human
Do you mean that you're going to kidnap him, Miss Ann?
gpt
Yes. That is to say, _you_ are--if I can persuade you to do it for me.
human
Sneak him away and send him to Bud Smithers' dog-hospital?
gpt
For treatment. I like Mr. Smithers' methods. I think they would do Ogden all the good in the world.
human
Why, Bud would make him part-human. But, say, isn't it taking big chances? Kidnapping's a penitentiary offence.
gpt
This isn't that sort of kidnapping.
human
Well, it's mighty like it.
gpt
I don't think you need be afraid of the penitentiary. I can't see aunt Nesta prosecuting, when it would mean that she would have to charge us with having sent Ogden to a dogs' hospital. She likes publicity, but it has to be the right kind of publicity. No, we do run a risk, but it isn't that one. You run the risk of losing your job here, and I should certainly be sent to my grandmother for an indefinite sentence. You've never seen my grandmother, have you, Jerry? She's the only person in the world I'm afraid of! She lives miles from anywhere and has family prayers at seven-thirty sharp every morning. Well, I'm ready to risk her, if you're ready to risk your job, in such a good cause. You know you're just as fond of uncle Peter as I am, and Ogden is worrying him into a breakdown. Surely you won't refuse to help me, Jerry?
human
When do we start?
gpt
Thank you, Jerry. You're a jewel. I envy Maggie. Well, I don't think we can do anything till they come back from England, as aunt Nesta is sure to take Ogden with her.
human
Who's going to England?
gpt
Uncle Peter and aunt Nesta were talking just now of sailing to try and persuade a young man named Crocker to come back here.
human
Crocker? Jimmy Crocker? Piccadilly Jim?
gpt
Yes. Why, do you know him?
human
I used to meet him sometimes when he was working on the _Chronicle_ here. Looks as if he was cutting a wide swathe in dear old London. Did you see the paper to-day?
gpt
Yes, that's what made aunt Nesta want to bring him over. Of course, there isn't the remotest chance that she will be able to make him come. Why should he come?
human
Last time I saw Jimmy Crocker, said Jerry,
gpt
He's always drinking, I believe.
human
He took me to supper at some swell joint where they all had the soup-and-fish on but me. I felt like a dirty deuce in a clean deck. He used to be a regular fellow, Jimmy Crocker, but from what you read in the papers it begins to look as if he was hitting it up too swift. It's always the way with those boys when you take them off a steady job and let them run around loose with their jeans full of mazuma.
gpt
That's exactly why I want to do something about Ogden. If he's allowed to go on as he is at present, he will grow up exactly like Jimmy Crocker.
human
Aw, Jimmy Crocker ain't in Ogden's class,
gpt
Yes, he is. There's absolutely no difference between them.
human
Say! You've got it in for Jim, haven't you, Miss Ann? Jerry looked at her wonderingly.
gpt
What's your kick against him?
human
I object to him on principle, she said.
gpt
I don't like his type. . . . Well, I'm glad we've settled this about Ogden, Jerry. I knew I could rely on you. But I won't let you do it for nothing. Uncle Peter shall give you something for it--enough to start that health-farm you talk about so much. Then you can marry Maggie and live happily ever afterwards.
human
Gee! Is the boss in on this, too?
gpt
Not yet. I'm going to tell him now. Hush! There's some one coming.
human
Oh, Ann--good morning, Mitchell--your aunt has decided to go to England. I want you to come, too.
gpt
You want me? To help interview Jimmy Crocker?
human
No, no. Just to come along and be company on the voyage. You'll be such a help with Ogden, Ann. You can keep him in order. How you do it, I don't know. You seem to make another boy of him.
gpt
Would you mind just running away for half a moment, Jerry? she said winningly.
human
I want to say something to uncle Peter.
gpt
Sure. Sure.
human
You'd like somebody to make Ogden a different boy, wouldn't you, uncle Peter?
gpt
I wish it was possible.
human
He's been worrying you a lot lately, hasn't he?
gpt
Yes,
human
Then that's all right, said Ann briskly.
gpt
I was afraid that you might not approve. But, if you do, I'll go right ahead.