human
Oh! sir, said Jack, stepping forward,
gpt
I wish I could tell you, said the clergyman,
human
Oh, it's not properly a school, but Billy and sometimes one or two others come to our lodgings, and learn to write and read. He has never missed before. That's what makes me fear something is wrong.
gpt
What cheer, blokes? was his greeting.
human
Oh, 'ere, governor, I reckon you're a-goin' to turn me up 'cos I wasn't at the racket school. But my old gal, she's a-missin'. She's always a-skylarkin' somewheres, she is, and I was a-lookin' for her.
gpt
Have you found her?
human
Found 'er! No; but I knows where she is.
gpt
Where?
human
In the station, for smashin' winders. Ain't she a wonner?
gpt
My poor boy!
human
Ga on! I ain't your boy. Don't know yer; I'm this 'ere bloke's chap, and I ain't a-goin' to be larned by no one else.
gpt
When did your mother get into trouble?
human
This very afternoon, bless 'er old 'art. She was on the fly all yesterday, a-goin' on any'ow. So I comes round afore the racket school, to see if she was a-coolin' down, and, there! if she 'adn't hooked it! I 'as a good look up and down the court, but she'd walked. So I cuts to the nighest station, and sees a pal o' mine outside. `It's all right,' says he; `she's in there,' meaning the lock-up. `Wot was she up to?' says I. `Winders agin,' he says. So she's all safe, she is.
gpt
I tell you what it is, Billy, said Smith.
human
I'm afraid you let her spend the money you get for blacking boots on drink. That's what gets her into trouble.
gpt
That ain't no concern of yourn, said Billy. Then, suddenly correcting himself, he added,
human
Leastways it ain't no concern of these here two blokes. Mister, I say, governor, is it too late for to learn me to- night?
gpt
Yes, it's too late to-night; but we'll have the school to-morrow instead. Where will you live while your mother's away?
human
Oh, ain't you funny! said the boy, with a grin.
gpt
As if a chap liked me lived anywheres!
human
Well, said Jack, taking my arm, and not desirous to prolong the discussion,
gpt
No fears,
human
That's a most extraordinary lad,
gpt
There's a lot of good in him,
human
And you are doing your best to bring it out,
gpt
Which way are you going?
human
To Drury Lane,
gpt
Ah, down this street. That's my way too. Will you just come into my house and have a bit of supper?