human
Hello, Joe! called the performer.
gpt
How are you?
human
Why, it's Babson! Joe exclaimed.
gpt
I haven't seen you in some time. What are you doing? Are you with a show?
human
No, I wish I were, came the answer.
gpt
I'm sort of down on my luck. After I left the Sampsons I did well for a while, and then I had an accident to my hand, and I had to quit juggling.
human
How did it happen?
gpt
Oh, I had an accident riding this machine. I wish I'd never bought it. I could use the money now to good advantage.
human
That's too bad,
gpt
I wonder if there's any chance to get on here, went on Babson.
human
I could help in an animal act--I know something about the cats.
gpt
You might try, Joe said.
human
I saw Jim Tracy around a while ago.
gpt
What are you doing? Babson asked.
human
Same trapeze work?
gpt
Oh, no; I've got a new act--Turton's tank. He gave out, you know. Come on in and watch. It makes quite a hit. I've put in a lot of new stuff, and I'm thinking of adding more.
human
I'm going to see about it now, as soon as I finish, Joe said.
gpt
Getting back from Elmwood is all that bothers me, though. The train connections are pretty close. I was just going to see about hiring an auto. Know where I can get one in this town?
human
What do you want with an auto when I have my little jitney? asked Babson, indicating the motor-cycle.
gpt
She's a good machine, but I haven't cleaned her lately. She'll carry double, too. Hop up behind me and I'll have you at Elmwood in no time. I'll bring you back, too, though I won't promise to carry the seal. Time is no object to me--now,
human
Say, I believe I'll take you up, Joe said.
gpt
That is, if you'll allow me to pay you as I would have to pay a chauffeur.
human
Pay nothing! exclaimed the man.
gpt
I guess I can do you that favor. If you feel like spending any money why don't you buy this machine? I'll sell it cheap, and you could have a lot of fun with it. Take your wife out for a run between performances.
human
I haven't one,
gpt
Well, you may have one some day. That's no reason for not buying my motor-cycle. I'll let you have it cheap.
human
I don't know how to run one,
gpt
It won't take you long to learn. Come on, I'll take you over and you can look at the seal, and I'll be giving you instructions on the way.
human
All right, agreed Joe.
gpt
But first come in and watch my act. Then you can see Tracy, too.