human
Boys, you have the advantage of me at present, said he, softly.
gpt
But I can't see how it will pay you to act foolish.
human
What do you mean?
gpt
I mean that it will pay you a good deal better to make terms with me.
human
How so?
gpt
Would you like to be rich?
human
I suppose every American wants to be rich, and I guess we are no exception, are we, Bob?
gpt
I should think we ain't,
human
So I thought, said the old fence,
gpt
How can you do that?
human
There are a number of ways that I might do it. In the first place, I could give both of you all the money you will ever need, and still be rich myself.
gpt
But a man isn't likely to give away so much,
human
You must have a payin' business,
gpt
Of course I must, and that is the point I am coming at. You boys have shown yourselves keen lads, and I always like to help such boys along, for I was poor once myself. Now my proposition is this: I'll give you both a show in the business here with me.
human
No, sir, thank you, we do not care to go into a dishonest business like this,
gpt
Not if you could each make ten thousand a year, clean money?
human
No; not if we could make ten times that,
gpt
You could have a good time on ten thousand a year--boys of your age.
human
Not on stolen money.
gpt
It wouldn't be on stolen money.
human
It looks very much like it, when you buy stolen goods.
gpt
Yes, and fix up a job for bank robbin',
human
Well, suppose it does look so, why couldn't you enjoy the money just as much?
gpt
Because it wouldn't be right for us to have it,
human
Boys, you are not so old as I am. I've seen a good deal of life. Money is money, and it don't matter where it comes from, it will buy just as much.
gpt
It will not always buy one his liberty,