human
Ain't you goin' to turn in? he finally inquired.
gpt
You ain't et up by nothin', be you?
human
I was thinkin', he said, half to himself,
gpt
How did it go? he asked, encouragingly.
human
Let's all have it!
gpt
he began, moving slowly toward his blanket. Suddenly he paused.
human
I--I don't just seem to remember it all,
gpt
Let her come, he said, his face now hidden in the folds of his covering.
human
Shoot it--let's hear.
gpt
presently continued the other, turning reflective eyes toward the flickering coals.
human
Go on! he yelled.
gpt
Sounds all right. Go ahead! Is that all?
human
I disremember the rest, replied the other.
gpt
Let's see! He was silent.
human
No, he finally blurted out,
gpt
I can't get it. It says something about overloading, and a-hitching where water don't drop on him, and--Oh yes! 'I can't tell you when I'm thirsty,' it goes on, 'so give me cool, clean water often. Never put a frosty bit in my mouth; first warm it by holdin' it a moment in your hands. And, remember, I try to carry you and your burdens without a murmur, and I wait patiently for you long hours of the day and night. Without power to choose my shoes or path, I sometimes stumble and fall, but I stand always in readiness at any moment to lose my life in your service. And this is important, and, finally, O my master! when my useful strength is gone do not turn me out to starve, or sell me to some cruel owner to be slowly tortured and starved to death; but do thou, my master, take my life in the kindest way, and your God will reward you here and hereafter. You will not consider me irreverent, I know, if I ask all this in the name of Him Who was born in a stable.'
human
Go on, he demanded in muffled tones.
gpt
Is that all?
human
No, he replied, quietly,
gpt
Well, go ahead. It's good. That horse must 'a' been a city horse; but go on!
human
Only one more word, anyway,
gpt
What is it?
human
Why --the voice was solemn--
gpt
Aw, shucks!
human
Say, you!
gpt
What?