human
It's busted, he said,
gpt
I don't think you can go on with that till you've done business with a blacksmith,
human
That's just what I think, too. It's a second-hand wagon and about a fifth-hand horse. He patted the animal's lean flank.
gpt
But I hoped they would both hold together till I was fairly started. You see, I was working in the factory over at Charles City till a cleated belt and I came together in a clinch. After the doctor was through patching me up, he said I would have to stay outdoors. So I bought this outfit and was just starting my new business when the wheel busted.
human
There is a good blacksmith shop back in Harrison City, Bunny suggested.
gpt
You can prop up the wagon and carry the wheel there on horseback.
human
That's all right up to the point where I have to pay for fixing the wheel, and then-- He stopped with a little laugh.
gpt
Flat busted, he confessed.
human
Why, if I didn't figure that my luck was going to change, I should go right up and knock on the front door of the poorhouse. The wheel's busted; I'm busted. What's more, the stuff I have on the wagon won't sell until I get past Harrison City, because they tell me that three peddlers have been along here in the last week.
gpt
Good luck, boys, wherever you're going! The peddler waved his hand in friendly farewell.
human
And if you see a stray wheel rolling down the pike, I wish you would steer it my way.
gpt
Wait a minute!
human
He can't fix that wheel.
gpt
Of course, he can't.
human
He'll have to go to some blacksmith shop.
gpt
He's not any too well, either, and chances are he has a family to support.
human
Well? said Nap. He repeated the word,
gpt
Well?
human
It's no use, sighed Jump.
gpt
I don't want to do it, but there's no way out. I'd feel a lot better, Bi, if you'd take my share of the money and give it to him.
human
Same here,