human
You're a fool. You had your fling; you're along in your thirties, nearly forty now and it's time to stop.
gpt
Why stop at thirty--or even forty? Why stop at all?
human
Let me tell you something, Tom, returned the Doctor.
gpt
It's all very fine to talk this way; but this thing has become a fixed habit, just like the whiskey habit; and in fifteen or twenty years more you'll be a chronic, physical, degenerate man. You'll lose your self-respect. You'll lose your quick wits, and your whole mind and body will be burning up with a slow fire.
human
Oh, you dear old fossil, replied Van Dorn in a hollow, dead voice, rising and patting his tie and adjusting his coat and collar,
gpt
I'm no fool. I know what I'm doing. I know how far to go, and when to stop. But this game is interesting; and I'm only a man, he straightened up again, patted his mustache, and again tipped his hat into a cockey angle over his forehead, and went on,
human
He smiled, pivoted on his heel nervously and went on,
gpt
And what is more I can take care of myself.
human
Tom, cried the Doctor in his treble, with excitement in his voice,
gpt
So, mocked the sneering voice of the young Judge,
human
I suppose you'll carry the marks of all the men you've bought up in this town for twenty years.
gpt
Yes, Tom, returned the Doctor pitifully, as he rose and stood beside the preening young man,
human
I'll carry 'em to the grave with me, too; I've had a few stripes to-day.
gpt
Well, anyway, retorted Van Dorn, pulling his hat over his eyes, restlessly,
human
Tom, sighed the Doctor,
gpt
You can't afford--well, that sort of thing, the Doctor punched the parcel contemptuously with his cane.
human
It's all bad enough, Tom, but that way lies hell!
gpt
Well then--that's the way I'm going--that way --he nodded toward the package--
human
Up--Daddy--up,