human
Everything as usual, my friend?
gpt
Yes--as usual! The man's voice was bitter.
human
That's just what's wrong! There's never any improvement; it's always--as usual! Say, Reblong; no offense, but I think we are fools to put up with what we are given!
gpt
Personally, I think we are mighty lucky, instead of foolish.
human
Lucky! The other man snorted.
gpt
I wish Ernol could hear you say that! He'd have a fit!
human
By the way, what's become of the chap? I haven't seen him around for weeks?
gpt
Don't know, exactly, with some uneasiness.
human
He went back to Calastia, and that's the last I heard of him.
gpt
Calastia? I saw an item in the paper last night, to the effect that Calastia was under quarantine. All news cut off.
human
Quarantine! Why should that cause the news to be cut off? There's something more than quarantine the matter, Reblong! He began to pace the room excitedly.
gpt
I say it again, we're fools to believe everything the commission tells us. I think they've been hoodwinking us about long enough!
human
I don't care if they do, old man. I'm willing to leave it up to them to run the government.
gpt
And that's exactly what's the matter! cried the other.
human
You and every other chap except those Ernol has taught, thinks that the commission is God-given and can do no wrong!
gpt
Yes? politely.
human
Maybe so; only, you can't blame us for thinking pretty highly of a government that has done this. Reblong checked the items off on his fingers, meanwhile eying his companion steadily:
gpt
It has done away with the liquor traffic; it has fully protected women in industry; it has put an end to child labor; it has abolished poverty; it has abolished war; and --with considerable emphasis for so quiet a man--