human
What puts you in the dumps so, Perk? Jack was asking, after noticing for the tenth time what a frown had settled on his chum's usually smiling phiz.
gpt
Dinner knocking harder than customary; or did you get a letter from your best girl, breaking off the engagement? Strikes me you're fast becoming a chronic cr瘼e-hanger these days.
human
That's all hot air--boloney I'd call it, as yeou know right well, Jack! Perk flung back.
gpt
Chow was all to the good--ain't got nary a best gal, an' never did have, neither--they're all rank pizen to me. Guess again, Mister.
human
Then what _does_ ail you, boy--something gone wrong with your plans--can I do anything to ease the strain? I'd go a long way to get you out of that black look, partner; you're worrying me a heap I allow.
gpt
Yeou _would_ do jest that, ole pal, wouldn't yeou? I know I'm a tarnel fool to get stewed like this, he burst out;
human
Well, remarked Jack, looking much relieved it could be seen.
gpt
I more than half suspected this, Perk; but cheer up--the longest lane must have its turning. Meanwhile we're getting our regular pay from our Uncle Samuel, remember!
human
But not earnin' a red cent, jest the same, which is what upsets me most, continued the complaining one.
gpt
Makes me feel like I'm sorter pensioned off, an' ain't worth the snap o' my fingers to the Service. Huh!
human
Nonsense, boy, that's a silly way of looking at things. We're just resting up after that difficult job we pulled off, with the help of the Mounted Police, far away up in Northwest Canada.[1] That successful flight, and arrest, earned us a vacation, our superiors believe; which I for one have enjoyed immensely. Now I'm feeling fine, and fit for the next commission the Big Boss decides to hand out to us.
gpt
Hot-diggetty-dig! then I sure hopes it drifts this way right quick, Perk eagerly observed.
human
I kinder guess them racketeers an' their crowd o' bootleggers must a got things mighty near sewed up, when the Department lets us loaf away our time out here on the Gold Coast. If it keeps on we'll be apt to forget heow to handle a ship, an' get air shy--neow _wouldn't_ that same be a tough joke on us poor guys?
gpt
Little danger of such a thing coming to pass, Perk--it's a whole bit like swimming--once you learn how to keep afloat it's good for a life-time.
human
Mebbe so, Jack--I got a hunch it's the same way with ridin' a bike used to be--first few days yeou felt stiff in all yeour joints, ev'rything out o' kelter; but when a chump got used to guidin' the skittish wheel along it came as easy as fallin' off a log. Honest Injun, neow, Jack, ain't yeou any idea when we're apt to grab an order to get goin' again?
gpt
Any old day I'm looking for the same, Perk.
human
Gosh! that don't strike me as givin' much encouragement, partner,
gpt
I wrote in ten days ago, Jack went on to say, quietly,
human
Bully for yeou! snapped Perk, brightening up visibly, as though, like a war horse at the scent of burnt powder making his nostrils quiver with anticipation.
gpt
I'm right neow yearnin' to set eyes on a different landscape than sleepy ol' San Diego, an' slow towns borderin' on the same.