human
Do you know, he said,
gpt
I once had a run in with ----?
human
How did you come out with him?
gpt
Oh, I was gentle with him--very gentle. He winked and I understood what he meant and let up on him and permitted him to punch me. Yes, it was business with him, you know, and I could have knocked him out before all his pupils, so I just let him punch me.
human
He is a pretty hard hitter they say.
gpt
Oh, no, I didn't mind his blows. He is very active--yes, very active.
human
Did he bleed you?
gpt
Oh, yes, I let him bleed me a little. I was gentle, you know, and I took a black eye which I carried for a week, and he afterward apologized. Yes, he was very grateful because I was so gentle and let him punch me. I spared him, but when I looked in the glass I told him that next time I'd have to rap back a little.
human
I reckon he will not tackle you again?
gpt
No, I guess not--hee, hee, hee! I tell you when I threaten a man he looks out--yes, he does--hee, hee, hee!
human
I reckon you are a lucky gambler.
gpt
You bet I am.
human
Yes, you educated fellows are always quick in making combinations. I like to play with a good player and learn his 'points.' I am always ready to lose to learn. What do you say for a little game with a light ante?
gpt
Well, now see here, I don't want to rob you gentlemen--you've been so kind to me.
human
Oh, we don't mind losing a few dollars. You see, we are contractors. We do big jobs for the city; we've plenty of money, only we ain't educated, see, that's all. We've worked our way in the world. We are self-made men.
gpt
Well, do you know, I've got the highest regard for self-made men. My daddy was a self-made man. He was a government contractor, and when he died he left my mamma a million, and it will all come to me some day. Yes, I am the lucky only child, I am; but I don't want to rob you gentlemen.
human
Oh, we've all plenty of money to lose, and it's an honor to play with a real gentleman. We don't always have that privilege, and it's real condescending in you.
gpt
Oh, yes, I am very condescending--yes, yes--hee, hee, hee! But really I'd only rob you gentlemen. I call you gentlemen because you are gentlemen. I always judge of a man as I find him, as Bobby Burns bid us do, see--hee, hee, hee!
human
Let's go upstairs and have a quiet game, said the man;
gpt
Say, gentlemen, I am not aristocratic; I don't put on airs; I'd just as soon play down here.
human
No, it is much nicer upstairs. We can have a quiet game and take our refreshments,
gpt
Are you putting up the best every time, Sandy?
human
Sure, I do; I knows me business, I do; I knows when a gentleman stands in front of the bar.
gpt
We say false logic, for dead men, though their lips are silent, as a rule--ay, almost always--leave silent testimonies behind that speak for them, and crime is always revealed. The silence of the murdered is a dangerous release, for murder