book_id
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| title
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12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seems as if the castle must be perched on a high piece of ground, commanding a pretty good view of the country around,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The story goes that Judge Randall built it that way so he could keep watch, and know if any of his wife's former suitors were heading this way,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, he must have been a regular old Bluebeard!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was demented on that one subject, confessed Alec,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hold on, snapped Hugh just then,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought you said, Alec, no one was bold enough to trespass here! If you look down to where I point you'll see part of a footprint in mud, showing that a man must have come across this broken wall not half an hour or so ago!"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A whopping big foot made that mark,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And see there, added Alec, hastily, also in a low tone,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anyhow, Billy was heard to whisper to himself,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you make of it, Hugh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! there might be several explanations, replied the other with a reassuring smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "First of all, these fellows may be a couple of curious countrymen wanting to take a look around while the sun is still up, being afraid to come here after night sets in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, go on, Hugh; what next?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then it might be they are men who have heard about the deserted castle, and wonder if they could pick up anything worth carrying off if they forced an entrance. But there's still another answer to your question, Alec."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can guess what you mean, Hugh. My aunt, it may be, isn't the only person with money to burn who's taken a notion to buy Randall's Folly. Is that what you've got on the tip of your tongue, Hugh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just what I meant to say, he was told."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But no matter, if we find there's a rival in the field, perhaps we might scare him off in some way. That wouldn't be such a hard thing to do, when you've got a haunted house to work with."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! with my trick of throwing my voice, Hugh, spoke up Monkey Stallings,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I bet you I could play the ghost racket to beat the band. Just give me a try-out and see what I can do, Hugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, first of all, remarked the scout master,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look! there's a glimpse of the castle!"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The trail keeps right on, Hugh!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Listen!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! what did you think you heard?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It must have been voices somewhere ahead of us, came the answer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The men are talking it over, most likely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Debating whether they've got the nerve to go a step further and enter the haunted castle, chuckled Alec."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let's move on, and get a squint at the bold trespassers, Hugh."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stop!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see them, Hugh,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Show me where,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, it looks to me as if they might be only a pair of Weary Willies, who had wandered up here from tramping the railroad ties. They must have heard about a fine house lying idle here, and have come to camp out for a spell. You can see they've got a chicken dangling by the neck, and some old tomato cans they mean to make coffee in. Whew! but they are a tough looking pair, I tell you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here's where we're up against it good and hard, fellows, he remarked, softly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The question is, do we want to stand for that couple of greasy hoboes keeping us company while we camp out here in the deserted castle? Everybody say his mind, and majority rules, you know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Excuse me, if you please, muttered Arthur, with a shudder."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'd sooner sleep in a pigpen than alongside such human animals as those unclean hoboes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, remarked Billy, aghast at the thought,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've just got to bounce them, that's plain, said Monkey Stallings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hugh, you remember what you the same as promised me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! if you think you can start something that will rid us of the pair, the scout master told him,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell us what you've got there, Monkey,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, that's do, added Billy, anxiously,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! shucks! it's only a sort of wild-goose call I tried to make from directions I read in a little book, confessed the ingenious one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It don't seem to imitate a wild honker much, but say, I c'n make the most _unearthly_ sounds come out of this hollow bone you ever listened to. Why, it nigh about freezes my own blood when I try the call in the pitch dark. Now watch and see what happens."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Be careful, Monkey, warned Hugh, as the other prepared to creep away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't let them glimpse you at any time, or there may be serious trouble. They look like an ugly couple of customers. I suppose you mean to try and get around on the other side of them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure thing, replied the originator of the scheme,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Which is what we'll do right away, Monkey, never fear,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There, I saw him wave his hand to us from that slit in the stone wall of the tower! hissed Alec, presently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's managed to find a way to get inside after all, and now the fun's going to begin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's time, too, added Arthur,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now they are talking it over again, whispered Alec."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The short one is pointing as if he believes they can find a much easier way to get inside than trying to smash the door down. Hey! Monkey, better get busy or you'll find the pair treading close on your heels."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't all laugh at once,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Say, did I do the thing up in good style, boys?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should say you did, Monkey! burst out Billy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Makes me think of one of Aesop's fables I used to read ever so long ago, about the lion and the donkey out hunting together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Suppose you tell us about it then,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, proceeded Billy, hastily,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All the same I had the longest pole that knocked down the persimmons, he asserted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I gave that bunch the biggest scare of their lives. The way is clear for us now, and, thank goodness, we won't have to sleep under the same roof with that greasy pair of rascals, and, after all; that was the end in view."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Monkey, said Arthur,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, since we've met the enemy and won the fight, laughed the other,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should say our best move would be to occupy the abandoned works. Monkey can lead us to where he managed to get into the castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As easy as falling off a log, asserted the other, proudly, as became the principal actor in the late little"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Besides, added Alec, impatiently,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's the hurry? asked Billy, who liked to put off things to a more convenient season whenever he could find half of an excuse;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "asserted Alec, when, in truth, it was mostly his impatience that hastened his actions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How do we know what sort of a day to-morrow may turn out to be? Suppose a storm came along, how could I get a good picture of the castle to send my aunt so as to pay for the elegant camera she gave me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Guess you're right there, Alec, admitted Billy, always ready to own up when he felt that the argument was going against him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Besides, it needs plenty of light to get views inside the house, when the windows are as small and measly as they seem to be here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! as for that, declared the other, airily,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've certainly got a level head on your shoulders, Alec,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait up a bit, please, fellows! suddenly exclaimed Alec."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I couldn't find a better view of the castle than right here, with that sun blazing along the walls, the turrets and that magnificent donjon tower. I want every one of you to be in the picture at that, so place yourselves as I tell you."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the morning, if the weather holds good, he remarked as he gave them the"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "that he was through, and that they need not pose any longer,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean to pick up a couple of views from the other side. The morning sun will allow me to do that, you understand. And now, Monkey, where did you climb inside?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whew! it has about forty rooms all told, I should say,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wonder how Aunt Susan will like the blooming old shack?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You, said, she wanted it quiet, you know, Alec, observed Hugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I defy any one to find a place that fills that bill better than this one. Why, not even the peep of a bird can be heard; it's just a brooding silence that would get on the nerves of most people and make them shout out loud."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's hope it stays that way while we're up here, said Billy, and then noticing that some of the other fellows were smiling broadly he hastened to add:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! it isn't that I really expect anything like a ghost to walk when it comes midnight, you understand, but I don't always sleep as sound as I would like, and I hate to have anything screechy wake me up. So, Monkey, please keep that goose-call of yours in your pocket the rest of the time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps, we had better get ourselves comfortably fixed before night finds us, suggested Hugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We can make a blaze in that fireplace and cook supper here as nice as any one would want. It's going to turn out a novel experience for the lot of us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You bet it, will, asserted Monkey Stallings stoutly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I always did think I'd like to spend just one night in a house they said was haunted. To tell you the honest-truth I'm real glad you asked me to come along, Alec, even if there does seem to be a queer feeling running up and down my backbone. I never knew the like before save that time I was dared to walk through the graveyard at midnight, and some fellows tried to scare me with their old sheets. Huh! I had made sure to carry Tige, my bulldog, hid under my coat, and I just let him loose. It makes me sick with laughing even now when I remember how those sillies tore off, with that pup snapping at their legs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm glad to notice, said Billy, just then,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shucks! mocked Alec, disdainfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What good are locks and bars and bolts when they say a ghost can ooze itself in through a keyhole even? But then don't get an idea in your head, Billy, we're going to be bothered by anything except rats. That's the only kind of spooks you'll find in such a place as this. And after we've had our supper I hope you'll all accompany me while I take some views of the interior, because several of the rooms are going to make dandy pictures."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll try the floor to-night, boys, said Hugh, as he started to spread his blanket out in regulation style."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If it proves to be too hard for us, perhaps we can put in the second night outdoors somewhere. That will depend on the weather, for we have no tent to keep the rain or snow off, you remember."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What in the mischief can it be?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm bound to find out what makes that noise, as sure as anything can be,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ghosts, eh? Well, I've always said there never existed any, and perhaps I'll have a chance right now to prove it, one way or the other. A queer kind of a hobgoblin that must be to keep whimpering like a baby, and then fluttering to beat the band. But what in the wide world can it all mean? That's what I reckon on finding out, given half a chance."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One thing certain, muttered Hugh, between his set teeth,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whatever it may be, Hugh was telling himself,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, it's only a family of owls after all, he said, in great relief,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I heard it, too, Hugh, whispered Alec, with a half grin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Woke up and found you gone when I put out my hand to feel your blanket. Then I caught those awful ghoulish sounds somewhere. Wanted to creep after you, but say, I own up I didn't have the nerve to try it. So here I've been sitting, hugging my knees, and listening till I'm shivering as if I had the ague. Now tell me what it is, Hugh, for I just know you've found out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! just a family that has squatted down on these premises, and hates to be evicted in case your rich aunt, or anybody else, buys the same!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come off, Hugh; don't try to muddle me all up like that, when I'm dying to know what could make such awful sounds. What kind of a family is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Owls, with a few big bats thrown in for good measure, explained Hugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They've taken up their quarters in one of the turret chambers where slits in the walls allow them to go and come as they please."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You woke up and heard that gibberish, didn't you, Hugh? And you made up your mind on the spot that you just had to find out what it meant? It's like you to do such a thing! But, Hugh, why didn't you let me in on it? I'd have been glad to keep you company, sure I would."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I knew that, Alec, apologized the other, yawning as he began to creep under his blanket again,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of all the nerve, you've got it to beat the band, commented Alec."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought I could stand for a good deal, but let me tell you I draw the line at creeping upstairs in this spooky old castle, and investigating such a fierce noise as that. Listen, will you, they're at it again, Hugh? Why, if Billy woke up and heard that he'd throw a fit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then we want to quit talking and not wake him,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell you what, he presently whispered, as a last thought,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hello! Is it safe to come out; and is the coast clear of ghosts?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing doing in the ghost line, Billy, Hugh told him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When you say anything about _eating_, he observed as he started to finish his dressing with feverish haste,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Another thing, said Alec,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's our only chance to sleep out, said the Stallings boy,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should say that Alec ought to be able to take all the pictures he needs of this old rookery this morning, remarked Arthur."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As for me, I've seen all I want of the place. It makes me feel sad, because I can't help thinking of what happened up here so long ago. It was a crazy man's scheme to start with, and then there was the terrible tragedy that happened later on. Ugh! let's climb out right now."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I forgot to ask if anybody heard a ghost laugh in the night? he demanded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Once I happened to wake up, and imagined I could hear somebody laughing away off in the distance; but say, I only pulled my head further under my blanket, and went to sleep again just like an innocent little babe. How about that, Hugh, Alec, and the rest? Was there anything doing?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gee whiz! ejaculated Billy, heaving a great sigh of relief,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I honestly began to believe you meant to tell us that turret-tower room was the place where the tragedy happened, and that Hugh had watched it all being repeated over again. Owls, hey? Well, they're an innocent lot when you get acquainted with 'em. All the same, let me tell you I'm glad we expect to sleep outdoors to-night."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When we get through breakfast, boys, suggested Arthur, greatly interested in what he had just heard,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the sun seems just about right for the several exposures I want to make of the southeastern side of the castle, he told them,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll tell you what I think, ventured Billy as they were making for outdoors once more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Like as not that same family of owls has been responsible for a lot of that silly talk about this place being haunted. People imagine all sorts of things, you know, when they don't understand queer sounds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, retorted Alec, with a chuckle,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I tell you Aunt Susan will be tickled half to death when she gets prints of these pictures, he remarked again and again as he worked, never missing a single object that he considered would lend additional enchantment to the views."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I ought to consider myself mighty lucky to be presented with such a dandy camera as this. I've made sure to fetch my daylight developing tank along with me, because if any of the exposures turn out to be poor ones I'll have another chance to duplicate the same tomorrow morning, even if it is Sunday."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So far, observed Monkey Stallings, with a chuckle of satisfaction,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! no danger of them coming back again, Billy assured him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They got the scare of their lives when you tooted that goose-call. Long before now that brace of tramps has struck the railroad ties, and are making tracks for other regions where they don't have old castles haunted by spooks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've got two rolls of film left, he explained,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've got a long head on your shoulders, Alec, commented Arthur."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess you must believe in the old saying that 'an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.'"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Also, added Billy drily,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How would it do for us to root around a bit while we have the time?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you mean, Hugh told him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course, supplemented Arthur,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Glad to hear you say that, old weather bureau prophet,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Listen! called out Monkey Stallings about this time, for he happened to have remarkable hearing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seemed to me that was some one talking over yonder."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mebbe the tramps have come back after all, exclaimed Billy looking startled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know they always say a bad penny is sure to turn up again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Better look for some good handy clubs, I say,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whoever it is coming, remarked Hugh, uneasily,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hold up your hands there, every one of you, and don't try to run, or it will be the worse for you. We've tracked you up here, and you're under arrest. Steady now!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do what he says, fellows!"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is this a joke? asked Alec Sands, with a tinge of a sneer in his voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If so I want to say it's in pretty bad taste, don't you know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll find it a serious kind of a joke, young fellow,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps you'll be kind enough to explain what we're being held up this way for?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who are you all, anyway?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our suits ought to tell you that,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We are Boy Scouts, said Hugh, hastily, seeing the men frown at Alec's impatient remark."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We belong in Oakvale, and have come up here to spend a couple of days camping out. Besides that one of us has been commissioned to take some pictures of an old deserted mansion not far away from here, which his aunt in the city is expecting to buy, if his report turns out favorable. That's the whole story, I give you my word of honor, sir."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I reckon we've been and made a mistake this time, Pete, he said, turning to his companion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "These young chaps don't look like they'd have a hand in trying to get a crazy man free, after the law had shut him up in an asylum!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's that you say?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We belong at the State Asylum for the Criminal Insane, explained the taller man, whom Hugh now understood must be a guard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was a notorious party shut up there, and he managed to escape by the aid of his money and the help of some friends outside. Men are searching the whole country over for signs of him. We got a clue that he might be found up here in this region, and that he was being taken care of in a camp, until such time as he could cross the line into Canada."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can we lower our hands now, friend?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess you don't none of you look very dangerous, he was told,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! that's really too bad! exclaimed Billy, immediately sympathizing with any one who knew, the pangs of hunger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure, we'll invite you to stay with us to lunch. Luckily my policy of always providing a little extra will come in handy, for we can fit you out with a pretty fair meal."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now that I think of it, he remarked presently,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Several of us were there, and had great times, I assure you,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, yes, the shorter guard now remarked,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "See that red scar on the back of my hand? he asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I got that up there fighting the fire on the mountain that was trying to wipe out the home of Mrs. Heffner, a widow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good for you, Billy! exclaimed the taller guard, for by now they had come to know the scouts by their several names, feeling quite at home in the temporary camp."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd like to wager that there must have been some tall doings when _you_ got busy with the water pails. I've been on the same line myself, and know what it means to fight a forest fire with the wind a-blowin' it right along, spite of all you can do to stop it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "About this crazy man you were speaking about, observed Alec, as though a sudden suspicion might have struck him,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! what if it should turn out that way?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That isn't his name at all, he told them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This man did something terrible, and his money hired the best lawyers in the country to defend him. In the end he was called insane, and sent to the asylum. Then his folks tried every way they knew how to get him free. At last a scheme was hatched up so he could make a break for liberty. Well, their plans have succeeded. He's escaped. They're searching for him all over the country up here. But I reckon, because their plans have been laid so carefully, all our efforts to catch the conspirators will be in vain."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Money talks!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, it talks pretty loud in a case like this,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We've known some queer happenings in our camping out experiences, fellows, he told the others, as they started in to dispose of the immense amount of food the generous fat scout had cooked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is the first time, however, we've had for guests a couple of gentlemen guards from the State Asylum for the Criminal Insane. I'm glad to see you are enjoying my little snack, thrown together in so hasty a manner."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, me and my side partner, commented the taller guard, with a wink at his companion,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, they're gone!"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To tell the honest truth, he admitted,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I ain't sorry a bit. Those fellows could give me points about how to stow stuff away, and then not half try. Why, they acted as if they were hollow clean down to their shoes. I guess they told the truth when they said they hadn't had a bite of breakfast this morning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, Billy, interposed Arthur,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought you loved to see people eat heartily all the time? We've always believed you were the most hospitable fellow going."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Huh! I used to think the same, grunted Billy, scratching his head,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't worry, Billy, Hugh told him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They said they would be miles away long before night set in. The country is safe, and we're not likely to starve."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! this first roll is coming along dandy, let me tell you! It's going to be the best thing I ever did; and my stars, but that lens does cut fine! It was a lucky day for me when Aunt Susan got track of this old castle up here in the woods, for it's given me a regular jewel of a camera outfit."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was just thinking, he finally broke out with,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Take it all in all, he remarked, reflectively,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We certainly have had more than our share of things happening to us, admitted Alec, proudly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hear! hear! exclaimed Billy, clapping his hands,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alec is getting quite poetical these days."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I only hope, continued the other, with a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes, for one of Alec's weak spots was a love of flattery,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No reason that I can see why it shouldn't, spoke up Arthur Cameron."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We've run across the lonely castle your aunt is negotiating for, and it seems to fill the bill to a dot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, remarked Monkey Stallings, anxious to have a hand in the discussion,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I am! declared Alec;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, it's a cinch for your side, Alec,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The owner of this ancient and half-ruined pile of stone and make-believe rocks, Arthur told the doubter,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't worry, Alec, you've got a snap, believe me,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Listen, will you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, my stars! what do you call that?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hugh! what can it be?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've got me up against a hard proposition when you ask me that, Alec!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then you can't even give a guess, can you, Hugh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We all heard the racket, that's sure,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And it sounded just like a dozen, yes, three dozen men shouting like anything,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder-----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you've got an idea hurry and tell us what it is! urged the impatient Alec."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll be hanged if I can grapple anything, it's given me such a bad shock."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go on, Billy!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, explained the fat scout,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Since none of us seem able to think of any other explanation, the scout master told him, reassuringly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "True enough, Hugh,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hate to leave them, he told the others, mournfully,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not on your life, Alec, much as I would like to oblige you! asserted the fat scout, positively."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want company when there's all sorts of strange things happening around. You don't catch me sticking to this camp by my lonely. Stay back yourself if somebody has just got to hold the fort. My duty lies in the front rank. History tells that the Worths were always found in the van when danger loomed up. Sorry not to oblige you, Alec, but it's simply impossible. William Worth will sink or swim with his comrades."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One thing sure, to begin with, remarked Hugh, after they had left the camp behind them,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! that's an easy nut to crack! declared Monkey Stallings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The sounds came right down the wind, and any one can see it's blowing softly straight from the haunted mansion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We might guess that the ghosts were having a hop all by themselves, ventured Billy,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, as we don't happen to have any Indians left in this region nowadays, added Hugh, drily,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whee! listen again, will you?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "W-what's it all mean, Hugh?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I declare, who would ever have believed it?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What have you guessed, Hugh?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you fellows will look over to one side to where that man was turning the handle of some sort of box just as if he might be an organ grinder, you'll guess what it all means,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Motion-picture actors at work!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! did you ever hear of such a thing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure thing! added Arthur, grinning now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That chap is the camera man---what is it they call it, a cinematoscope or something that way. He's been grinding like mad while all that battle on the walls was taking place. And I can see him laughing from here, as if that last scrap pleased him a whole lot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, if that don't beat everything! said Monkey Stallings, in mingled awe and delight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To think of a company finding out about that queer old imitation castle, and coming all the way up here so as to stage one of their Shakespeare plays around it!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And look at all the actors they've gone and fetched along with them, will you? Billy went on to say."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, there must be scores of men and women there, all dressed in fancy costumes. Gee! it must cost _rafts_ of money to stage just one of those dramas."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! said Hugh;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Say, here's our same old luck come along again, fellows! declared Arthur, as though it gave him a tremendous amount of satisfaction to realize it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've always had a sort of hankering after a chance to learn just how these queer people managed when staging one of their plays, and as sure as you live we're in a fair way to find out now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was there ever anything so strange as our being up here just at the time they came to play their game? demanded Monkey Stallings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, it begins to look as if they must have engaged the old castle especially to cast their play here, and make it seem the real stuff, don't you think so, Hugh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not so very remarkable, after all, ventured Hugh, as all of them continued to stare at the many moving figures, apparently resting for the next stage in the exciting drama that was being reeled off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I understand that all those big companies have spies out everywhere about the country."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Spies! echoed Billy;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's a tremendous amount of competition afloat between the numerous companies, explained the other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They are looking for all sorts of queer settings for their plays. Houses have to be burned down, bridges blown up, railroad trains ditched, and all manner of stunts pulled off to satisfy the public greed for thrilling spectacles."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's it, he said disconsolately,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you've got your pictures to show for it, Alec, Hugh told him, consolingly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Say, that's right, Hugh, and thank you for reminding me I'm carrying that same camera at this very minute. What's to hinder me snapping off a few pictures on my own account of what's going on over there? What do you say to that, Hugh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should say you'd be foolish not to take the chance,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The sun is just right for a cracker-jack snap-shot from here,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There, I reckon they're staging another picture over yonder, boys! cried Arthur, as a new bustle was noticed amidst the group of players."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Two of the men appear to have been knocked out in that attack, for there's a chap who looks like he might be a doctor attending to them under that tree. I wonder if they'd care to let me lend a hand at that part of the game? I'm sure I can be of help."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whee, if all that scrapping was half-way real! burst out the admiring Billy;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is pretty near the genuine thing. said Hugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've often wondered whether they faked those wonderful affairs, but after, what I've seen this day I'm going to believe they're as close to the original as can be. There, you see how the fat man beside the operator is waving his arms. He's got a megaphone, too, and as the scene goes along he bawls through that to tell them to keep on, or change the way they're doing things."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Get a grip on yourself, Alec, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hold yourself steady, or else you'll be making some fearful blunder, and spoiling the best chance you ever had to get a prize picture. Now they are starting in again, you see!"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! why can't we get closer than this, Hugh?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing to hinder that I can see, he was told."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fact is, I was going to suggest that same thing myself. So let's get a move on, fellows."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where did you boys spring from, I'd like to know?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, you see, sir, we happen to belong to a scout troop over in Oakvale, explained Hugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We came up here to spend the weekend, and transact some business at the same time. This chap here, Alec Sands, has a peculiar old aunt in the city who is anxious to buy just such a quiet retreat as this place, where she wouldn't hear a sound, for she's got a case of nerves, you see. And one of our objects was to take some pictures of the castle, as well as spy around a bit."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Say you so, my young friend? he exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, if we leave any part of the old ruin intact when we're through with this series of startling pictures the old lady can doubtless buy it at a small figure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Does that mean you'll wreck a big structure like this, sir, just to get a picture of it being blown up?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, that doesn't cut any figure in the bill! he was told flippantly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The public demands the best there is, and money must flow like water in order to keep up with our rivals. We're going to give them something novel this time, you see."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How, sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This new play isn't really a play at all, said the stout man, with a touch of pride in his voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's a stunt of my own we're pulling off to-day. You see, the public sometimes expresses a desire to learn just how these magnificent pictures are done, and we expect to show them the whole thing from beginning to end. They'll see my company starting out in a string of motor cars for this place; watch them getting rigged out in their spic-and-span suits of mail, and old-time stuff; feast their eyes on just such wonderful feats as you have seen pulled off beside these massive walls; and step by step, be taken into our confidence as we progress, until finally the amazing climax arrives. Right now you can hear the machine clicking away, as the operator takes a crack at the players resting between their acts. Perhaps it may please you chaps to know that you'll be seen in the finished production along with the rest of the troupe."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Although all this seems very wonderful to you boys, he went on to remark, lighting a cigarette as he spoke, at which he took several puffs and then nervously threw it away again,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose you must have been around some, sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it's a hustling age, you know, he told them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've been at this business over four years now, and so far it hasn't quite reduced me to a skeleton in spite of the fierce work. I've taken the leading members of my famous players across the desert in Egypt to the pyramids, explored Spain and the heart of India, traveled across Japan, gone into China, camped in Central American jungles, wandered into the heart of Africa hunting big game, toured away up in Alaska as well as traveled all through the Wild West, and in Mexico among the fighting that's always going on down there. And I've got a few more stunts mapped out that will dwarf everything else that's ever been undertaken. Oh! this is only a little picnic for a motion-picture stage director."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder, Billy was saying, becoming more and more audacious, it seemed, on the principle that give one an inch and he will want an ell---"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder now if he'd listen to me if I asked him to let us have a chance to get in the next picture?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, you are a greeny, Billy, I must say, he declared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Stop and think for a minute, will you, how silly it would look to see a bunch of Boy Scouts dressed in khaki clothes helping those old-time yeomen tackle the walls of that ancient castle. Why, we'd queer the whole business, that's what!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, but didn't you hear him say we'd appear in that last scene?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure he did, retorted the other, with a shrug of his shoulders as if he pitied Billy's ignorance,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whee! Billy was saying half to himself as he stared at the bustling scene,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "CASTLE."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, there goes the signal!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "in the former desperate assault had found time to come mysteriously to life again, leaving a dummy in their stead to be ruthlessly trampled on, now assumed new places in the ranks, to make the assailants and defenders look more like a veritable"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ivanhoe"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's coming soon now, fellows!"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only one more picture!"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "from the narrow window slits in the tower room. The"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look, oh, look! was what he shrieked, excitedly;"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to thank you from my heart, son, he told the pleased scout master, as he gripped his hand in a warm clutch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have proved yourself a jewel in this emergency. If this is one of the things scouts learn, I'm glad my boy has taken up the subject. I'm proud of you all. I don't see, how we could have done things half as well if you hadn't been on the ground to assist, yes, to take the lead. Once more, I thank you!"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had another boy some years back, I want to tell you, he said, softly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was drowned while swimming in the river. His companions succeeded in getting Tad out, but they were utterly ignorant as to how to go to work to restore him to consciousness---and so my boy died. I believe before Heaven that if they had been raised in the knowledge of the things you Boy Scouts learn in these days, my poor wife and I need not have suffered such a cruel loss. When I learned something about the education of a scout, I made up my mind that since I had still one son left to me there would never be a repetition of that calamity. He is now a patrol leader in his troop in Brooklyn, and can swim like a duck. Come, let's go over and see what the worst is going to be."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder if that winds up the whole show?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not on your life, Billy, observed Alec,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What! are they going to make out to burn the old castle down? Is that worrying you, Alec?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure it is, frankly confessed Alec."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course, the fire will be a whole lot of a fake; that is, much smoke, and no real danger to the girl shut up in that high turret room; but, all the same, it's going to do considerable harm to the building, which may queer it for Aunt Susan's purposes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, what can you say? demanded Billy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "These people have put up the money to cover any damage they may do, and money talks every time. Here comes Hugh back to tell us what the programme is. He's just left that hustler of a director, and the chances are Hugh knows all about it, because he's made a big hit with the manager."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hugh always does make people look up to him, somehow,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There, Arthur has joined him, too, and is coming along, Billy went on to say."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's about finished helping the doctor take care of the wounded yeomen who had the bad luck to be caught when that treacherous old wall caved in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can tell you all about it, fellows, said Hugh, making as if to ward off an attack."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Jefferson, the manager, says he figures on completing his work in the one visit, and has made all necessary preparations. It's a tremendous job to fetch his big company all the way from New York up here. If they make good to-day they expect to go back in the morning, or perhaps to-night, if they can catch the late train. Otherwise they'll have to make another try to-morrow. Personally, I think they'll make good to-day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's the next stunt, Hugh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, from what I can gather, answered the scout master, smilingly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whew!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They'll have to burn heaps and heaps of flashlight powder to get all those inside effects. Wish they'd let me see just how they manage it, but it would be apt to queer the value of the picture to have, a modern Boy Scout appear in it. If I get a good chance, though, I've a notion to ask Mr. Jefferson."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You'll never be able to make it, Alec, Hugh told him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's the busiest man on earth. He has to be thinking of fifty things at once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Go on, Hugh, and tell us the rest,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Every once in a while there will be glimpses shown of Rebecca in her dungeon, looking out of the little opening, and carrying on as if nearly frightened to death, for gusts of smoke will be circling around her, and she is supposed to know that the fire is getting closer all the time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wow, that must make it a thriller for fair!"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, remarked Alec, flippantly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It goes without saying that eventually knight in shining armor, Ivanhoe, or whoever he may be, gets to the locked door of the turret tower room, bursts his way through, and saves the lovely maiden, like they always do in stories of those olden times. But here's hoping the fire doesn't get out of control, and set in to destroy the best part of this wonderful castle. Such things have been known to happen, I've read."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gosh! ejaculated Billy with morse than his accustomed vigor,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And not a ladder in sight, either, added Monkey Stallings, dismally, as he swept his eyes around in a nervous way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As for a fire company, there isn't one closer than Danbury, which is all of ten miles away. Whew! I'm beginning to wish the whole business was over with, boys, and the troupe jogging along back to the town they came from in all those big automobiles."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A man insures his home, Hugh often said in explanation of this habit,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I notice that they are meaning to use two machines and a couple or camera men, so as to get all the excitement down pat,"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One is to be kept busy outside, explained Hugh,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Huh! it's too serious a business to do much laughing, grunted Billy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm just itching all over to see how it comes out. There, that must have been the signal to start. I can see some of the men beginning to make an awful smoke with the apparatus they're handling. What a good imitation of the real thing it is!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whoopee! listen to the big swords clashing inside the castle, will you? cried Monkey Stallings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Say, we're missing great stunts, believe me, in having to stay out here. I've got half a notion-----"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The wind, don't you see it's whipped around, and is coming from a new quarter? was the tenor of what he called in the other's ear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If that fire gets away from those supers it's going to give them a heap of trouble! Yes, it will chase those fighters out of the passages in a hurry, and I'm afraid it'll even cut off the poor girl who is supposed to be locked in that turret room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hugh, look! look! ejaculated Arthur, in sudden excitement;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as you said, I do believe the fire has got beyond their control already. Listen to the way everybody is whooping it up now. It's real fright that we hear, and no make-believe!"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We must do something, and right away at that! called Hugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come along with me, every one, I've got a scheme that may be made to work."
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lay hold of that ax, Alec!"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We've got to get to the roof of that tower! he told the others, as they drew near the fire, and could begin to feel the heat it was beginning to throw out as it crept upward, whipped by the rising wind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Billy, I want you and Arthur to stay down under the walls and be ready to receive the girl, if we manage to, get things going. Understand that, both of you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, if you say so, Hugh!"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And, Billy was heard to remark when the boys could break away from the excited players, all of whom wanted to squeeze their hands, and say what they thought of the clever work,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't forget every minute of the time that camera man was turning his crank like fury. He got it all down pat, too, boys, as maybe we'll see for ourselves one of these fine days."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's the news, Alec?"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! I had a letter from my Aunt Susan in this afternoon's mail,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "About that place up in the country where we spent our last week-end outing, and had such a lively time---eh, Alec?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, and the meanness of you fellows keeping the whole business to yourselves all this time,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We just know there was something _remarkable_ happened to you up there, spoke up Don Miller, the leader of the Fox Patrol,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait and see, was the mysterious answer that again baffled the curiosity of the eager listeners, some of whom had really begun to hope that Hugh might think it time to remove the seal of absolute secrecy with which the outing had been enveloped so long."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And Alec, suppose you tell us what your aunt said in her letter. You don't look as if it held good news, that's certain."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! she complimented me like everything because of those grand pictures I sent her, and said that the account I gave of the thrilling happenings up there made her satisfied with the little investment she had incurred. I was welcome to the camera, and she also meant to send me another present soon, because she found herself quite interested in scout work. But she couldn't think of putting the deal through for that---er---place. She says after what happened there, it's likely to be a shrine for curious-minded folks for a long time to come, and as she wants absolute quiet, that would not suit her. So you see, just as I expected, that deal's off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "but those worthies only looked wise, nodded their heads, and told them to"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's my opinion, remarked Walter, sagely,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But what can it be? asked Jack Durham."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The whole entertainment to-night is made up of Professor Wakefield with his violin, and three selected moving pictures."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, added Bud Morgan, referring to a paper he held in his hand,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't see how Billy can expect to be in touch with any of those things, commented Walter, more puzzled than ever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll just have to wait and see, as Hugh told us. It may be that they've coaxed Hugh to consent to get up there on the platform to-night, and tell all about what happened to them the time they went off to spend the week-end up the country."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Walter, I wouldn't be surprised if you'd guessed it, after all, said one of the other fellows; and then as a loud clapping of hands announced that the well-known local violinist was about to make his bow to the big audience, the boys stopped exchanging opinions, and settled down to the policy of"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Trip through Ceylon"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If that isn't the old place called Randall's Folly, I'll eat my hat!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hey! it's coming, you mark my words if it isn't! he hissed in the other's ear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just look at Billy Worth there, bobbing up and down as if he might be sitting on tacks. And see how he grins, and looks prouder than a turkey gobbler. Something's going to break loose right away, Bud, believe me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hey! what's this I see? yelled a boy's strident voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right there along with all them knights and ladies there's a Boy Scout helping take care of the fellows knocked out in that scrap. And, say, it's our own Arthur Cameron, would you believe it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And there's Hugh! Yes, and look at our Billy Worth strutting around there as big as life. Oh, you Billy, it takes, you to get in, the limelight every time!"
}
] |
12948
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was a whole lot of fun while it lasted, Hugh was telling a bunch of the fellows, after the show was over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But when a thing is done with you can't extract much enjoyment out of the memory. What I'm more concerned about right at this, minute is where we are going to find another chance for an outing in the coming Thanksgiving holidays. I'd like some of you to get busy thinking up a scheme, that will just about fill the bill."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Boy Scouts on the Roll of Honor,"
}
] |
932565
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stone Yard,"
}
] |
24880
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Davits an' stanchions, men--never mind the rail, said the boatswain."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ladies, better move your chairs back a little. Rowland, climb down out o' that--you'll be overboard. Take a ventilator--no, you'll spill paint--put your bucket away an' get some sandpaper from the yeoman. Work inboard till you get it out o' you."
}
] |
24880
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is it? he muttered, wearily;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seen the sea-serpent, Myra, or the Flying Dutchman? What's up?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, George--no, she answered in agitated tones."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "John Rowland is here--Lieutenant Rowland. I've just seen him--he is so changed--he tried to speak to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who--that troublesome flame of yours? I never met him, you know, and you haven't told me much about him. What is he--first cabin?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, he seems to be a common sailor; he is working, and is dressed in old clothes--all dirty. And such a dissipated face, too. He seems to have fallen--so low. And it is all since--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Since you soured on him? Well, it is no fault of yours, dear. If a man has it in him he'll go to the dogs anyhow. How is his sense of injury? Has he a grievance or a grudge? You're badly upset. What did he say?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know--he said nothing--I've always been afraid of him. I've met him three times since then, and he puts such a frightful look in his eyes--and he was so violent, and headstrong, and so terribly angry,--that time. He accused me of leading him on, and playing with him; and he said something about an immutable law of chance, and a governing balance of events--that I couldn't understand, only where he said that for all the suffering we inflict on others, we receive an equal amount ourselves. Then he went away--in such a passion. I've imagined ever since that he would take some revenge--he might steal our Myra--our baby. She strained the smiling child to her breast and went on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I liked him at first, until I found out that he was an atheist--why, George, he actually denied the existence of God--and to me, a professing Christian."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He had a wonderful nerve, said the husband, with a smile;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He never seemed the same to me after that, she resumed;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I felt as though in the presence of something unclean. Yet I thought how glorious it would be if I could save him to God, and tried to convince him of the loving care of Jesus; but he only ridiculed all I hold sacred, and said, that much as he valued my good opinion, he would not be a hypocrite to gain it, and that he would be honest with himself and others, and express his honest unbelief--the idea; as though one could be honest without God's help--and then, one day, I smelled liquor on his breath--he always smelled of tobacco--and I gave him up. It was then that he--that he broke out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come out and show me this reprobate, said the husband, rising. They went to the door and the young woman peered out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is the last man down there--close to the cabin,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What! that hang-dog ruffian, scouring the ventilator? So, that's Rowland, of the navy, is it! Well, this is a tumble. Wasn't he broken for conduct unbecoming an officer? Got roaring drunk at the President's levee, didn't he? I think I read of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know he lost his position and was terribly disgraced,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Myra, the poor devil is harmless now. We'll be across in a few days, and you needn't meet him on this broad deck. If he hasn't lost all sensibility, he's as embarrassed as you. Better stay in now--it's getting foggy."
}
] |
24880
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rowland, you say? bawled the officer above the howling of the wind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is he the man who was lifted aboard, drunk, yesterday?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, sir."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is he still drunk?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, sir."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All right--that'll do. Enter Rowland in the crow's-nest, quartermaster, said the officer; then, making a funnel of his hands, he roared out:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Crow's-nest, there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sir,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Keep your eyes open--keep a sharp lookout."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very good, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Been a man-o'-war's-man, I judge, by his answer. They're no good,"
}
] |
24880
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something ahead, sir--can't make it out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sing out what you see,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hard aport, sir--ship on the starboard tack--dead ahead,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Port your wheel--hard over,"
}
] |
24880
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "H--l and d-- growled the first officer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Steady on your course, quartermaster, he shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stand from under on deck. He turned a lever which closed compartments, pushed a button marked--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Captain's Room,"
}
] |
24880
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "May the curse of God light on you and your cheese-knife, you brass-bound murderers."
}
] |
24880
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Put men at the hatches and doors. Send every one who comes on deck to the chart-room. Tell the watchman to notice what the passengers have learned, and clear away that wreck forward as soon as possible. The voice of the officer was hoarse and strained as he gave these directions, and the"
}
] |
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