human
Let me see, he said.
gpt
Where was that verse that I learned for the Sunday school concert? I liked the sound of that; it was somewhere in this book full of short, queer verses. I can find it; yes, I see it. 'For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.'
human
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
gpt
That means them, said Tip,
human
Here, Mr. Dewey, he said promptly,
gpt
I've brought back your tickets; I don't want 'em this time.
human
What's up now? asked Mr. Dewey, coming out from behind his desk, and eyeing the panting boy curiously.
gpt
Won't the tickets pass?
human
Not if they wait till I pass 'em, answered Tip in his prompt, saucy way.
gpt
I ain't going to the circus, not an _inch_,
human
But why not?
gpt
Oh, I've got reasons.
human
Well, now, Tip, said Mr. Dewey,
gpt
I've made up my mind that I won't go to any more circuses, _ever_! I don't believe in 'em as much as I did.
human
But, Tip, give us the _reasons_; this is such a sudden change, you know.
gpt
Well, said Tip,
human
I've been reading about them just now.
gpt
About whom?
human
Why, them circus fellows. They're up here at the tavern; they're drinking and fighting, and I don't know what; and I guess, by the looks of things, they're pretty wicked. The book I was reading said, Don't go near wicked men, turn around and go the other way; and I _mean_ to.
gpt
The world turns around, sure enough,
human
How do you know that? and Mr. Minturn set his market basket on the step, and fanned himself with his hat.
gpt
I'm my own boy to-day, you see; give me something for my dinner. How did you find out that the world turned around?
human
Why, Tip Lewis has taken to preaching against circuses. Will you have a roast to-day, Mr. Minturn? I gave him a ticket, and he just rushed in with it and informed us he wasn't going to circuses any more, because the Bible says they are wicked fellows. What do you think of that?
gpt
Humph! said Mr. Minturn.
human
The Bible says it would be better for a man, sometimes, if a millstone were about his neck, and he were in the bottom of the sea. I'd look out for that, if I were you. Hurry up with your meat; I ought to be at the store.
gpt
Oh, Tip, she said,
human
Kitty, I can't; I can't go. I could get tickets if I dared, but I don't mean to go any more. They're bad, wicked men, and I'm trying to be
gpt
Do go off! she said.
human
You're a mean, ugly, hateful boy! I'm sorry you got so awful good, if you can't do that little much for me. Go away and let me alone.