human
I managed to save enough out of the wreck--it was my first experience of business and I don't like it--to keep the girls from actual want, but there wasn't a penny left for me. Of course I was well known in certain circles and there were plenty of men who would have given me a job out of charity; but I wasn't going to be a poor relation in the crowd where I had once kept my end up with the best. I was pried loose from my old foundations and I wanted an entirely fresh start. So I decided to try my luck in London. No small town stuff for me. It seemed like a good idea when it came to me but now--I don't know----
gpt
What's the matter? Leaving somebody behind you?
human
No, said Greg smiling;
gpt
Every dog loves its own lamp-posts, said Hickey.
human
It'll do you good to see the world. Wish to God I had the chance! And you'll make good. Even though you've lost your coin you've got the habit of class. Nobody can't take that from you. And people just naturally give up to a classy guy.
gpt
I don't quite get you,
human
You've got style, said the taxi-driver.
gpt
Anybody could see you were accustomed to traveling with top-notchers.
human
Nothing in it, said Greg.
gpt
My 'style' as you call it only gets in my way now that I've nothing to keep it up on. I'd do better if I could begin life over on a section gang.
human
Don't you fool yourself, retorted the taxi-driver.
gpt
That's the way a swell always talks. 'Gee!' says he, 'if I was on'y a horny handed ton of soil I could make something of myself!' It reads well in a book. But take it from me, kid, the ditch-digger is the scratch man in the race of life; he's got twict as far to run. Why any ordinary fella born in a soft bed can keep it, but it takes one o' these here now Napoleons to win one. Look at me now. I may as well say I ain't no Napoleon and here I am. I was born to sweat, and I'm still sweating. Of course I got my vices. I shoot craps; that helps keep me poor. But it's the habit of being poor that's so hard to break. If I could only once get ahead far enough to buy me a real swell outfit nothing could stop me.
human
You're dead wrong, said Greg.
gpt
There's not so much in appearances as people like to think. Why, the richest man I know goes around looking like a rag-picker. And there's many a fancy vest covers an empty stomach. A workman with a good trade is a king alongside one of those poor devils that clings to the edge of what is called Society.
human
Well, I'd like to try a little clinging.
gpt
There's nothing like honest work.
human
For others. Anybody can have my share. I wisht I had your chances, that's all.
gpt
I'd give my 'chances' as you call them quick enough for a trade.
human
Do you mean that?
gpt
Sure I mean it.