human
Pop has been talking some --Strong, from the beginning, had referred to the captain as Pop--
gpt
Then I guess we must have done our work all right, I replied, noncommittal.
human
What do you----
gpt
Ben, he interrupted,
human
I never considered that I was--I have never been blessed or cursed by being married to any one or anything--one has to make a living somehow.
gpt
A fireman can become an engineer and stops there?
human
Yes--usually.
gpt
A seaman can become captain, and then his road gets very narrow and steep toward further advancement?
human
Yes,
gpt
It strikes me a man of your ability is wasting his time at sea--I don't see any future--what about wireless men?
human
They get ninety dollars a month,
gpt
What about telegraphing?
human
Some of our best men started as operators, Edison, for instance. I am inclined to think it's the methodical drill they get that helps.
gpt
Ben, are you going to sign up for the other side?
human
Well, I think the subs are getting quite plentiful--more than they tell us about. Don't you?
gpt
That settles it, said he.
human
I won't, either. We've got a stake now and can afford to look around a little.
gpt
Our stake won't last long unless we get busy,
human
Oh, I'm willing to work, and I don't expect to go up on an escalator or an express elevator--but I do want to know that the stairs lead somewhere worthwhile. Do you get me, Ben? he laughed.
gpt
I'll tell Pop we're not anxious to play hide-and-seek with the subs.