human
What is the matter with you? the old gentleman asked.
gpt
Such a tribute of admiration would turn the head of almost anyone, but you kick about it.
human
Didn't you work up the demonstration?
gpt
Suppose I did?
human
Well, don't do it again.
gpt
I shan't have to. I've set the ball rolling, and the chances are that something of the sort will happen at every town we visit during the next two weeks.
human
I believe I'll throw up the job,
gpt
Well, I believe you won't, said the manager, very much in earnest.
human
You're just the sort of agent I want. Why, you can't help having adventures and getting into the papers.
gpt
That sort of thing won't last forever.
human
I suppose not; but, when you cease to be a popular hero, I think I can trust to your good judgment and business ability to manage things. Throw up the job! I should say not! I couldn't get along without you. And, besides, if you left me, your sister would go, too.
gpt
That need not necessarily follow.
human
She would go; and I tell you I could not get along without her, either.
gpt
But, of course, he continued, hastily,
human
I never went back on my word yet, interrupted Al,
gpt
Well, you are the queerest press agent I ever struck, said the manager.
human
However, I guess you won't be much bothered--after to-night.
gpt
Eh? cried Al.
human
After to-night? What do you mean by that? What is to be done to-night?
gpt
Oh, nothing in particular. I ought not to have mentioned it.
human
Yes, you ought. Come, out with it!
gpt
Well, I suppose I may as well. The fact is, the citizens of this place have decided to----
human
Not another speech-making affair at the theater?
gpt
Well, blurted out Mr. Wattles,
human
I shan't be here. You know I've got to go ahead to the next town this afternoon.
gpt
Oh, no, you haven't, smiled the old gentleman.
human
The fact is, the sale is so big that I have felt justified in canceling the next two towns, and we are to stay here the remainder of the week. There's no getting out of it, my boy; the thing has got to come off, and this time you will have to make a speech.