of thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What kind of thing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Citizen's duty! I think that's the way you put it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you want to be unpleasant, Chris, can't you try a different line? That one's played out. It's too cold to quarrel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't feel pleasant, said Allonby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In fact, I don't like this thing, any way. Before Larry got stuck with his notions he was a friend of mine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If the boys don't get too cold to shoot it's quite likely he will be nobody's friend to-morrow, said Clavering cruelly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll go round and look at them."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess it's no use, said Allonby."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As soon as we have gone on every boy will be back behind his tree, and I don't know that anybody could blame them. Any way I'm 'most too cold for talking."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is not a man living who could keep me here more than another quarter of an hour, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are the boys on the look-out by the trail, Allonby?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They were, said the lad drowsily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know if they're there now, and it isn't likely. Clavering can go and make sure if he likes to, but if anyone wants me to get up, he will have to lift me."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell them to bring the horses. I have had quite enough,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hallo! said the Sheriff;"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have you let him get away?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He wasn't there,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not there! I saw him and another man when they drove past us in the bluff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, said Allonby,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm quite certain there's nobody in that sleigh now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Larry and the other man must have dropped into the soft snow when the team slowed up on the up grade, knowing the horses would go on until they reached their stable, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, they'll be away through the bluff now, and a brigade of cavalry would scarcely find them on such a night. In fact, we will have to trust the beasts to take us home."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can go back and get your driving horses in. We have been chasing a sleigh with no one in it, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Larry has beaten us again!"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now I wonder if you can guess what is inside there, and who it is for,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something for Miss Torrance?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess you know as well as I do that Miss Torrance would not take anything of this kind from me. She has plenty of them already."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, she said, with a little tremor of anticipation in her voice,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is yours, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just press that spring."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My! she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They're real--and it's for me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, you're pleased with it?"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, said the girl,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, he said,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, she said, slipping away from him with a blush,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder what you expect for this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only the pleasure of seeing it where it is. It's a gift,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, said the girl,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I think I told you so."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, she said, looking at him sideways,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought you did. She has a little gold chain, very thin, and not like the things they make now--and just lately she is always wearing it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I never saw it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess that's not astonishing. She wears it low down on her neck--and the curious thing is that it lay by and she never looked at it for ever so long."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then, if it wasn't you, it must have been the other man,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The other man?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, with a laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The one I took the wallet with the dollars to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, he said firmly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Still, I took a wallet with dollar bills in it to Mr. Grant--at night. I met him on the bluff, and Miss Torrance sent them him."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, we needn't worry about that; and I guess if I stay here any longer, Mr. Torrance will be wondering where I have gone,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miss Torrance wants the silk. It was here, but I don't see it, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who went out a moment or two ago?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Clavering. He left his cigar-case when he first came in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is the lighter shade we want; but the other piece is very like it. Unroll it so I can see it,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When you left Hetty and me alone we understood it was because Mr. Torrance was waiting for you,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, said Clavering, smiling."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is scarcely necessary to explain that if he hadn't been I would not have gone. I fancied he was in the hall."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is in his office, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have you the deerskin cigar-case you showed us with you? You will remember I was interested in the Indian embroidery."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry I haven't, said Clavering."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Torrance's cigars are better than mine, so I usually leave mine at home. But I'll bring the case next time, and if you would like to copy it, I could get you a piece of the dressed hide from one of the Blackfeet."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have been a long while,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have a sufficient excuse, sir,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, said Torrance drily,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is not for the want of effort. There are few things that would please me better."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I fancied once or twice you had a score of your own against him. In fact, I heard Allonby say something of the same kind, too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chris is a trifle officious, said Clavering."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Any way, it's quite evident that we shall scarcely hold the homestead-boys back until we get our thumb on Larry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How are we going to do it? He has come out ahead of us so far."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We took the wrong way, said Clavering."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, Larry, as you know, puts all his dealings through the Tillotson Company. Tillotson, as I found out in Chicago, has a free hand to buy stocks or produce with his balances, and Larry, who does not seem to bank his dollars, draws on him. It's not an unusual thing. Well, I've been writing to folks in Chicago, and they tell me Tillotson is in quite a tight place since the upward move in lard. It appears he has been selling right along for a fall."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tillotson is a straight man, but I've had a notion he has been financing some of the homestead-boys. He handles all Larry's dollars?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He put them into lard. Now, the Brand Company hold Tillotson's biggest contract, and if it suited them they could break him. I don't think they want to. Tillotson is a kind of useful man to them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, he said grimly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you can manage it, you will cut off Larry's supplies."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then, said Torrance,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll start to-morrow. Still, I don't want to leave the girls here, and it would suit me if you could drive them over to Allonby's. I don't mind admitting that they have given me a good deal of anxiety, though they've made things pleasant, too, and I've 'most got afraid of wondering what Cedar will feel like when they go away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will Miss Torrance go away?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She will, said Torrance, with a little sigh, though there was pride in his eyes,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you ever contemplate the possibility of Miss Torrance marrying anybody here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have a notion that there's nobody good enough,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still, I fancy the same difficulty would be met with anywhere else, and that encourages me to ask if you would have any insuperable objections to myself?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have been expecting this. Once I thought it was Miss Schuyler; but she does not like you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am sorry, and Clavering wondered whether his host was right,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The point, said Torrance, somewhat grimly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know. It did not seem quite fitting to ask her until I had spoken to you."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was the square thing, and I have to thank you. For twenty years now I have worked and saved for Hetty--that she might have the things her mother longed for and never got. And I've never been sorry--the girl is good all through. It is natural that she should marry; and even so far as the dollars go, she will bring as much to her husband as he can give her, and if it's needful more; but there are one or two points about you I don't quite like."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know my own unworthiness, sir, but I think any passing follies I may have indulged in are well behind me now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, said Torrance drily,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know a good many which would make the bargain unfair to her, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is not what I mean. It is fortunate for most of us that women of her kind believe the best of us and can forgive a good deal. I am not speaking generally: do you know any special reason--one that may make trouble for both of you? It's a plain question, and you understand it. If you do, we'll go into the thing right now, and then, if it can be got over, never mention it again."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sir, he said, very slowly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know of no reason now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can only take your word. You are one of us and understand the little things that please girls like Hetty. If she will take you, you can count on my good will."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I ask nothing more, and may wait before I urge my suit; but it seems only fair to tell you that my ranching has not been very profitable lately and my affairs----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In these things it is the man that counts the most, and not the dollars. You will not have to worry over that point, now you have told me I can trust Hetty to you."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You went in to get it --touching the music--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are pleased with them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, said the girl impulsively."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I feel horribly mean because I sent you, although, of course, I didn't mean to. It was very kind of you, but you must not do anything of that kind again."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then, you will sing one of them?"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The song was worth the effort, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Clavering is, however, evidently willing to do a good deal to give folks pleasure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Folks? That means more than one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes; it generally means at least two."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is there anybody else he has been giving music to?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I fancy the question is unnecessary, Flora said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He told us he came straight here, and there is nobody but you and I at Cedar he would be likely to bring anything to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course not! Well, I never worry over your oracular observations. They generally mean nothing when you understand them,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hadn't you better pull up and let me have the reins, Miss Torrance?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why? she asked,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I haven't seen the horse I could not drive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, said Clavering drily,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can get down now if you wish, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We will stop and pick you up when we reach the level again."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let him have the reins, Hetty,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hold fast, Miss Schuyler, and remember that if anything does happen, the right-hand side is the one to get out from,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, said Hetty,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not going to forgive you that. You sit quite still, and we'll show him something, Flo."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, she said, with a little gasp,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think I'm killed, though I felt quite sure of it at first. Now I only feel as though I'd been through an earthquake."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why don't you say something? she asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you waiting for me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know that anything very appropriate occurs to me. You know I'm devoutly thankful you have both escaped injury,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then I'll have to begin, and Hetty's eyes sparkled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was my fault, Mr. Clavering, and, if it is any relief to you, I feel most horribly ashamed of my obstinacy. Will that satisfy you?"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hadn't you better do something for the horse? It is apparently trying to hang itself--and I almost wish it would. It deserves to succeed."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, said Hetty sharply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not that way. Don't you see you've got to lead the trace through. It is most unfortunate Larry isn't here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, she said,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't think he will run away again,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am vexed with myself. Don't make me vexed with you,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I really don't want to meddle; but, while caution is commendable, it will be dark very soon,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Something has gone wrong, Clavering said gravely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm afraid I'll have to get down."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, said Hetty sharply,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Take them out,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They are not elephants and have been doing rather more than one could expect any horse to do. It is really not my fault, you know, but one of the runners has broken, and the piece sticks into the snow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then, whatever are we to do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am afraid you and Miss Schuyler will have to ride on to Allonby's. I can fix the furs so they'll make some kind of saddle, and it can't be more than eight miles or so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't talk nonsense, Flo, said Hetty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll just have to."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm quite sure I shall fall off,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you do I'll never speak to you again, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You might have been fond of him, Flo. There wasn't the least necessity to put your arm right around his neck."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How are you going to get anywhere?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, said Clavering,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The wretched thing turned round and slid me off,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am afraid you can only try again. I don't think it will slip now,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am very sorry, but I really can't hold on,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It might be best if you rode on, Miss Torrance, and sent a sleigh back for us, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Walk your horse, Miss Schuyler, and I'll keep close beside you. If you fell I could catch you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, it was my fault, and I mean to see it through, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You couldn't keep catching her all the time, you know. I'm not made of eider-down, and she's a good deal heavier than me. It really is a pity you can't ride, Flo."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nevertheless, said Miss Schuyler tartly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't--without a saddle--and I'm quite thankful I can't drive."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is not the way to Allonby's,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said Clavering quietly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm afraid you would be frozen before you got there. The homestead-boys who chop their fuel in the bluff have, however, some kind of shelter, and I'll make you a big fire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Please let me fix this thing for you, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is getting horribly cold already."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think it was only a jack-rabbit; and I can see the shelter now,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you will wait here I'll try to get some wood,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's awful, Flo--and it's my fault, she said. Then she sighed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would all be so different if Larry was only here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still, said Flora Schuyler,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Clavering has really behaved very well; most men would have shown just a little temper."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I almost wish he had--it would have been so much easier for me to have kept mine and overlooked it graciously. Flo, I didn't mean to be disagreeable, but it's quite hard to be pleasant when one is in the wrong."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you keep throwing wood on, and sit there with the furs wrapped round you, you will be able to keep the cold out until I come back,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Until you come back! said Hetty, checking a little cry of dismay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where are you going?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To bring a sleigh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But Allonby's is nearly eight miles away. You could not leave us here three hours."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said Clavering gravely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You would be very cold by then. Still, you need not be anxious. Nothing can hurt you here; and I will come, or send somebody for you, before long."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was my fault--and we cannot let you go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am afraid your wishes wouldn't go quite as far in this case as they generally do with me. You and Miss Schuyler can't stay here until I could get a sleigh from Allonby's."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now I know, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is less than three miles to Muller's, but the homestead-boys would make you a prisoner if you went there. Can't you see that would be horrible for Flo and me? It was my wilfulness that made the trouble."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think the fault was mine. I should not have been afraid of displeasing you, which is what encourages me to be obstinate now, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One should never make wild guesses, should they, Miss Schuyler?"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Flo, she said, with a little quiver in her voice,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is not an unusual complaint, especially when one is as pretty as you are, said Miss Schuyler."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Though I must confess I don't quite understand what you are afraid of, Hetty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No? said Hetty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You never do seem to understand anything, Flo. If he goes to Muller's the homestead-boys, who are as fond of him as they are of poison, might shoot him, and he almost deserves it. No, of course, after what he is doing for us, I don't mean that. It is the meanness that is in me makes me look for faults in everybody. He was almost splendid--and he has left his furs for us--but he mayn't come back at all. Oh, it's horrible!"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Flo, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wish you would, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your fingers are real, any way. I can't help being foolish, Hetty--and is the thing actually burning?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guessed that would rouse you--but it is, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have made my mind up, Flo. If he doesn't come in an hour or so, we'll go to Muller's, too."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Clavering!"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have come alone?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, yes, said Clavering unconcernedly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You might put my horse in, one of you. If I could have helped it, I would not have worried you, but my sleigh got damaged and Miss Torrance and another lady are freezing in the Bitter Creek bluff, and I know you don't hurt women."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said the man dropping his hand from the rifle, with a little unpleasant laugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We haven't got that far yet, though your folks are starving them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, said Clavering,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm going to ask you to send a sledge and drive them back to Cedar or on to Allonby's."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's a trick,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So! said Muller."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Der ambuscade. Lotta, you ride to Fremont, und Larry bring. I show you how when we have drubbles mit der franc tireurs we fix der thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have no time for fooling when there are two women freezing in the bluff. Would I have come here, knowing you could do what you liked with me, if I had meant any harm to you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's sense, any way, said one of the men."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess if he was playing any trick, one of us would be quite enough to get even with him. You'll take Truscott with you, Muller, and get out the bob-sled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I go, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lotta, you der big kettle fill before you ride for Larry. We der bob-sled get ready."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are not going to be sorry, said Clavering."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This thing will pay you better than farming."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess we'd feel mean for ever if we took a dollar from you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you want me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, said the man, who now took down the rifle from the wall."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not just yet. You're going to stop right where you are. The boys can do without me, and I'll keep you company."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess I can smoke, he said flinging his cigar-case on the table."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Take one if you feel like it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know any reason why you shouldn't, but you can keep your cigars for your friends,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you going to do with me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, said the man reflectively."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't quite know. Keep you here until Larry comes, any way. It wouldn't take long to fix it so you'd be sorry you had worried poor folks if the boys would listen to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Will Muller bring Miss Torrance and her companion here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess he will. It's quite a long way to Allonby's, and they'll be 'most frozen after waiting in the bluff. Now, I'm not anxious for any more talk with you."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You will stop right where you are, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm going to put a few billets in the stove."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess you've had 'bout enough, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Will you let up, or do you want me to pound the life out of you?"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You will be sorry for this night's work yet,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess you're sorry now. Anyone who saw you would think you were. Get right back to the chair yonder and stay there."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you would like ten dollars you have only got to let me slip into that other room,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're that pretty I wouldn't lose sight of you for a hundred, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, sir; you're going to stop where you are."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh!"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, he said,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am dreadfully sorry, Mr. Clavering--and it was all my fault, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hope they didn't hurt you very much."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't think you need be, Miss Torrance, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am only sorry I could not come back for you; but unfortunately--circumstances--prevented me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have done enough, said Hetty impulsively, apparently forgetting the presence of the rest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was splendid of you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess if it had been your plates he sat on, you wouldn't be quite so sure of it--and the circumstance was me,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Flo, said Hetty half-aloud."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How can you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know, said Miss Schuyler, with a little gasp."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't look at me, Hetty. I really can't help it."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, said the man who had come with Muller, pointing to the wreck,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's quite simple, said the bushman."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Clavering and I didn't quite agree. He had a billet in his hand when he crept up behind me, and somehow we fell into the crockery. I didn't mean to damage him, but he wanted to get away, you see."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You haven't dared to make Mr. Clavering a prisoner?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, we have got to keep him until Larry comes. He'll be here 'most directly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Flo, said Hetty, with relief in her face,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Larry is coming. We need not worry about anything now."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you want to please me, get Clavering away."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can go when it pleases you, Clavering, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am sorry you have received some trifling injury, but I have an idea that you brought it upon yourself. In the face of your conduct to them it seems to me that my friends were warranted in detaining you until they made sure of the correctness of your story."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know that I am very grateful, he said angrily,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn't try them too far. But I don't quite catch your meaning. I can gain nothing by letting you go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It should be tolerably plain. I fancied you desired to please some friends at Cedar who send money to you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess he's lying, Larry,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said Clavering,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't think I am. I know you got a wallet of dollars--though I don't know who sent them. Are you prepared to deny it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not prepared to exchange any words with you, said Grant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go while the door is open, and it would not be advisable for you to fall into our hands again. We hanged a friend of yours who, I fancy, lived up to, at least, as high a standard as you seem to do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have something to tell us?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, said Grant quietly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think I have."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That fellow's story sounded kind of ugly. What were you taking dollars from the cattle-men for, Larry?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't help that, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am with you, as I have always been, but there are affairs of mine I can't have anybody inquiring into. That is all I can tell you. You will have to take me on trust."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're making it hard,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is too far to drive to Allonby's in the sled, he said to them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My sleigh is at your service. Shall I drive you?"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wouldn't be quite fair to dismiss Mr. Clavering in that fashion,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, if he will be surety for their safety, the team is at Mr. Clavering's disposal,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am very sorry I helped to destroy some of your crockery, fräulein, and this is the only amend I can make, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I knew how to replace the broken things I wouldn't have ventured to offer it to you."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Larry, she said softly,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are right, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was an abominably unfair shot of Clavering's, Larry. Of course, you couldn't answer him or tell anybody, but it's horribly unfortunate. The thing made the impression he meant it to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, said Larry bitterly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have got to bear it with the rest. I can't see any reason for being pleased with anything to-night."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I scarcely think you need worry about one trifle, any way, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you think Miss Torrance or Miss Schuyler wanted Clavering to drive them, you must be unusually dense. They only asked him to because they have a sense of fairness, and I'd stake a good many dollars on the fact that when Miss Schuyler first saw him she was convulsed with laughter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did Miss Torrance seem amused?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, said Breckenridge decisively."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She did though she tried to hide it. Miss Torrance has, of course, a nice appreciation of what is becoming. In fact, her taste is only slightly excelled by Miss Schuyler's."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You find us a little dull to-night, Chris?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was a time when you delighted in trapping me into admissions of that kind, but I'm growing wise, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In fact, another year like this one would make an old man of me. I don't mind admitting that there is something wrong with the rest. I have told them the stories they have laughed over the last three years, and could not raise a smile from one of them; and when I got my uncle started playing cards I actually believe your father forgot what trumps were, for the first time in his life!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is significant, said Hetty, whose face had grown serious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing has gone well for us lately, Chris."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We don't like to acknowledge it, but it's a fact, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still, there's hope yet, if we can just stir up the homestead-boys into wrecking a railroad bridge or burning somebody's ranch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is a little difficult to understand how that would improve affairs, especially for the man whose place was burned,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One can't afford to be too particular, said Allonby, with a deprecating gesture."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You see, once they started in to do that kind of thing the State would have to crush them, which, of course, would suit us quite nicely. As it is, after the last affair at Hamlin's, they have sent in a draft of cavalry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you are naturally taking steps to bring about the things that would suit you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am not an admirer of Clavering, but I'm willing to admit that he has done everything he could; in fact, I'm 'most astonished they have stood him so long, and I don't think they would have done so, but for Larry. Anyway, it's comforting to know Larry is rapidly making himself unpopular among them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You evidently consider Mr. Grant is taking an unwarranted liberty in persuading his friends to behave themselves as lawful citizens should?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't quite think you understand me, of course, one could scarcely expect it from a lady; but if you look at the thing from our point of view, it's quite easy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I fancy I do, though I may be mistaken. Subtleties of this kind are, as you suggest, beyond the average woman."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are laughing at me, and it's quite likely I deserve it. We will talk of something else. I was telling you about the cavalry officer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said Hetty,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't think you were."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then I meant to. He has just come up from the Apache country--a kind of quiet man, with a good deal in him and a way of making you listen when you once start him talking. We half expect him here this evening, and if he comes, I want you to be nice to him. You could make him believe we are in the right quite easily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From the Apache country?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "New Mexico, Arizona, or somewhere there. Now, just when you were beginning to listen, there's Mr. Torrance wanting me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you thinking of?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That the United States is not after all such a very big country. One is apt to run across a friend everywhere."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! said Miss Schuyler."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I felt quite sure of it. This is the kind of thing that not infrequently happens, and it is only the natural sequence that he should turn up on the opposite side to Larry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Flo, said Hetty sharply,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, she said lazily,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I fancy that you should know better than I do. I have only my suspicions and some little knowledge of human nature to guide me. Now, of course, you convinced us that you didn't care for Cheyne, but we have only your word to go upon in regard to Larry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't try to make me angry, Flo. It's going to be difficult to meet him as it is."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't think you need worry, and Flora Schuyler laughed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is probably cured by this time, and has found somebody else. They usually do. That ought to please you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Jackson Cheyne, who is coming to help us. Miss Torrance and Miss Schuyler, the daughter and guest of our leader,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We are friends already,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Was it very dreadful, Hetty? said Flora Schuyler."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could see he means to come back and talk to you."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It spoils everything when one has to show you where the point is,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miss Newcombe is looking for you, Mr. Allonby,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She generally is, and that is why I'm here, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't feel like hearing about any more lepidoptera to-night, and you can take her Captain Cheyne instead. He must have found out quite a lot about beetles and other things that bite you down in Arizona."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You had better go, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see her coming in this direction now, and she has something which apparently contains specimens in her hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you think you could get me a real lively tarantula, Captain Cheyne? he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If a young lady with a preoccupied manner asks you anything about insects, tell her you have one in your pocket. It's the only thing that will save you."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your young friend did his best, and I am half afraid he had a hint,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am very pleased to see you, she said hastily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How did you like New Mexico?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As well as I expected, Cheyne answered with a dry smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is not exactly an enchanting place--deformed mountains, sun glare, adobe houses, loneliness, and dust. My chief trouble, however, was that I had too much time to think."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you must have seen somebody and had something to do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Cheyne admitted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was a mining fellow who used to come over and clean out my whiskey, and sing gruesome songs for hours together to a banjo that had, I think, two strings. I stayed out all night quite frequently when I had reason to believe that he was coming. Then, we killed a good many tarantulas--and a few equally venomous pests--but when all was done it left one hours to sit staring at the sage-brush and wonder whether one would ever shake off the dreariness of it again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It must have been horribly lonely,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, said Cheyne, very slowly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I was hoping you had forgotten,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said Cheyne quietly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't think I ever shall. You haven't a grain of comfort to offer me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am ever so sorry, Jake, but I have nothing whatever to offer you--now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, said Cheyne, with a little gesture of resignation,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose it can be borne because it must be--and I think I understand. I know he must be a good man--or you would never have cared for him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jake, she said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then, I hope we shall be good friends when I meet the other one. I am going to stay some little time in the cattle country."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I almost hope you will not meet just yet, Hetty said anxiously,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have only told me that I was one of two good Americans, said Cheyne, with a quiet smile which the girl found reassuring."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, you don't want to send me away?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, said Hetty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is so long since I have seen you. You have come to help us against our enemies?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not exactly, though I should be content if my duty amounts to the same thing, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We have been sent in to help to restore order, and it is my business just now to inquire into the doings of a certain Larry Grant. I wonder if you could tell me anything about him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What have you found out?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very little that one could rely upon. Everybody I ask tells me something different, he seems a compound of the qualities of Coleman the Vigilante, our first President, and the notorious James boys. As they were gentlemen of quite different character, it seems to me that some of my informants are either prejudiced or mistaken."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, said Hetty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is like none of them. Larry is just a plain American who is fearlessly trying to do what he feels is right, though it is costing him a good deal. You see, I met him quite often before the trouble began."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know, he answered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hetty, said the latter,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have no use for beating round the bush, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dollars are getting scarce with me, and, like some of my neighbours, I had to sell out a draft of stock. The fact that I'm throwing them on the market now is significant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Allonby has put it straight, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was over fixing things with the station agent, and he is going to send the first drafts through to Omaha in one lot if two of his biggest locomotives can haul the cars. Still, if Clavering has got hold of the right story, how the devil did the homestead-boys hear of it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't quite know, but a good many of our secrets have been leaking out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're quite sure you are right, Clavering?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. The information is worth the fifty dollars I paid for it. The homestead-boys mean to run that stock train through the Bitter Creek bridge. As you know, it's a good big trestle, and it is scarcely likely we would get a head of stock out of the wreck alive."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's devilish! said Allonby."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Larry is in the thing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, said Clavering drily,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now we have the cavalry here, it would be enough to have him shot, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, this is going to suit us. But there must be no fooling. We want to lay hands upon them when they are at work on the trestle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is by no means plain how it's going to suit me to have my steers run through the bridge, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't afford it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You will not lose one of them, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, don't ask any questions, but listen to me."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have a kind of belief in the homestead-boys, Hetty?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, but everybody knows who I belong to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course! Well, I guess you are not going to have any kind of belief in them now. They're planning to run our big stock train through the Bitter Creek bridge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They would never do that. Their leaders would not let them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No? said Allonby."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry to mention it, but it seems they have Larry's order."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Larry would not have a hand in it to save his life. There is not a semblance of truth in that story, Chris."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is quite a long time since you and Larry were on good terms, and no doubt he has changed, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Any way, his friends are going to try giant powder on the bridge, and if we are fortunate Cheyne will get the whole of them, and Larry, too. Now, we'll change the topic, since it does not seem to please you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm going, he said at last, reproachfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am sorry if I have bored you, but it is really quite difficult to talk to people who are thinking about another thing. It seems to me you are both in love with somebody, and it very clearly isn't me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should have screamed if he had stayed any longer, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The thing is just too horrible--but it is quite certain Larry does not know. I have got to tell him somehow. Think, Flo."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He must be coming soon, she said, and Miss Schuyler noticed the strained evenness of her voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, of course he's coming. It would be too horrible if we could not find him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jake Cheyne and his cavalry boys would save the bridge,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There are some desperate men among the homestead-boys, and if they found out they had been given away they would cut the track in another place, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If they didn't and Cheyne surprised them, they would fire on his troopers and Larry would be blamed for it. He would be chased everywhere with a price on his head, and anyone he wouldn't surrender to could shoot him. Flo, it is too hard to bear, and I'm afraid."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If he would only come!"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Flo, she said,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hetty!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ride into the bluff--quick, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Somebody might see us in the trail."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have had an anxious day, but this makes up for everything, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now--and it is so long since I have seen you--can't we, for just a few minutes, forget our troubles?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, she said, with a tremor in her voice,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder if you know how much you have done for me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, you have heard nothing of this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, said the man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Hetty----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I need not ask you whether you would have had a hand in it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, said the girl softly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You couldn't have had anything to do with that kind of meanness. Larry, how was it they did not tell you?"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have brought me back to myself, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only a few seconds ago I could think of nothing but what you had done for me. I think I was almost as happy as a man could be, and now----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now? Tell me, Larry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said the man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have plenty of troubles of your own."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tell me, dear,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, he said, huskily,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Put your hand in mine, Larry, she said softly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have something to tell you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hetty, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have only brought trouble on everyone. I'm not fit to speak to you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said the girl, with a throb in her voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have only done what very few other men would have dared to do, and many a better girl than I am would be proud to be fond of you. Now listen, Larry. For years you were ever so good to me, and I was too mean and shallow and selfish even to understand what you were giving me. I fancied I had a right to everything you could do. But come nearer, Larry."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I found out, dear, and now I want you to forgive me and always love me."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is wonderful, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't even talk, Hetty. I want to realize it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, it is wonderful it should come to me, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, you needn't look round, Larry. There is nothing and nobody that counts now except you and me. I am just beginning to understand your patience, and how hard I must have been to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I waited a long time, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was worth while. Even the troubles I felt crushing me seem very little now. If they were only over, and there was nothing to come between you and me!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Larry, the girl said very softly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just this, her voice almost a whisper."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am frightened of it all, and when you want me I will come to you. No, wait just a little. I could never marry the man who was fighting against my father and the people I belong to, while, now I know what you are, I could never ask him to go back on what he felt was right; but, Larry, the men you did so much for have turned against you, and the things they are doing are not right, and would never please you. Can't we go away and leave the trouble behind us? Nobody seems to want us now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And your father?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I would never help anyone against him, as I told you, said the girl."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still, there are times when his bitterness almost frightens me. It is hard to admit it, even to you, but I can't convince myself that he and the others are not mistaken, too. I can't believe any longer that you are wrong, dear. Besides, though he says very little, I feel he wants me to marry Clavering."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Clavering?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, said Hetty, with a shiver."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I dislike him bitterly--and I should be safe with you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then, you must come, my dear. One way or other the struggle will soon be over now, and if I have to go out an outcast I can still shelter you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't turn against my own people--but yours have turned on you. That makes it easier. If you will take me, dear, we will go away."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hetty, he said slowly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, she said with a little sob,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Larry you are right. You will forgive me, dear, for once more tempting you. Perhaps it will all come right by and by. And now I must go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is just one thing you must promise me, my dear, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If your father insists on your listening to Clavering, you will let me know. Then I will come to Cedar for you, and there are still a few Americans who have not lost confidence in their leader and will come with me. Nothing must make you say yes to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said Hetty simply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I cannot avoid it any other way, I will send for you. I can't wait any longer--and here is Flo."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, she said softly,"
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't quite know what has come over you, Larry, Breckenridge said an hour or two later with a puzzled look at Grant as he lifted his eyes from the writing pad on his knee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I haven't seen you so obviously contented for months, and yet the work before us may be grim enough. The most unpleasant point about it is that Clavering must have got hold of one of your warrant forms. It was a mistake to trust anybody with one not filled in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I feel that way too, Grant confessed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It wouldn't be difficult to guess what the consequences would be if they cut the track just before the stock train came through. You are quite sure they have not changed their minds again?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, said Larry quietly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I bluffed it out of Harper. He would have taken a hand in, and only kicked when it came to taking lives. More of the others cleared out over that point, too, and as the rest were half-afraid of some of those who objected giving them away, they changed their plans; but it seems quite certain they mean to pull the rails up at the bend on the down grade by the bunch grass hollow. It is fortunate, any way. Cheyne and his cavalry will be watching the bridge, you see; but you had better get ready. I'll have the last instructions done directly, and it will be morning before you are through."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You will see every man gets one and tell him all he wants to know. I dare not put down too much in black and white. They are to be round at the rise behind the depot at six Thursday night."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You believe they will come?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Grant said firmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They are good men, and I'm thankful there are still so many of them, because just now they are all that is standing between this country and anarchy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am glad, on my own account, too. It's nicer to have the chances with you when you have to reckon with men of the kind we are going to meet, but I shall not be sorry when this trouble's through. It is my first attempt at reforming and a little of it goes a long way with me. I don't know that there is a more thankless task than trying to make folks better off than they want, or deserve, to be."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hallo! he called."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait there a moment. I guess this place doesn't belong to you."
}
]
|
27115 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have a little business to put through,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, said the agent brusquely,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't attend to you now. You can come back later--when the train comes in."
}
]
|
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