human
Tobacco is in that jar,
gpt
What would you do about it?
human
What would you most want, if you were those poor men?
gpt
Drink, food, clothes, bed,
human
And work wherewith to get them,
gpt
Not if I know their sort! Work is the one thing they _don't_ want.
human
The lazy part of them, the earthen part of them, the dross of them--yes, perhaps. But let us concede to them a spark that smoulders, way down deep within them--a spark of which they think they are ashamed, which they do not themselves realize the existence of except occasionally. What is the deep need of them? It is to feel that they are still of use, that they amount to something, that they are men. That more than mere food and warmth. Is it not so?
gpt
I believe you're right,
human
Then, said Krafft triumphantly,
gpt
But there's plenty of work to be had, objected Keith, after a moment.
human
In fact, there's more work in this town than there are men to do it.
gpt
True, But it is the hard work these men have failed at. It is too hard. They try; they are discouraged; they fall again, and perhaps they never get up. Such men must be led, must be watched, must be stopped within their strength.
human
Who's there to do that sort of dry nursing of bums?
gpt
He who would help,
human
It is a big idea; it requires thought, said he ruminatively.
gpt
You are a recent arrival, Mr. Krafft? What is your line of activity?
human
I am one of the--what is it you called, them--bums of whom we talk. I try to do what is within my power, within my strength-lest I, too, become discouraged, lest I, too, fall again--and not get up.
gpt
I have not seen you about anywhere,
human
I do not go anywhere; I should be eaten. You do not understand me, and I am a poor host to talk in riddles. I am a philosopher, not a man of action; egotist, not an egoist; one who cannot swim in your strong waters. As I said, one of that same class whom your bounty helped this evening.
gpt
Good Lord, man! cried Keith, looking about the little room.
human
You're not in want?
gpt
In your sense, no. I have my meals. Enough of me. Go, and think of what I say.