human
You're not any too quick about the job; but there ain't a lad around here that could have done it better,
gpt
I don't want anythin' for the shine; I'd like mighty well to give you one every day.
human
Do you go around working for thanks?
gpt
Of course I take my pay from other folks; but I wouldn't let any fireman put up for a shine.
human
Why not?
gpt
Stuck on the business, eh?
human
That's jest the size of it! Seth cried enthusiastically.
gpt
I tend out on most all the fires in Ninety-four's district, an' sometimes I get a chance to sneak inside the lines.
human
You do, eh? Well, I'll have an eye out after this, and if I get my hands on you there won't be any more such sneaking.
gpt
Now, what's the matter with my doin' a little thing like that? It don't hurt anybody, an' I pick up a good many points.
human
Some day a falling wall will knock you down, or you'll find yourself under the wheels of an engine, and then your 'points' won't be of any particular advantage.
gpt
I can take care of myself as well as you, an' if I don't knock 'round when there's a fire, how am I ever goin' to learn the business?
human
You don't want to learn what's a dog's life at the best. Steer clear of it, lad, and put your mind on anything else, for a man don't last long at this kind of work; even if he doesn't get killed offhand, it's only a question of time--and in many cases a precious short time--before a fireman is laid on the shelf, worn out. Now, clear away from here if you won't take pay for the shine, and remember that I'll have my eye out after this to see you don't get inside the lines.
gpt
That's a decent kind of a lad, and if he hangs around here any more there's no reason why we shouldn't throw a job in his way now and then.
human
How does that fit in with the lesson you read to him?
gpt
I didn't try to make it fit. If I can scare him out of the notion he's got in his head, it'll show he ain't suited for this kind of a life; but if he sticks at it, I'll believe it's worth while to give him a lift now and then.