human
Don't cry, mother; don't feel so bad for me. You have Bob and Herbert left. They will look out for you when I am gone,
gpt
Yes, answered Bob, pressing the sufferer's hand warmly.
human
We will do everything you could wish us to for your mother--you would have done it for either of us, Tom.
gpt
I knew it before, mother, he said, nerving himself for the effort,
human
And you may rely upon me also, Tom, to join Bob in doing for your mother whatever would please you most,
gpt
Yes, I am sure of that, Herbert. You and Bob are just alike, and can do more than I could if I had lived. I am so glad I knew you, Herbert, continued the dying boy, his face flushing with momentary animation as he recalled the past.
human
What good times we have had, you and me and Bob! I thought they would last always, but--but--well I wish I might have lived to go into business with you. I would have tried my best to please you, and----
gpt
What is it?
human
I was going to ask you if the business, your new business, wouldn't get big enough to take Bob in with you--to make him a partner, so he can make a lot of money, too. I was almost afraid to ask you, but----
gpt
That is already fixed, said Bob hoarsely, almost overcome by the solicitude of his dying friend.
human
Herbert gave me an interest in the business today, and I shall commence working with him as soon as I am needed.
gpt
I am so glad, so glad, responded the sufferer faintly, and with a smile that told plainly the joy this knowledge gave him.
human
It's all right now, he continued slowly, and with greater effort, for the little strength he had left was fast leaving him.
gpt
You will be taken care of, mother, and Bob will be taken care of by Herbert, he went on, sinking into a half unconscious state.
human
I know they will do well and will make rich men and have everything in the world that they want. I wish I could see them then with a big banking house and clerks and private offices and errand boys and electric bells and fine carriages and horses and a brown stone house in the avenue, may be.
gpt
There is one thing more, mother--my knife, my little brass knife.