human
Well, youngster, said the senior, when he and Dick were left alone,
gpt
I'm glad you had the sense to turn up at the levee.
human
I'm sorry I did,
gpt
Yes? Is the Den going to lick you for it?
human
I'd like to see them try,
gpt
So would I,
human
Mansfield will be trying to make out I've promised to back him up,
gpt
By Jove! he _will_ be cut up when he finds you aren't. He'll resign.
human
I didn't mean that,
gpt
No very dreadful thing if you did back him up, eh? said the monitor, casually.
human
It might disgust some of your friends in the Den, but you aren't obliged to toady to them.
gpt
Rather not,
human
Besides, a fellow may sometimes do what's right and not be an utter cad. Perhaps you don't think so, though. You'd cut a nobler figure, wouldn't you, dragging down your chums from one row to another, than by anything so paltry as doing right because it is right? I quite understand that feeling.
gpt
Why do you talk to me like that? said Dick, feeling a sting in every word of the senior's speech.
human
You think I went to the levee to please myself. I didn't.
gpt
And is that why you are sorry you went? Don't make yourself out worse than you are, Dick. You've done a plucky thing for once in a way, and got yourself into a row with the Den, and I really don't see that you have very much to reproach yourself with.
human
I don't care a farthing for the Den,
gpt
But you do for yourself. If I were you, I wouldn't let myself be floored by one reverse. Stick to your man, and you'll get him out of the hands of the Philistines after all.