human
There's nobody in this town ever got ahead of him yet on a deal, said one.
gpt
He's so awful honest.
human
Bein' square himself, he won't take nothin' but squareness from nobody, and while he's lookin' out for his own chances he looks out for the other fellow's, too. Times and times he's handed back nickels and dimes when change wasn't made straight,
gpt
There's two or three store men in town got their eye on him. They don't like to say nothin', seem' he's cookin' at General Brady's, but if he ever leaves there, he'll have pick and choice. Yes, sir, pick and choice,
human
I might as well speak, Mr. Farnham had thought.
gpt
If I don't get him, somebody else will.
human
General, began Mr. Farnham, after the two had exchanged greetings,
gpt
I dislike to interfere with your family arrangements, but I should like to have Pat in the store this fall. I'll give him fifteen dollars a month.
human
Fifteen dollars is cheap for Pat, Mr. Farnham. He's no ordinary boy.
gpt
But that's the regular price paid here for beginners, responded Mr. Farnham.
human
And he'll have a great deal to learn.
gpt
Have you spoken to him yet?
human
No, I thought I would speak to you first.
gpt
Well, Mr. Farnham, Mrs. Brady and I some time ago decided that, much as we should like to keep Pat with us, we would not stand in his way when his chance came, I think this is his chance. And I don't doubt he'll come to you.
human
There is another matter I wish to mention. Mrs. O'Callaghan has set her heart on having Pat graduate from the public school. He could do so easily in another year, but with his strong mercantile bent, and taking into consideration the struggle his mother is obliged to make to keep him there, I don't think it best. For, while Pat supports himself, he can do nothing to help at home. I ask you to give him one evening out a week, Mr. Farnham, and I will direct his reading on that evening. If I can bring him up and keep him abreast of the times, and prevent him from getting into mischief, he'll do.
gpt
I shouldn't think he could accomplish much with one evening a week, General,
human
Oh, yes, he can, insisted the General.
gpt
The most of his reading he will do at odd minutes, and that evening will be chiefly a resume and discussion of what he has gone over during the week.
human
You must take a strong interest in the boy, General.
gpt
I do. I don't mind telling you privately, Mr. Farnham, that I mean to push him. Not by charity, which, to the best of my belief, not an O'Callaghan would take, but by giving him every opportunity in my power to advance for himself.
human
In other words, you mean to protect the boy's interests, General?
gpt
I do. As I said before, fifteen dollars a month is cheap for Pat. I suppose he is to have, in addition, his one evening a week?
human
Yes,
gpt
Thank you,
human
Pat, you are to leave us, it seems.
gpt
Yes, Pat. You are going into Mr. Farnham's store this fall at fifteen dollars a month.