book_id
stringlengths 2
6
| title
stringclasses 1
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stringclasses 1
value | conversations
listlengths 1
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|---|---|---|---|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, the sea horses haven't any fins, or anything to swim with."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, yes we have, replied the Sea Horse, in a tiny, but distinct voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "These things on the side of my head are fins."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought they were ears,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So they are. Fins and ears at the same time, answered the little sea animal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Also, there are small fins on our backs. Of course, we can't swim as the mermaids do, or even as swiftly as fishes; but we manage to get around, thank you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't the fishes catch and eat you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sometimes, admitted the Sea Horse,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Phoo! said a Starfish lying near,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm over three months old. You're a mere baby, Sea Horse."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not! cried the Sea Horse, excitedly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm full-grown, and may live to be as old as you are!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not if I keep on living,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I don't like those things!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't, eh? said a big Sea Spider, in a cross voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why do you come around here, then, scaring away my dinner, when you're not wanted?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It isn't _your_ ocean,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No; and it isn't yours, snapped the Spider."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But as it's big enough for us both, I'd like you to go away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So we will,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What island are we near?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It has no name, answered the Queen,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are any of them there now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think so. We will see."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The big ones are very old,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How old?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hundreds of years, I think. They live to a great age, for nothing can harm them when they withdraw their legs and heads into their thick shells. We use some of the turtles for food, but prefer the younger ones. Men also fish for turtles and eat them, but, of course, no men ever come to this out-of-the-way place in the ocean, so the inhabitants of this little island know they are perfectly safe."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do the birds find to eat?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They often feed upon seals which die of accident or old age, and they are expert fishermen, explained Queen Aquareine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Curiously enough, the seals also feed upon these birds, which they are often able to catch in their strong jaws, when the gulls venture too near. And then, the seals frequently rob the nests of eggs, of which they are very fond."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'd like a few gulls' eggs now,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good morning, said the Queen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aren't you Chief Muffruff?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am, answered the old seal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you are Aquareine, the mermaid queen. You see I remember you, although you haven't been here for years. And isn't that Princess Clia? To be sure! But the other mermaids are strangers to me; especially the bald-headed one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not a mermaid, asserted Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm a sailor, jes' a-visitin' the mermaids."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our friends are earth dwellers,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's odd, said Muffruff."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't remember that any earth dwellers ever came this way before. I never travel far, you see, for I'm chief of this disorderly family of seals that live on this island--on it and off it, that is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're a poor chief, said a big turtle lying beside the seal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If your people are disorderly it is your own fault."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There! snorted the Seal, contemptuously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps you'll dare insult me again in the presence of visitors, you old mud-wallower!"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it peace, or war, Muffruff?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whichever you like,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "These quarrels between the turtles and seals are very frequent, but they are soon ended. An hour from now they will all be lying asleep together, just as we found them; but we will not wait for that. Let us go."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The sun must be going under a cloud,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, the Queen answered, after a glance ahead of them;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, there's another of 'em,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So there is, returned the Queen, and Trot thought there was a little quiver of anxiety in her voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We must go far to the right to escape the ink."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How can the cuttlefish color the water so very black?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They carry big sacks in front of them, where they conceal the ink, Princess Clia answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whenever they choose, the cuttlefish are able to press out this ink, and it colors the water for a great space around them."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is anything wrong, ma'am?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hope not, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I must warn you that these cuttlefish are the servants of the terrible sea devils, and from the way they are acting they seem determined to drive us toward the Devil Caves, which I wished to avoid."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hadn't we better go back, ma'am?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, decided Aquareine, after a moment's thought."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think it will be wise to retreat. The sea devils are evidently aware of our movements and wish to annoy us. For my part I have no fear of them, but I do not care to have you meet such creatures."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't look up,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why not?"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Land sakes!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are these the sea devils?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, dear, replied the Queen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I advise you to pay no attention to them. Remember, they cannot touch us."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "as he would quaintly remark. Trot always knew he was disturbed or in trouble when he began to"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm afraid they are driving us into a trap, whispered the Queen, softly;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I don't mind so very much, declared Trot, calmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's like the fairy adventures in storybooks, and I've often thought I'd like that kind of adventures, 'cause the story always turns out the right way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, pshaw, Cap'n, she said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ha, ha! laughed the monster beside her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ho, ho! laughed the monster on the other side;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They have foiled our enemies many a time,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ha, ha! laughed one;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ho, ho! laughed the other;"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will go no farther, she said, firmly, not caring if the creatures overheard her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is evident that these monsters are trying to drive us into some secret place, and it is well-known that they are in league with Zog the Terrible, whom they serve because they are as wicked as he is. We must be somewhere near the hidden castle of Zog, so I prefer to stay here rather than be driven into some place far more dangerous. As for the sea devils, they are powerless to injure us in any way. Not one of the thousand arms about us can possibly touch our bodies."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, we must be moving!"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We must be near a sea cavern, if not within one,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come along, dear friends; but, let us clasp hands and keep close together."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have you ever been here before?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, dear,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And do you know where we are?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can guess, replied Aquareine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is only one place in all the sea where such a passage as that we are in could exist without my knowledge, and that is in the hidden dominions of Zog. If we are indeed in the power of that fearful magician we must summon all our courage to resist him, or we are lost!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is Zog more powerful than the mermaids?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do not know, for we have never before met to measure our strength, answered Aquareine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But if King Anko could defeat the magician, as he surely did, then I think I shall be able to do so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wish I was sure of it,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't care two cents what becomes o' me, he told Princess Clia, in a low voice,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sure you will find the little girl's end a good way off, she replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Trust to our powerful queen, and be sure she will find some means for us all to escape uninjured."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So Zog has got you at last! he said in a pitying tone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How foolish you were to swim into that part of the sea where he is powerful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The sea devils made us,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I'm sorry for you, I'm sure,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let us go to the castle, said the Queen, in a determined voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We may as well boldly defy our fate as to wait until Zog seeks us out."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, I'd like to, replied the boy, with a laugh,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're not glad, observed the girl;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You'll get over that, declared the boy, smilingly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "People lose a lot of time being afraid. Once I was myself afraid, but I found it was no fun, so I gave it up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why were we brought here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't say, madam, being a mere slave, replied the boy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, you have reminded me of my errand. I am sent to inform you all that Zog the Forsaken, who hates all the world and is hated by all the world, commands your presence in his den."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you hate Zog, too?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, no, answered the boy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "People lose a lot of time in hating others, and there's no fun in it at all. Zog may be hateful, but I'm not going to waste time hating him. You may do so, if you like."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are a queer child, remarked the Mermaid Queen, looking at him attentively."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will you tell us who you are?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Once, I was Prince Sacho of Sacharhineolaland, which is a sweet country, but hard to pronounce, he answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But in this domain I have but one title and one name, and that is 'Slave.'"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How came you to be Zog's slave?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The funniest adventure you ever heard of, asserted the boy, with eager pride."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I sailed in a ship that went to pieces in a storm. All on board were drowned but me--and I came mighty near it, to tell the truth. I went down deep, deep into the sea, and at the bottom was Zog, watching the people drown. I tumbled on his head and he grabbed and saved me, saying I would make a useful slave. By his magic power he made me able to live under water, as the fishes live, and he brought me to this castle and taught me to wait upon him, as his other slaves do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Isn't it a dreadful, lonely life?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, indeed, said Sacho;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are there many others in the castle besides you and Zog?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dozens of us. Perhaps hundreds. I've never counted them, said the boy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But Zog is the only master; all the rest of us are in the same class, so there is no jealousy among the slaves."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is Zog like?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I could tell you what Zog is like it would take me a year, was the reply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I can't tell you. Every one has a different idea of what he's like, and soon you will see him yourselves."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you fond of him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I said yes, I'd get a good whipping, declared Sacho."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am commanded to hate Zog, and being a good servant I try to obey. If anyone dared to like Zog I am sure he'd be instantly fed to the turtles; so I advise you not to like him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, we won't,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But we're keeping the master waiting, and that is also a dangerous thing to do, continued the boy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If we don't hurry up Zog will begin to smile, and when he smiles there is trouble brewing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lead the way, Sacho, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We will follow."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seems like we're gettin' further into the trap, growled Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We couldn't find our way out o' here to save our lives."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes we could, replied Clia, who was just behind him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Such a maze may indeed puzzle you, but the queen or I could lead you safely through it again, I assure you. Zog is not so clever as he thinks himself."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Enter!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But we can't!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Swim straight ahead, whispered the boy, in soft tones."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is no real barrier before you. Your eyes are merely deceived by magic."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, I understand,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, said he,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We do. Nothing could be more horrider or more disgustin' than you are, it seems to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very good; very good, indeed, declared the monster, lifting his lashes to flash his glowing eyes upon her. Then he turned toward Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Man-fish, he continued,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mighty little, the sailor replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You orter be 'shamed to ask sech a question, knowin' you look worse ner the devil himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very true,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell me, Zog; why have you trapped us and brought us here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To destroy you, was the quick answer, and the magician turned for an instant to flash his eyes upon the beautiful mermaid."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For two hundred years I have been awaiting a chance to get within my power some friend of Anko the Sea Serpent--of Anko, whom I hate! he added, smiling sweetly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When you left your palace to-day my swift spies warned me, and so I sent the sea devils to capture you. Often have they tried to do this before, but always failed. To-day, acting by my command, they tricked you, and by surrounding you, forced you to the entrance of my enchanted castle. The result is a fine capture of important personages. I have now in my power the queen and princess of the fairy mermaids, as well as two wandering earth people, and I assure you I shall take great enjoyment in destroying you utterly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are a coward, declared the Queen, proudly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You dared not meet us in the open sea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No; I dare not leave this castle, Zog admitted, still smiling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But here, in my own domain, my power is supreme. Nothing can interfere with my vengeance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That remains to be seen,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course, he answered, nodding his head with a graceful movement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You will try to thwart me and escape. You will pit your fairy power against my powers of magic. This will give me great pleasure, for the more you struggle the greater will be my revenge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But why should you seek revenge upon us? asked Clia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have never harmed you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is true, replied Zog."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I bear you no personal ill will. But you are friends of my great enemy, King Anko, and it will annoy him very much when he finds that you have been destroyed by me. I cannot hurt the rascally old sea serpent himself, but through you I can make him feel my vengeance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The mermaids have existed thousands of years, said the Queen, in a tone of pride."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you imagine the despised and conquered Zog has power to destroy them?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do not know, was the quiet answer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It will be interesting to discover which is the more powerful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I challenge you to begin the test at once, vile magician!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is no hurry, fair Queen, answered Zog, in his softest tones."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have been so many years in accomplishing your capture that it is foolish to act hastily now. Besides, I am lonely. Here, in my forced retirement, I see only those uninteresting earth mortals whom I have made my slaves, for all sea dwellers are forbidden to serve me save the sea devils, and they dare not enter my castle. I have saved many mortals from drowning and brought them here to people my castle, but I do not love mortals. Two lovely mermaids are much more interesting, and before I allow you to perish I shall have much amusement in witnessing your despair, and your struggles to escape. You are now my prisoners. By slow degrees I shall wear out your fairy powers and break your hearts, as well as the hearts of these earth dwellers who have no magic powers, and I think it will be a long time before I finally permit you to die."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's all right, said Trot, cheerfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The longer I live the better I'll be satisfied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's how I feel about it, added Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't get in a hurry to kill us, Zog; it'll be such a wear an' tear on your nerves. Jes' take it easy an' let us live as long as we can."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't you care to die?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's a thing I never longed for, the sailor replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see, we had no business to go on a trip with the mermaids, to begin with. I've allus heard tell that mermaids is dangerous, an' no one as met 'em ever lived to tell the tale. Eh, Trot?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's what you said, Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, I guess we're done for, one way 'r 'nother; an' it don't matter much which. But Trot's a good child, an' mighty young an' tender. It don't seem like her time has come to die. I'd like to have her sent safe home to her mother. So I've got this 'ere propersition to make, Zog: If your magic could make _me_ die twice, or even _three_ times fer good measure, why you go ahead an' do it an' I won't complain. All I ask is fer you to send this little girl safe back to dry land again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't you do it, Zog! cried Trot, indignantly, and turning to Cap'n Bill she added:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not goin' to leave you down here in all this mess, Cap'n, and don't you think it. If one of us gets out of the muddle we're in, we'll both get out; so don't you make any bargains with Zog to die twice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The dying does not amount to much, he said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not worrying,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ner me, said Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll find we can take what comes jes' as easy as anybody."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do not expect to get much fun from you poor mortals, said Zog, carelessly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are merely a side show to my circus--a sort of dessert to my feast of vengeance. When the time comes I can find a hundred ways to kill you. My most interesting prisoners are these pretty mermaids, who claim that none of their race has ever yet died, or been destroyed. The first mermaid ever created is living yet--and I am told she is none other than Queen Aquareine. So I have a pretty problem before me, to invent some way to destroy the mermaids, or put them out of existence. And it will require some thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Also, it will require some power you do not possess,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That may be, replied Zog, softly;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are a monster and a wicked magician,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am, agreed Zog;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why don't you kill yourself?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've tried that, and failed, he answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only one being in the world has power to destroy me, and that is King Anko, the sea serpent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then you'd better let him do it,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No; much as I long to die, I cannot allow King Anko the pleasure of killing me. He has always been my worst enemy, and it would be such a joy to him to kill me that I really cannot allow him. Indeed, I have always hoped to kill Anko. I have now been three thousand six hundred and forty-two years, eleven months and nine days figuring out a plan to destroy old Anko, and as yet I have not discovered a way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd give it up, if I were you, advised Trot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't you think you could get some fun out of trying to be good?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No! cried Zog, and his voice was not so soft as before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Listen, Aquareine: You and your attendants shall be prisoners in this castle until I can manage to stop you from living. Rooms will be placed at your disposal, and I wish you to go to them at once, as I am tired of looking at you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're no more tired than we are, remarked Trot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's lucky you can't see yourself, Zog."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The worst of my queer body I keep concealed, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If ever you see it, you will scream with terror."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Take the mermaids and the child to the Rose Chamber, commanded Zog;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are the outer passages well guarded?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes; as you have commanded,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then you may allow the prisoners to roam at will throughout the castle. Now, go!"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, how do you like him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We hate him!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course you do, replied Sacho."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, you're wasting time hating anything. It doesn't do you any good, or him any harm. Can you sing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A little, said Trot;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're wrong about that, the boy asserted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anything that keeps you from singing is foolishness, unless it's laughter. Laughter, joy and song are the only good things in the world."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here is the Rose Chamber, where the master commands you to live until you die. You may wander anywhere in the castle as you please; to leave it is impossible. Whenever you return to the Rose Chamber you will know it by this design of roses, sewn in pearls upon the hangings. The Peony Room, where the man-fish is to live, is the next one farther on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you, replied Queen Aquareine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are we to be fed?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meals will be served in your rooms. If you desire anything, ring the bell and some of the slaves will be sure to answer it. I am mostly in attendance upon my master, but whenever I am at liberty I will look after your comfort myself."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Isn't it pretty, Cap'n? And who'd ever think that awful creature Zog owned such a splendid castle, and kept his prisoners in such lovely rooms?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I once heard tell, said the sailor,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, replied Trot, soberly;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sure he doesn't expect us to be happy here. But, I'm going to fool him and have just as good a time as I can."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, Trot, it's _me_ reflected in a mirror. But, at first, I thought it was some one else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look, Cap'n! she whispered;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it's _my_ wooden leg, ain't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If it is, it can't be a reflection in a mirror, she argued,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Keep away! Git out, there! yelled Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're a ghost--the ghost o' me that once was--an' I can't bear the sight o' you. Git out!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you ring jes' to tell me to git out?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I--I didn't ring,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You did; you pulled that bell cord,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh; did pullin' that thing ring a bell? inquired the Cap'n, a little ashamed of his ignorance and reassured by hearing the"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It surely did, was the reply;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wish you wouldn't, protested Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've no use fer--fer--ghostses, anyhow."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who are you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm Cap'n Joe, was the reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cap'n Joe Weedles, formerly o' the brig 'Gladsome' an' now a slave o' Zog at the bottom o' the sea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "J--J--Joe Wee--Weedles! gasped Cap'n Bill, amazed;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joe Weedles o' the 'Gladsome'! Why, dash my eyes, mate, you must be my brother!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are _you_ Bill Weedles? asked the other. And then he added:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, no; you can't be. Bill wasn't no merman. He were a human critter, like myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's what _I_ am, said Cap'n Bill, hastily;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm a human critter, too. I've jes' borrered this fishtail to swim with while I'm visitin' the mermaids."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, well, said Cap'n Joe, in astonishment;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, as fer that, replied Cap'n Bill,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't look it, to all appearances, remarked Cap'n Joe, in a reflective tone of voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I'll agree it's many a year since I saw the top o' the water, an' I'm not expectin' to ever tramp on dry land again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you dead, or drownded, or what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Neither one nor t'other, was the answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Zog gave me gills, so's I could live in the water like fishes do, an' if I got on land I couldn't breathe air any more 'n a fish out o' water can. So I guess as long as I live I'll hev to stay down here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you like it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I don't objec' much, said Cap'n Joe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There ain't much excitement here, fer we don't catch a flock o' mermaids ev'ry day; but the work is easy an' the rations fair. I might 'a' been worse off, you know, for when my brig was wrecked I'd 'a' gone to Davy Jones's Locker if Zog hadn't happened to find me an' made me a fish."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't look as much like a fish as Cap'n Bill does,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "P'raps not, said Cap'n Joe;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I won't have two legs, asserted Cap'n Bill,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh; I hadn't heard o' that, Bill; but I'm not surprised, replied Brother Joe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Many a sailor gets to wear a wooden leg, in time. Mine's hick'ry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So's mine, said Cap'n Bill, with an air of pride."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm glad I've run across you, Joe, for I often wondered what had become of you. Seems too bad, though, to have you spend all your life under water."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's the odds? asked Cap'n Joe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I never could keep away from the water since I was a boy, an' there's more dangers to be met floatin' on it than there is soakin' in it. An' one other thing pleases me when I think on it: I'm parted from my wife--a mighty good woman with a tongue like a two-edge sword--an' my pore widder'll get the insurance money an' live happy. As fer me, Bill, I'm a good deal happier than I was when she kep' scoldin' me from mornin' to night every minute I was home."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is Zog a kind master?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't say he's kind, replied Cap'n Joe,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Could you help us to escape?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, I don't know how, admitted Cap'n Joe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's magic all around us, and we slaves are never allowed to leave this great cave. I'll do what I can, o' course; but Sacho is the boy to help you, if anyone can. That little chap knows a heap, I can tell you. So now, if nothin' more's wanted, I must get back to work."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What work do you do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sew buttons on Zog's clothes. Every time he gets mad he busts his buttons off, an' I have to sew 'em on again. As he's mad most o' the time, it keeps me busy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll see you again, won't I, Joe?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No reason why you shouldn't--if you manage to keep alive, said Cap'n Joe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you mustn't forget, Bill, that Zog has his grip on you, an' I've never known anything to escape him yet."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This hick'ry leg, said Cap'n Joe,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess I am, Joe, replied Bill;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Think o' the money you'd make in a side show,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aren't you glad to find your brother again, Cap'n Bill?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, so-so, replied the sailor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know much about Joe, seein' as we haven't met before for many a long year; an' all I remember about our boyhood days is that we fit an' pulled hair most o' the time. But what worries me most is Joe's lookin' so much like me myself--wooden leg an' all. Don't you think it's rather cheeky an' unbrotherly, Trot?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps he can't help it, suggested the child."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And, anyhow, he'll never be able to live on land again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said Cap'n Bill, with a sigh,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joe's a fish, now, an' so he ain't likely to be took for me by any of our friends on the earth."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "These fountains of air are excellent things, remarked Queen Aquareine,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How can we tell what to do, without knowing what's going to happen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something's sure to happen,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, well! said the little man, spreading out his legs and putting his hands on his hips as he stood looking at them;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't bunch us that way!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are quite wrong, said Trot;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm a--a girl."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With a fish's tail?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's only just for a while, she said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But we haven't any gills, remarked the Cap'n, looking closely at the little man's throat;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you mean me, I must admit you are right, said the little man, twisting his mustaches."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm as near a fish as a man can be. But you see, Cap'n, without the gills that make me a fish I could not live under water."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When it comes to that, you've no business to live under water, asserted the sailor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I s'pose you're a slave and can't help it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm chief cook for that old horror, Zog. And that reminds me, good mermaids--or good people, or good girls and sailors, or whatever you are--that I'm sent here to ask what you'd like to eat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Glad to see you, sir, said Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm nearly starved, myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had it in mind, said the little man,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, two of us are, said the Queen, smiling."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I, my good cook, am Aquareine, the ruler of the mermaids, and this is the Princess Clia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've often heard of you, your Majesty, returned the chief cook, bowing respectfully,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We thank you, good sir,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What have you got to eat? inquired Trot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seems to me I'm hollow way down to my toes--my tail, I mean--and it'll take a lot to fill me up. We haven't eaten a morsel since breakfast, you know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think I shall be able to give you almost anything you would like, said the cook."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Zog is a wonderful magician, and can procure anything that exists with no more effort than a wiggle of his thumb. But some eatables, you know, are hard to serve under water, because they get so damp that they are soon ruined."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, it is different with the mermaids,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes; all your things are kept dry because they are surrounded by air. I've heard how the mermaids live. But here it is different."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Take this ring, said the Queen, handing the chief cook a circlet which she drew from her finger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "While it is in your possession the food you prepare will not get wet--or even moist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thank your Majesty, returned the cook, taking the ring."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My name is Tom Atto, and I'll do my best to please you. How would you like for luncheon some oysters on the half shell, clam broth, shrimp salad, broiled turtle steak and watermelon?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That will do very nicely,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do watermelons grow in the sea?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course; that is why they are called watermelons, replied Tom Atto."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I shall serve you a water ice, in addition to the rest. Water ice is an appropriate sea food."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have some water cress with the salad,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd thought of that, declared the cook."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Doesn't my bill of fare make your mouths water?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hurry up and get it ready,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think, ma'am, we can manage to escape from Zog and his castle?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope we shall find a way, replied Aquareine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The evil powers of magic, which Zog controls, may not prove to be as strong as the fairy powers I possess; but of course I cannot be positive until I discover what this wicked magician is able to do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I can see an opening far up in the top of the dome,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, she announced,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, if we could escape from this castle, we could swim up to the hole in the dome and get free!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, Zog has probably ordered the opening well guarded, as he has all other outlets, responded the Queen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yet it may be worth while for us to make the attempt to get back into the broad ocean this way. The night would be the best time, when all are asleep; and surely it will be quicker to reach the ocean through this hole in the roof, than by means of the long, winding passages by which we entered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But we will have to break out of the castle, in some way,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That will not be difficult, answered Aquareine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It will be no trouble for me to shatter one of these panes of glass, allowing us to pass out and swim straight up to the top of the dome."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's do it now!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, my dear; we must wait for a good opportunity, when we are not watched closely. We do not wish the terrible Zog to thwart our plan,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My diabolical master commands you to attend him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At once, your Majesty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very well; we will follow you,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captives, said he, speaking in his clear, sweet voice,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rivivi, bring in the Yell-Maker."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yell-Maker,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I give you four victims--the four people with fish's tails. Let me hear how loud they can yell."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Again!"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Enough! said Zog, softly and sweetly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You may retire, my poor Yell-Maker, for with these people you are powerless."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "May I nip just one of the slaves, oh, Zog? it asked, pleadingly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hate to leave without pleasing your ears with a single yell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let my slaves alone, was Zog's answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They are here to serve me, and must not be injured. Go, feeble one!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not so! cried the Queen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is a shame, Zog, that such an evil thing should exist in our fair sea."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is very pretty magic, Aquareine, said the monster."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I, myself, learned the trick several thousand years ago, so it does not astonish me. Have you fairies nothing that is new to show me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We desire only to protect ourselves,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then I will give you a chance to do so,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Please excuse this little interruption, said Zog."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I knew very well the marble blocks could not hurt you. But the play is over for a time. You may now retire to your rooms, and when I again invite you to my presence I shall have found some better way to entertain you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Zog is making a great mistake, said Sacho, with a laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He has no time for vengeance, but the great magician does not know that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is he trying to do, anyway?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He does not tell me his secrets, but I've an idea he wants to kill you, replied Sacho."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How absurd it is to be plotting such a thing, when he might spend his time in laughing and being jolly! Isn't it, now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Zog is a wicked, wicked, creature!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But he has his good points, replied Sacho, cheerfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is no one in all the world so bad that there is nothing good about him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not so sure of that, said Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are Zog's good points?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All his slaves were saved from drowning, and he is kind to them,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is merely the kindness of selfishness, said Aquareine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell me, my lad, is the opening in the great dome outside guarded?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, indeed, was the reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You cannot hope to escape in that way, for the prince of the sea devils, who is the largest and fiercest of his race, lies crouched over the opening, night and day, and none can pass his network of curling legs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is there no avenue that is not guarded?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "None at all, your Majesty. Zog is always careful to be well guarded, for he fears the approach of an enemy. What this enemy can be, to terrify the powerful magician, I do not know; but Zog is always afraid and never leaves an entrance unguarded. Besides, it is an enchanted castle, you know, and none in the ocean can see it unless Zog wishes him to. So it will be very hard for his enemy to find him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We wish to escape, said Clia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will you help us, Sacho?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In any way I can,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If we succeed, we will take you with us,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I would indeed like to see you escape Zog's vengeance, said he,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We were able to escape Zog's attacks to-day, but I am quite sure he will plan more powerful ways to destroy us. He has shown that he knows some clever magic and perhaps I shall not be able to foil it. So it will be well for us to escape to-night, if possible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can you fight and conquer the big sea devil up in the dome?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't abide them devil critters, an' I hopes, for my part, we won't be called on to tackle 'em. You see, Trot, we're in consider'ble of a bad mess, an' if we ever live to tell the tale--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why not, Cap'n? asked the child."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're safe enough, so far. Can't you trust to our good friend the queen?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She don't seem plumb sure o' things herself, remarked the sailor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The mermaids is all right an' friendly, mate, but this 'ere magic maker--ol' Zog--is a bad one, out 'n' out, an' means to kill us, if he can."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But he can't!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope you're right, dear. I wouldn't want to bet on Zog's chances, jes' yet, an' at the same time it would be riskin' money to bet on our chances. Seems to me it's a case of luck which wins."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't worry, friend, said the Queen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have a plan to save us. Let us wait patiently until nightfall."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Isn't it nearly night time?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Night! he exclaimed, as if surprised."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is no night here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Doesn't it ever get dark?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Never. We know nothing of the passage of time, or of day and night. The light always shines just as you see it now, and we sleep whenever we are tired and rise again as soon as we are rested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What causes the light?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's magic, your Highness, said the cook, solemnly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's one of the curious things Zog is able to do. But you must remember all this place is a big cave, in which the castle stands, so the light is never seen by anyone, except those who live here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But why does Zog keep his light going all the time?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose it is because he himself never sleeps, replied Tom Atto."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They say the master hasn't slept for hundreds of years; not since Anko, the sea serpent, defeated him and drove him into this place."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am much disappointed, said the Queen,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Goodness me! exclaimed Trot, raising herself by a flirt of her pink-scaled tail and a wave of her fins;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hot! echoed the sailor,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What we need most in this room, said he,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's the trouble, do you s'pose?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is another trick of the monster Zog, answered the Queen, calmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He has made the water in our rooms boiling hot, and if it could touch us we would be well cooked by this time. Even as it is, we are all made uncomfortable by breathing the heated air."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What shall we do, ma'am? the sailorman asked, with a groan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I expected to get into hot water afore we've done with this foolishness, but I don't like the feel o' bein' par-boiled, jes' the same."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is better,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you care to sleep again?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No; I'm wide awake, now,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm afraid if I goes to sleep ag'in I'll wake up a pot roast,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let us consider ways to escape, suggested Clia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seems useless for us to remain here, quietly, until Zog discovers a way to destroy us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But we must not blunder, added Aquareine, cautiously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To fail in our attempt would be to acknowledge Zog's superior power, so we must think well upon our plan before we begin to carry it out. What do you advise, sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My opinion, ma'am, is that the only way for us to escape is to get out o' here, was the sailor's vague answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How to do it is your business, seein' as I ain't no fairy myself, either in looks or in eddication."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is your opinion, my dear?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think we might swim out the same way we came in, answered the child."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If we could get Sacho to lead us back through the maze, we would follow that long tunnel to the open ocean, and--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And there would be the sea devils waitin' for us, added Cap'n Bill, with a shake of his bald head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They'd drive us back inter the tunnel, like they did the first time, Trot. It won't do, mate; it won't do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you a suggestion, Clia?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have thought of an undertaking, replied the pretty princess;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let us hear it, anyway,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is to destroy Zog himself, and put him out of the world forever. Then we would be free to go home, whenever we pleased."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can you suggest a way to destroy Zog?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, your Majesty, Clia answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I must leave the way for you to determine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the old days, said the Queen, thoughtfully,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have heard the sea serpent explain that it was because he could not reach the magician, returned Clia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If King Anko could have seized Zog in his coils he would have made an end of the wicked monster quickly. Zog knows this, and that is why he does not dare to venture forth from his retreat. Anko is the enemy he constantly dreads. But with you, my queen, the case is different. You may easily reach Zog, and the only question is whether your power is sufficient to destroy him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am not sure of my power over Zog, she said at last,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A weapon, ma'am? said Cap'n Bill; and then he took a jackknife from his coat pocket and opened the big blade, afterward handing it to the queen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That ain't a bad weapon,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it is useless in this case, she replied, smiling at the old sailor's earnestness."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For my purpose I must have a golden sword."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, there's plenty of gold around this castle, said Trot, looking around her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even in this room there's enough to make a hundred golden swords."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But we can't melt or forge gold under water, mate,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why not? Don't you s'pose all these gold roses and things were made under water?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like enough, admitted the sailor;"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You may tell him that his water became a trifle too warm, so we cooled it,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Zog is foolish, said he."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How often have I told him that vengeance is but a waste of time. He is worried to know how to destroy you, and that is wasting more time. You are worried for fear he will injure you, and so you also are wasting time. My, my! what a waste of time is going on in this castle!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seems to me that we have so much time it doesn't matter, said Trot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's time for, anyhow?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Time is given us to be happy, and for no other reason, replied the boy, soberly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When we waste time, we waste happiness. But there is no time for preaching, so I'll go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Please wait a moment, Sacho,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can I do anything to make you happy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, answered Aquareine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We are curious to know who does all this beautiful gold work and ornamentation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Some of the slaves here are goldsmiths, having been taught by Zog to forge and work metal under water, explained Sacho."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In parts of the ocean lie many rocks filled with veins of pure gold and golden nuggets, and we get large supplies from sunken ships, as well. There is no lack of gold here, but it is not as precious as it is upon the earth, because here we have no need of money."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We would like to see the goldsmiths at work,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will take you to their room, where you may watch them for a time. I will not ask Zog's permission to do this, for he might refuse. But my orders were to allow you the liberty of the castle, and so I will let you see the goldsmiths' shop."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The furnaces are electric, explained Sacho,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It isn't like Calcutta, where I used to work in gold before I was wrecked at sea, and nearly drowned. Zog rescued me and brought me here a slave. It is a stupid life we lead, doing the same things over and over every day; but perhaps it is better than being dead. I'm not sure. The only pleasure I get in life is in creating pretty things out of gold."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Could you forge me a golden sword?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could, madam; but I won't unless Zog orders me to do it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you like Zog better than you do me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, was the answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hate Zog."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then won't you make the sword to please me--and to show your skill?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm afraid of my master. He might not like it,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But he will never know,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You cannot say what Zog knows; or what he doesn't know, growled the man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't take chances of offending Zog, for I must live with him always as a slave."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll give you this, if you'll make the queen the golden sword,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You may have them both,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, friend, he said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Never mind that, replied Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All we want is the sword."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You must be careful, he advised them,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you know what Zog intends to do to us next?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, said Sacho;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am no longer afraid, declared the Mermaid Queen, when they were alone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I have bestowed certain fairy powers upon this golden sword, it will fight its way against any who dare oppose us, and even Zog himself will not care to face so powerful a weapon. I am now able to promise you that we shall make our escape."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good! cried Trot, joyfully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shall we start now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not yet, my dear. It will take me a little while to charm this golden blade so that it will obey my commands, and do my work. There is no need of undue haste, so I propose we all sleep for a time and obtain what rest we can. We must be fresh and ready for our great adventure."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Courage, friends! Do not despair, for soon you will be free."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you very cold?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "N--not v--v--very!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The water will be warm in a few minutes, said the Queen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But now I must melt the rest of the ice and liberate Clia."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've made up my mind to one thing, Trot, he said confidentially;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You haven't any hair, Cap'n Bill, answered Trot;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have decided not to remain in this castle any longer. Zog's cruel designs upon our lives and happiness are becoming too dangerous for us to endure. The golden sword now bears a fairy charm, and by its aid I will cut a way through our enemies. Are you ready and willing to follow me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course we are!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It don't seem 'zactly right to ask a lady to do the fightin', remarked Cap'n Bill;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I chance to fail, said the Queen,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's all right, said Trot, with fine courage."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's have it over with."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then we will leave here at once,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Swim straight for the opening in the dome!"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't save you, dear little mate, he said, sadly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Never live to tell the tale, said the child."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But never mind, Cap'n Bill; we've done the best we could, and we've had a fine time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Forgive me! oh, forgive me! cried Aquareine, despairingly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I tried to save you, my poor friends, but--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's that?"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is all over, friends, said he in his gentle tones, while a mild expression once more reigned on his comical features;"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you people had come to visit me, as I invited you to do, said the Sea Serpent,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That reminds me, said Trot, drying her eyes;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Finally, continued Anko,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I sent to inquire as to what had become of you, and Merla said you had been gone from the palace a long time, and she was getting anxious about you. Then I made inquiries. Every one in the sea loves to serve me--except those sea devils and their cousins the octopi--and it wasn't long before I heard you had been captured by Zog."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Was the third pain as bad as the other two?"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, the rest of the story you know. I would be angry with all of you for so carelessly getting captured, had the incident not led to the destruction of the one evil genius in all my ocean. I shall rest easier and be much happier, now that Zog is dead. He has defied me for hundreds of years."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, about that third pain, said Trot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you don't tell us now, I'm afraid that I'll forget to ask you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you should happen to forget, just remind me of it, said Anko,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Didn't you take all of you when you went to the cavern, Anko?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nearly all, my dear, was the reply, accompanied by a cheerful smile, for Anko was proud of his great length;"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His Majesty bids you welcome, said one of the doll fishes, in a sweet voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Be kind enough to enter the royal palace and our ocean monarch will graciously receive you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seems to me, said Trot to the queen,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The king insists on certain formalities when anyone visits him, was Aquareine's reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is right that his dignity should be maintained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "May the glory and power of the ocean king continue forever!"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His Majesty is ready to receive you in his den."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Welcome, friends! said Anko, pleasantly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you like my home?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's very grand,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just the place for a sea serpent, seems to me,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm glad you admire it, said the King."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps I ought to tell you that from this day you four belong to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How's that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is a law of the ocean, declared Anko,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you mean Captain Kidd? asked Trot,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Give him his full name, said Anko."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Kid Glove was--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's no glove to it, protested Trot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I ought to know, 'cause I've read about him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Didn't it say anything about a glove?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing at all. It jus' called him Cap'n Kidd,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She's right, ol' man,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Books, said the Sea Serpent,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! you told me to remind you of that third pain,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Which proves my friendship for you, returned the Sea Serpent, blinking his blue eyes thoughtfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No one likes to be reminded of a pain, and that third pain was--was--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What was it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was a stomach ache,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What made it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just my carelessness, said Anko."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd been away to foreign parts, seeing how the earth people were getting along. I found the Germans dancing the german, and the Dutch making dutch cheese, and the Belgians combing their belgian hares, and the Turks eating turkey, and the Sardinians sardonically pickling sardines. Then I called on the Prince of Whales, and--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean the Prince of Wales,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean what I say, my dear. I saw the battlefield where the Bull Run but the Americans didn't, and when I got to France I paid a napoleon to see Napoleon with his bones apart. He was--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course, you mean--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was very hungry for Hungary, he continued,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the pain--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the way home, continued Anko, calmly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was a little absent-minded and ate an anchor. There was a long chain attached to it; and as I continued to swallow the anchor I continued to eat the chain. I never realized what I had done until I found a ship on the other end of the chain. Then I bit it off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The ship?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No; the chain. I didn't care for the ship, as I saw it contained some skippers. On the way home the chain and anchor began to lie heavily on my stomach. I didn't seem to digest them properly, and by the time I got to my palace, where you will notice there is no throne, I was thrown into throes of severe pain. So I at once sent for Dr. Shark--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are all your doctors sharks?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes; aren't your doctors sharks?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not all of them,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is true, remarked Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But when you talk of lawyers--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not talking of lawyers, said Anko, reprovingly;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm talking about my pain. I don't imagine anyone could suffer more than I did with that stomach ache."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you suffer long?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, about seven thousand four hundred and eighty-two feet and--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean a long time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seemed like a long time, answered the King."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dr. Shark said I ought to put a mustard poultice on my stomach; so I uncoiled myself and summoned my servants, and they began putting on the mustard plaster. It had to be bound all around me, so it wouldn't slip off, and I began to look like an express package. In about four weeks fully one-half of the pain had been covered by the mustard poultice, which got so hot that it hurt me worse than the stomach ache did."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, said Trot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had one, once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A mustard plaster. They smart pretty bad, but I guess they're a good thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I got myself unwrapped as soon as I could, continued the King,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're lucky, sir, to have escaped so easy, said Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you seem pretty well now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I'm more careful of what I eat, replied the Sea Serpent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I was saying when Trot interrupted me, that you all belong to me, because I have saved your lives. By the law of the ocean you must obey me in everything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The law of the ocean isn't _our_ law, 'cause we live on land."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just now you are living in the ocean, declared Anko,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are your commands?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah; that's the point I was coming to, returned the King, with his comical smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The ocean is a beautiful place, and we who belong here love it dearly. In many ways it's a nicer place for a home than the earth, for we have no sunstrokes, mosquitoes, earthquakes or candy shops to bother us. But I am convinced that the ocean is no proper dwelling place for earth people, and I believe the mermaids did an unwise thing when they invited you to visit them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't, protested the girl."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've had a fine time; haven't we, Cap'n Bill?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it's been diff'rent from what I expected,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our only thought was to give the earth people pleasure, your Majesty,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know; I know, my dear Queen; and it was very good of you, replied Anko."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, still it was an unwise act, for earth people are as constantly in danger under water as we would be upon the land. So, having won the right to command you all, I order you to take little Mayre and Cap'n Bill straight home, and there restore them to their natural forms. It's a dreadful condition, I know, and they must each have two stumbling legs instead of a strong, beautiful fishtail; but it is the fate of earth dwellers, and they cannot escape it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In my case, your Majesty, made it _one_ leg,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, yes; I remember. One leg, and a wooden stick to keep it company. I issue this order, my friends, not because I am not fond of your society, but to keep you from getting into more trouble in a country where all is strange and unnatural to you. Am I right, or do you think I am wrong?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're quite correct, sir,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I'm ready to go home, said Trot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But in spite of Zog, I've enjoyed my visit, and I shall always love the mermaids for being so good to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We shall escort you home at once,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But before you go, said King Anko,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will give you a rare treat. It is one you will remember as long as you live. You shall see every inch of the mightiest sea serpent in the world, all at one time!"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I used to think sea serpents were horrid creatures, said Trot;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And big,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Would you rather go back to our mermaid home for a time, and rest yourselves, or would you prefer to start for Giant's Cave at once?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess we'd better go back home, decided Trot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To our own home, I mean. We've been away quite a while, and King Anko seemed to think it was best."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very well, replied the Queen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let us turn in this direction, then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can say good-bye to Merla for us, continued Trot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was very nice to us, an' 'specially to Cap'n Bill."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So she was, mate, agreed the sailor;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are we going anywhere near Zog's castle?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our way leads directly past the opening in the dome,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then, let's stop and see what Sacho and the others are doing, suggested Trot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They can't be slaves any longer, you know, 'cause they haven't any master. I wonder if they're any happier than they were before?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They seemed to be pretty happy as it was,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It will do no harm to pay them a brief visit, said Princess Clia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All danger disappeared from the cavern with the destruction of Zog."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I really ought to say good-bye to Brother Joe, observed the sailorman."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I won't see him again, you know, and I don't want to seem unbrotherly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very well, said the Queen,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But we must have a king. Not an evil, cruel master, like Zog, but one who will maintain order and issue laws for the benefit of all. We will govern ourselves most happily by having a ruler, or head, selected from among ourselves by popular vote. Therefore, I ask you to decide who shall be our king, for only one who is accepted by all can sit in Zog's throne."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We all have our duties to perform, and so cannot spend the time to be king. But you, Sacho, who were Zog's own attendant, have now no duties at all. So it will be best for you to rule us. What say you, comrades? Shall we make Sacho king?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, yes!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I do not wish to be king, replied Sacho."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A king is a useless sort of person, who merely issues orders for others to carry out. I want to be busy and useful. Whoever is king will need a good attendant, as well as an officer who will see that his commands are obeyed. I am used to such duties, having served Zog in this same way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who, then, has the time to rule over us?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seems to me that Cap'n Joe is the proper person for king, replied Sacho."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His former duty was to sew buttons on Zog's garments; so now he is out of a job and has plenty of time to be king, for he can sew on his own buttons. What do you say, Cap'n Joe?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I don't mind, agreed Cap'n Joe;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We do!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I'll want a few pointers, continued Cap'n Bill's brother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I ain't used to this sort o' work, you know, an' if I ain't properly posted I'm liable to make mistakes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sacho will tell you, said Tom Atto, encouragingly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And now I must go back to the kitchen and look after my dumplings, or you people won't have any dinner to-day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very well, announced Sacho."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hereby proclaim Cap'n Joe elected King of the Castle--which is the Enchanted Castle no longer. You may all return to your work."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're on our way home, explained Cap'n Bill,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I'm all right, Bill, returned Cap'n Joe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's an easy life here, an' a peaceful one. I wish you was as well fixed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If ever you need friends, Sacho, or any assistance or counsel, come to me,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you, madam, he replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now that Zog has gone, I am sure we shall be very safe and contented. But I shall not forget to come to you if we need you. We are not going to waste any time in anger, or revenge, or evil deeds; so I believe we shall prosper from now on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sure you will,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If at any period of your life the mermaids can be of service to you, my dear, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you! cried the child, slipping the ring over her own chubby finger, which it fitted perfectly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall never forget that I have good and loyal friends in the ocean, you may be sure."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now we must go a little deeper; for here is the Giant's Cave, and the entrance to it is near the bottom of the sea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What, already!"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've been awfully good to us, and I don't know jus' how to thank you,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We have enjoyed your visit to us, said beautiful Queen Aquareine, smiling upon her little friend,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll do that, of course,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How 'bout changin' us back to our reg'lar shapes?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That will be very easy, replied Princess Clia, with her merry laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "See! here we are at the surface of the water."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Climb in,"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's me, all right! he muttered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One meat one, an' one hick'ry one. That's the same as belongs to me!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will you lift Mayre aboard?"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder where our legs have been while we've been gone?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I wonder what's become of our pretty pink and green scaled tails!"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-bye, friends!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good-bye!"
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder, Trot, if your ma has missed us,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course not, replied the girl."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's been sound asleep, you know."
}
]
|
48778 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The land's the best, Cap'n."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is, mate; for livin' on,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, I'm glad to have seen the mermaids,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, so 'm I, Trot, he agreed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, I wouldn't 'a' believed any mortal could ever 'a' seen 'em an'--an'--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An' lived to tell the tale! she cried, her eyes dancing with mischief."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Cap'n Bill, how little we mortals know!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "True enough, mate, he replied;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "and"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "These two lines were swapped around. | | P. 105."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes; and they are the only creatures of the ocean which | | none to-day, for we are going near to the dismal caverns we | | greatly fear, replied Aquareine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hope we shall meet where | | they live. These lines were swapped, they should read: | |"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes; and they are the only creatures of the ocean which we | | greatly fear, replied Aquareine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hope we shall meet none | | to-day, for we are going near to the dismal caverns where they | | live. Changed. | | P. 207. Chapter 19 title"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "King Anco changed to"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "King Anko"
}
]
|
136357 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There are several that promise to be fairly interesting,"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Be-low!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hi! you sirs!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look out! Run!"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where are--Hi! aloft there!--oh, my wind! Ahoy there, you--!"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come on board then, eh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, sir--yes, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lucky for you that you both hopped out of the way, youngsters, or I should have had to send one of you back home with a hole through him, and t'other broke in half."
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What a while he is! I said to myself,"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Drive on,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't go no further,"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You touch it again, came sharply,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Leave the box alone, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't want your help."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Carry it in, sir. I was fust, sir. Yah! you get out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't let 'em take it,"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You must have got plenty of tin, said my companion in difficulties, after I had compromised matters by giving each of the ragged touts a shilling;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you been to sea before, then?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rather. Are you going in the Burgh Castle? Yes, I can see you are."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By that, he said, nodding at the embroidered flag and star upon the front."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We're going to be shipmates, then."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am glad,"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cheerful, ain't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's such a horrid day,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Beastly. It always is in London. Ain't you glad you're going to sea?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not very, I said, after a pause."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It'll be better when it's fine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Will it? said my companion, mockingly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll see. I don't know how a chap can be such a jolly fool as to go to sea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, you went!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I went, grumbled my companion;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you go out in this ship?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Course I didn't, else I should have known where our bunks were. My last voyage was in the Hull."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! I said, looking at him as one of great experience;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What other voyages?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That you went."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who said I went any other voyages? I don't brag. I only went that once, and it was enough for me. She's being new rigged--and time, too. That's why I'm to go out in this boat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then you don't know the captain and officers?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know you,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shall we have to do anything to-day?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I d'know. I shan't. Not likely. Don't think much of this ship."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't you think it's a good one?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. See how that rotten old yard came down. She looks to me like a regular tub. Sort of old craft as would melt away like butter if she touched the sands. I say, how should you like to be shipwrecked?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not at all. Were you ever wrecked?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not yet. Dessay I shall be some day. I say, you're in for it. Sure to be pretty rough going down Channel. You'll have the mully-grubs pretty stiff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! I don't know,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't you? Then I do. Oh, Stooard! won't you be bad! Ever seen the sea?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lots of times."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you've never been on it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh yes, I have."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And been sick?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was once when we went across to Havre, but that's years ago, when my father had the Swallow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Had the what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His first little yacht. The one he has now--the Swift--is four times as big."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, then you have been to sea?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dozens of times, I said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's your name?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alison Dale."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How old are you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seventeen, nearly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm seventeen,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what's your name?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nicholas Walters; and as I'm senior, you'll have to bustle about a bit. I won't be too hard on you, but you'll have to look sharp and pick up things. I dare say I can put you up to a good deal of seamanship."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, I don't know what sort of officers we've got here; but you and I can swing together, and I'll help to make it as easy for you as I can. It's rather hard for a boy making his first voyage."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose so, I said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look here; is your father a gentleman?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh yes; he was in the army till he was invalided."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then he's an invalid?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no, not now. He was badly wounded in the Crimea, and had to retire from the service."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then why didn't you go in the army? 'Fraid of getting wounded in the Crimea?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No; I wanted to go to sea?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then why didn't you go in the Royal Navy?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because my father had a better opportunity for getting me in the merchant service."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh!"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I say, he cried,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One can't feel very lively just coming away from home amongst strangers,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bosh! You're talking like a boarding-school girl. What do you think of the skipper?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The captain? I haven't seen him yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, you have. That was he who let go at the men up aloft. He's a rough 'un, and no mistake. Berriman--I don't think much of him nor of the ship; I shall shift into another line after this trip. It isn't good enough for me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder whether I shall talk like that, I thought to myself,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then aloud:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shall we go on deck for a bit, and see if we can do anything?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not likely, was the shortly uttered reply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's the good? Get wet through in this mizzling rain. Let's wait for lunch. There'll be a good one, because of the passengers' friends being on board. Some say they'll go down to Gravesend with us. Here, you're all green yet; you leave everything to me, and I'll tell you what to do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thankye,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Smoke?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Never mind, I'll teach you; and, look here, if it's fine this afternoon, I'll take you round and introduce you to all the officers and people."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I thought you were as strange as I am,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I don't know the people themselves, but I know which will be the mates and doctor and boatswain, and I can show you all about the ship, and take you aloft, can't I?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh yes, of course,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll find I can be a deal of use to you if you stick to me, and I can take your part if any of the other middies try to bounce you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Will there be any other midshipmen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "P'raps. But it's all gammon calling us middies. We are only a kind of apprentices, you know. It isn't like being in a man-o'-war."
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only cold water, lad, said a voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I say, you, been to sea, and not know how to tumble out of your berth without knocking your pumpkin."
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look sharp, said my companion;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, youngsters! saluted us as soon as we stepped on deck, and the bluff, brown-faced captain gave me a searching look."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ready for work?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's right. Well, I don't want you yet. Run about the ship, and keep out of my way. That'll do for the present. Be off!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here, don't you be so fast,"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fast!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, said Walters, shortly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll be getting into trouble. You'd better, now you're so new, let me lead, and I'll tell you all that you want to know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mind your eyes, youngsters, sang out a good-looking, youngish man,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, my lads, right under, and lash it fast."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Second mate,"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quite right, youngster,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hang him and his youngsters, grumbled Walters as we went forward."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He has no business to speak like that before the men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, what does it matter? I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look there, at that thin gentleman and the young lady who came on board yesterday evening. He must be ill. Oh! mind,"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't! he cried angrily, turning upon me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why do you leave your ropes about like that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "John, dear!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you, she said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lena, he cried,"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Give me a hand to the side there. My legs are shaky yet. Then with a smile which made his thin yellow face light up, and gave him something the look of his sister, as he glanced at my uniform--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're not the captain, are you? Ah, that's better, he sighed, as he leaned his arms on the bulwark, and drew a deep breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you. Just wait till we've been a month at sea, and I'll race you all through the rigging."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you got well in no time, didn't you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There, Lena, hear that, he said quickly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I told you so. Then turning to me again--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come and sit near us in the cabin; I shan't be so nasty and snappish when I've had my breakfast."
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I say, I shall never get you round the ship, he said, in an ill-used tone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now look here, he began,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, I know all these, I said, laughing merrily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come, I'll box the compass with you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tuppens as you can't do it right, young gent,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You keep your place, sir, and speak when you're spoken to,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Certeny, sir. Beg pardon, sir, of course. Here, you Neb Dumlow, and you Barney Blane,"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What say, mate?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "These here's our two noo orficers, and you've got to be wery 'spectful when you speaks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look here, young man, said Walters, haughtily,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've been to sea before, and know a thing or two. If you give me any of your cheek I'll report you to the first mate. Come on, Dale."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh my!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing like keeping the sailors in their places, continued Walters,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Morning,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Morning, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our two new middies, eh? Well, shall you want me to-morrow?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Want you, sir! I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you one of the mates?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Every man's mate when he's on his back, was the laughing reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm the doctor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! I cried, catching his meaning,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope not, sir, unless it's very rough, but I think I can stand it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So do a good many folks, he continued."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Morning."
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good--good-morning, doctor,"
}
]
|
21366 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, here's a Tommy soft,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm so glad I met you, as every one is so strange, and I don't like to question the servants--I mean the stewards--because they are all so busy. How long will it be to breakfast?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Quite half-an-hour, said the doctor, smiling, as he looked at his watch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hungry?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh no; I wanted to know if there would be time to see to my little charges first."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your little--Oh yes, I remember the captain told me. You have quite a collection."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, very large, and I am anxious to get them all across safely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wish you success, I'm sure, said the doctor quietly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You naturalists take a great deal of pains over your studies."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, we do our best, said the big man mildly, and it was just as if a girl was speaking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps your two young gentlemen would like to see them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To be sure they would, said the doctor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let me introduce them. Let me see, your name is--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Preddle--Arthur Preddle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To be sure, you told me last night in the cabin. Then here are two of our embryo captains, Mr--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nicholas Walters,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alison Dale."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's right; I like to know the name of my patients present or to be. Let me make you known to Mr Arthur Preddle, FZS."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And FLS,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To be sure, forgive my ignorance, said the doctor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now let's go and see the fish."
}
]
|
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