human
You've got a sitting-room too, I suppose?
gpt
I find this quite as good a room to sit in as to lie in, said he,
human
Whatever's he to do now when I'm here?
gpt
Oh, he's going to have a shake-down in his own room. You'll like him, Fred; he's a very good-natured, clever man.
human
How old?
gpt
About fifty, I should think. And I fancy he's seen a good deal of trouble in his time, though I don't like to ask him.
human
I say, Jack, I began in an embarrassed manner,
gpt
Shut up, now, said Jack, briskly.
human
The doctor says unless you obey me in everything you're to go straight to the hospital. And one of my rules is, you're to talk about nothing I don't approve of.
gpt
I was only going to say--
human
There you go. I don't approve of what you were going to say. I suppose you'll be interested to hear I reported your case to the firm yesterday, and they were very sorry to hear of it, and told me there were other fellows in the office they could have spared better. There's a compliment!
gpt
Was Hawkesbury at the office?
human
Yes, Hawkesbury was there.
gpt
You know he was with me when the accident happened?
human
Oh, said Jack.
gpt
Hullo! here comes Billy. I hope, you won't be horrified to have him to look after you while I'm at the office. He's the only person I could think of.
human
Billy and I are very good friends,
gpt
Here you are, Billy, said Jack, as the boy entered.
human
You needn't have brought your blacking-box with you, though.
gpt
What, ain't none of the blokes here got no boots, then?
human
The bloke, as you call him, who lies there, said Jack, pointing to me,
gpt
I say, ain't you been and done it? Do you hear? you've broke your arm!
human
Yes, said Jack,
gpt
I'll give the fust bloke that tries it on a topper, so I will,
human
I quite believe you, said Jack, laughing.
gpt
But mind, Billy, you mustn't make a noise or disturb him when he's resting. And if anything special happens and I'm badly wanted, you must run to my office and fetch me. You know where it is?
human
Yaas, I know,
gpt
If Mr Smith comes up, you may let him in and make yourself scarce till he goes away again.
human
What Mr Smith?
gpt
Oh, my fellow-lodger. Isn't it funny his name's Smith? At least, wouldn't it be funny if every other person weren't called Smith?
human
It is rather a large family,