human
It's so perfect, Carter, to have it come in Jimsy's last year,--to win the State Championship for L. A. just before he leaves.
gpt
Sure of winning?
human
It will be pretty stiff going. They're awfully good, Greenmount. Not as good as we are, on the whole, but they've got a punter--Gridley--who's a perfect _wizard_! If they can get within a mile of our goal, he can put it over! But--we've got to win. We've simply got to--and 'You can't beat L. A. High!'
gpt
Skipper had still to be on deck. He was discovered, that last year, to have an unsuspected talent, Jimsy King. He could act. His class-play was an ambitious one, a late New York success, a play of sport and youngness, and Jimsy played the lead.
human
No, the pretty Spanish teacher said,
gpt
Say, Skipper, what do you think they gave me on that essay? A _B_. A measly _B_. Made me so sore I darn near told 'em who wrote it!
human
Jimsy! You wrote it yourself, really. I just smoothed it up a little.
gpt
Yep, just a little! Well, either they're wise, or they just figured it couldn't be a top-notcher if I'd written it! He cast himself on the couch.
human
Gee, Skipper, I can't work to-night! I'm a dying man! That dinner Carter bought me last night----
gpt
Jimsy! You didn't--break training?
human
No. But I skated pretty close to the edge. You know, it's funny, but when I'm out with Carter I feel like such a boob, not daring to eat this or that, or smoke or--or anything. Heresy this, from the three years' captain of L. A. High who had never considered any sacrifice worth a murmur which kept him fit for the real business of life.
gpt
Somehow, he's so keen, he makes me wish I had more in my head and--and less in my heels! You know what I mean, Skipper. He does make me look like a simp, doesn't he?
human
No, said Honor, definitely.
gpt
Why, Jimsy, you're a million times bigger person than Carter. Everybody knows that. _Knowing_ things isn't everything--knowing what to wear and how to order meals at the Alexandria and reading all the new books and having been to Europe. Those things just fill in for him; they make up--a little--for the things you've had.
human
Do you mean that, Skipper? Is that straight?
gpt
Of course, Jimsy--cross my heart!