human
What's this! he cried.
gpt
Do you know about it? Half a million for charity! Who got up this lie!
human
One of the papers mentioned the exact sum as four hundred thousand,
gpt
It's a hoax.
human
And they said U.S. government bonds, so I supposed the blackmailers must have turned over what they got from you.
gpt
Why should they go to all that trouble just to give it to charity?
human
Well, I thought maybe they were not common crooks, but socialists or anarchists or something like that, who believed in dividing things up, you know.
gpt
The scoundrels! cried the old man.
human
I'll put a stop to their game. I'll see Verplanck and get the bonds back.
gpt
You can't see him to-day, said Evan carelessly.
human
It's after five. He lives in the country.
gpt
I'll see him in the morning, then.
human
You'll have a chance to talk it over with your son in the meantime.
gpt
What's George got to do with it? The money's mine!
human
Of course,
gpt
Too bad to spoil this elegant publicity, though.
human
What do you mean?
gpt
It's in all the papers. Every man in the country will read it before to-morrow morning. It will make over your reputation in a night.
human
What do I care about my reputation?
gpt
If you call the scheme off, think how they'll get after you! Not only an obscure sheet like the _Clarion_, but the entire press of the country. Like a pack of hounds. They'll never let the story drop.
human
You'd hardly care to venture out in the street after that. You'd be hooted; stoned, perhaps. It's bad enough already. The reason you hired me was to prevent unpleasant experiences. But if every paper in town got after you--well, you couldn't go out except in a closed car.
gpt
It's a swindle, of course, to try to make you out a philanthropist in spite of yourself. They must have a funny sense of humour. But I couldn't help but be struck by the opportunities for the right kind of publicity. You could turn it so easily to your own advantage.
human
How do you mean?
gpt
Take this philanthropic trust, or whatever they call it; excursions for poor children! Good Lord! Every sob sister on the press would be good for a column once a week. It's up to you to see that the publicity is properly organised. Every time they give an excursion have the stuff sent out. It's cheap at the price, if you ask me. You couldn't buy it at any price. You'll be received with cheers on the street then. No need to hire a body-guard. And you still do more or less business. Think how it would help you in your business!
human
Well, I'll think it over, he said.
gpt
It's too much money. I'll offer to compromise with Verplanck on half.
human
Talk it over with Mr. George,
gpt
Oh, George is a fool!