human
You just watch me and see, said Plonny, with humorous reproachfulness.
gpt
No charge f'r lookin', and rain checks given in case of wet grounds.
human
Then for once in your life, anyhow, you've called the turn wrong, Plonny. This institution is absolutely necessary for the moral and social upbuilding of the State. It would be necessary if it cost five times one hundred thousand dollars, and it's as sure to come as judgment day.
gpt
Ain't it funny! mused Plonny.
human
Take a man like you, with fine high ideas and all, and let anything come up and pass itself off f'r a maw'l question and he'll go off half-cocked ten times out of ten.
gpt
Half-cocked! laughed West.
human
We've been studying this question three years.
gpt
Yes, and began your studies with your minds all made up.
human
You know what it is, Mr. West? You've been took in, you've bit on a con game like a hungry pike. Excuse my speaking so plain, but I told you a long time ago I was mightily interested in you.
gpt
Speak as plain as you like, Plonny. In fact, my only request at the moment is that you will speak plainer still. Who is it that has taken me in, and who is working this little con game you mention?
human
Rev. George Dayne of the Charities, said Plonny at once.
gpt
You mentioned wire-pulling just now. Lemme tell you that in the Rev. George you got the champeen wire-puller of the lot, the king politician of them all--the only one in this town, I do believe, could have thrown a bag as neat over _your_ head, Mr. West.
human
Why, Plonny! Much learning has made you mad! I know Dayne like a book, and he's as straightforward a fellow as ever lived.