human
Isaac Benjamin!
gpt
Joe--Joe Matson! he murmured.
human
I--I hope your father will forgive me. I--I----
gpt
There, don't think of that now, said Joe gently.
human
Are you hurt?
gpt
No--nothing of any consequence. I'm not even burned, thanks to you. I climbed up into the tower when I found the place on fire. I--I--Joe, can you ever forgive me for trying to ruin your father?
human
Yes, of course. But don't talk of that now,
gpt
I--I must talk of that now--more--more danger threatens your father, Joe.
human
That's all right, he said soothingly.
gpt
You'll be taken care of. We've sent for a doctor. How did you come to be in the old factory?
human
I--I was sleeping there, Joe.
gpt
Sleeping there?
human
Yes, Joe, I'm down and out. I've lost all my money, my friends have gone back on me--though it's my own fault--I have lost my home--my position--everything. I'm an outcast--a tramp--that's why I was sleeping there. There were some other tramps. They were smoking--I guess that's how the fire started. They got away but I couldn't.
gpt
Wait, Joe, I have something to tell you--something important--a warning to give you. If we--can we talk in private?
human
Yes, later, when you are stronger,
gpt
Then it may be too late, went on Mr. Benjamin.
human
I am strong enough now. It was just a passing faintness. I--I am weak--haven't had much to eat--I'm hungry. But no matter. Here, come over here, I'll tell you.
gpt
I'm down and out, Joe. Money and friends all gone.
human
What about Mr. Holdney?
gpt
He too, has deserted me--turned against me, though I helped him in many schemes. I'm nothing but a tramp now, Joe.
human
But I must tell you, Joe. Your father's patent rights are again in danger. Rufus Holdney is going to try to get some valuable papers and models away from him. That's what he and I quarreled over. I'd do anything to spoil his plans, after he has thrown me off as he has. I left him, and since then I have had only bad luck. I don't know how I came to come here. I didn't know you were here. But warn your father, Joe, to look well after his new patents. Warn him before it is too late.
gpt
I will, promised Joe.
human
I will. Thank you for telling me. Now we must look after you.
gpt
Quick, get a doctor!