human
How are you feeling, kid?
gpt
All right.
human
Little fidgety about to-morrow's work?
gpt
I'm hopin' I won't make a fool of myself, of course.
human
You needn't worry. Josh Fernald says you'll make as good a showing as any one there, and he knows. The only chance of your failing will come from borrowing too much trouble. Remember what you said to yourself the night the baby was saved: 'A clear head is the next best thing to a ladder,' and there mustn't be any cobwebs in yours. Don't pay attention to the crowd, but keep in mind that you're only going through the drill, so's the commissioners can see whether you're ripe for an appointment.
gpt
What are you counting on wearing?
human
What I've got on, of course, seem' 's it's all the decent clothes I own, an' they belong to you of Ninety-four. I'm countin' on cleanin' 'em up in great shape, an' folks can't see where they've been mended. Miss Hanson fixed the coat so you wouldn't know the sleeve ever had a hole in it.
gpt
I'm allowing the others will shine terrible bright.
human
They've all got new uniforms, an' are bound to look mighty fine.
gpt
You don't seem to be sulking on account of having to wear old togs,
human
What would be the use? I can't have 'em, an' I'll go through my part of the drill jest the same as if I was covered with brass buttons.
gpt
It's coming kind of tough on Ninety-four, eh, Jerry? the driver asked.
human
All hands of us swelling, and our kid rushing around at the head with patched trousers? The boys in the Department will think we haven't earned much money this year.
gpt
I don't think you ought'er feel bad 'bout it if I don't, Seth said, trying hard to appear unconcerned.
human
People will know you have something else to do with your money than buy swell clothes for me.
gpt
I ain't so certain about that, my boy. At all events we don't count on taking any chances, 'Lish said with a laugh.
human
This ain't the first time we've talked about a new uniform, and somehow or other the tailor happened around this afternoon with one that looks as if it might fit you. Bring it down, Jerry.