human
I am Dr. Jacob Jones, he said, blinking at Keith.
gpt
You have heard of me?
human
I am afraid I have not,
gpt
I have held the City Hospital contract for three years, he explained,
human
I think if you'd put in a claim through the usual channels you'd receive your dues,
gpt
I've done that, and they've given me these,
human
This is 'scrip,' he said.
gpt
It's perfectly good. When the city is without current funds it issues this scrip, bearing interest at 3 per cent. a month. It's all right.
human
Yes, I know, said the little man ineffectually,
gpt
What do you want done about it?
human
I want you to collect the money for me.
gpt
Just wait a minute, please, he begged, and darted across the hall to a friend's office, returning after a moment with a file of legislative reports.
human
I thought I'd heard something about it; here it is. The State Legislature has voted an issue of 10 per cent. bonds to take up the scrip.
gpt
I don't understand,
human
Why, you take your scrip to the proper official and exchange it for an equal value of State bonds.
gpt
But what good does that do me? cried Jones excitedly.
human
It doesn't get me my money. They don't guarantee I can sell the bonds at par, do they? And answer me this: isn't it just a scheme to cheat me of my interest? As I understand it, instead of 3 per cent. a month I'm to get 10 per cent. a year?
gpt
That's the effect,
human
Well, I don't want bonds, I want money, as is my due.
gpt
Wait a minute, said Keith. He read the report again slowly.
human
This says that holders of scrip _may_ exchange, for bonds; it does not say they _must_ exchange, he said finally.
gpt
If that interpretation is made of the law, suit and judgment would lie against the city. Do you want to try that?
human
Of course I want to try it!
gpt
Well, bring me your contract and vouchers, and any other papers to do with the case, and I'll see what can be done.
human
I have them right here,