human
I hear, said West,
gpt
Queed? An extraordinary thing, said the Colonel, relighting his cigar.
human
I was on the point of discharging him, you remember, with the hearty approval of the directors. His stuff was dismal, abysmal, and hopeless. One day he turned around and began handing in stuff of a totally different kind. First-rate, some of it. I thought at first that he must be hiring somebody to do it for him. Did you see the paper while you were away?
gpt
Very irregularly, I'm sorry to say.
human
Quite on his own hook, the boy turned up one day with an article on the Centre Street 'mashers' that was a screamer. You know what that situation was--
gpt
Yes, yes.
human
I had for some time had it in mind to tackle it myself. The fact was that we were developing a class of boy Don Juans that were a black disgrace to the city. It was a rather unpleasant subject, but this young man handled it with much tact, as well as with surprising vigor and ability. His improvement seemed to date from right there. I encouraged him to follow up his first effort, and he wrote a strong series which attracted attention all through the State, and has already brought about decided improvement.
gpt
Splendid! You know, said West,
human
Then you are a far keener observer than I. However, the nature of the man seems to be undergoing some subtle change, a curious kind of expansion--I don't remember anything like it in my experience. A more indefatigable worker I never saw, and if he goes on this way.... Well, God moves in a mysterious way. It's a delight to see you again, Gardiner. Take supper with me at the club, won't you? I feel lonely and grown old, as the poet says.
gpt
Finis
human
Mr. Queed.
gpt
Yes.
human
Young man, you have picked up a complexion like a professional beauty's. What is your secret?
gpt
I daresay it is exercise. I have just walked out to Kern's Castle and back.
human
H'm. Five miles if it's a step.
gpt
And a half. I do it--twice a week--in an hour and seven minutes.
human
Well, whom or what do you wish to crucify to-morrow?
gpt
I am at your orders there.
human
Have you examined Deputy Clerk Folsom's reply to Councilman Hannigan's charge? What do you think of it?
gpt
I think it puts Hannigan in a very awkward position.
human
I agree with you. Suppose you seek to show that to the city in half a column.
gpt
I may, perhaps, remind you, Colonel, of the meeting in New York to-morrow to prepare for the celebration of the Darwin centennial. If you desired I should be glad to prepare, apropos of this, a brief monograph telling in a light, popular way what Darwin did for the world.
human
And what did Darwin do for the world?
gpt
Which topic do you prefer to handle--Folsom on Hannigan, or what Darwin did for the world?
human
I think, said Queed,
gpt
Ten people will read Hannigan to one who reads Darwin.
human
Don't you think that it is the _Post's_ business to reduce that proportion?
gpt
Take them both, said the Colonel presently.
human
But always remember this: the great People are more interested in a cat-fight at the corner of Seventh and Centre Streets than they are in the greatest exploit of the greatest scientific theorist that ever lived.
gpt
I will remember what you say, Colonel.
human
I want you, resumed Colonel Cowles,