human
Jacob, said old Tom,
gpt
I likes your pride after all, 'cause why, I think you have some right to be proud; and the man who only asks fair play, and no favour always will rise in this world. But look you, Jacob, there's sometimes a current 'gainst a man that no one can make head against; and if so be that should be your case for a time, recollect the old house, the old woman, and old Tom, and there you'll always find a hearty welcome, and a hearty old couple who'll share with you what they have, be it good, bad, or indifferent. Here's luck to you, my boy; and recollect, I means to go to the expense of painting the sides of my craft blue, and then you'll always know her as she creeps up and down the river.
human
And Jacob, said young Tom;--
gpt
I may be a wild one, but I'm a true one; if ever you want me in fair weather and in foul--good or bad--for fun or for mischief--for a help, or for a friend in need, through thick or thin, I'm yours, even to the gallows; and here's my hand upon it.
human
Just like you, Tom, observed his father;
gpt
Well, lad, so you're chained to my wherry for two or three years; and I'm to initiate you into all the rules and regulations of the company. Now, I'll tell you one thing, which is, d'ye see, when the river's covered with ice, as it is just now, haul your wherry up high and dry, and smoke your pipe till the river is clear, as I do now.
human
I might have guessed that, replied I, bawling in his ear,
gpt
Very true; but don't bawl in my ear quite so loud, I hears none the better for it; my ears require coaxing, that's all.
human
Why, I thought you were as deaf as a post.
gpt
Yes, so I be with strangers, 'cause I don't know the pitch of their voice; but with those about me I hear better when they speak quietly-- that's human nature. Come, let's go home, my pipe is finished, and as there's nothing to be done on the river, we may just as well make all tidy there.