human
Work, my boy, and study, work and study.
gpt
And is that all? questioned Jim disappointedly.
human
Sure and that's like my mother tellin' me dustin' and dishwashin' was my two first steps.
gpt
Well, they were your first steps, Jim, because they were the duties that lay nearest you. But it will take more than work and study, after all.
human
I thought it would, sir. This is an awful nice house.
gpt
Would you like to walk upstairs and look about?
human
I would,
gpt
This is the sort of a room for my mother, declared little Jim, after he had carefully examined the large guest chamber.
human
Pat and Mike got her the summer kitchen, but I'll be gettin' her a whole house, so I will. Sleepin' in the kitchen will do for them that likes it. And now what's the rest of it besides work and study?
gpt
Have you ever seen any poor boys smoke cigars, Jim?
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
And cigarettes?
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
And pipes?
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
And drink beer?
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
And whisky?
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
And chew tobacco?
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
Those are the boys who, when they are men, are going to be poor. Mark that, Jim. They are going to be poor.
human
They won't have any house like this?
gpt
Not unless somebody who has worked hard gives it to them, or unless they cheat for it, Jim.
human
Huh! said Jim.
gpt
I'm down on cheatin'. I'll lick any boy that cheats me or tries to, and I don't want nobody to give me nothin'.
human
And if I work and study and let them things alone I can have a house like this some day?
gpt
Yes, Jim, if some misfortune does not befall you, like a long sickness in the family, or an accident to you.
human
I'm goin' to try for it, declared Jim with decision.
gpt
Them that would rather have cigars and such than a nice house like this can have 'em, and it's little sense they've got, too. I'll take the house.
human
You will take it, Jim, I don't doubt, he said.
gpt
Come to me whenever you wish to ask any questions, and I will answer them if I can.
human
I will, sir, replied little Jim.
gpt
And when you want me to I'll wash your dishes. I said once I wouldn't, but now I will.
human
Thank you, Jim,