human
I'm not going to give you anything for coming with me.
gpt
Don't expect it,
human
What are you coming for then?
gpt
Well, now that you put it to me, I don't exactly know. I suppose I owe it to myself not to let an old man fall down in the street.
human
You're a good boy!
gpt
Much obliged,
human
Just the same, you needn't think you're going to get anything out of me,
gpt
I don't.
human
What are you doing out on the street in the middle of the morning?
gpt
I might ask the same of you,
human
I'm retired. I've a right to take my ease. But all young fellows ought to be at work. Haven't you got any work to do?
gpt
I'm an artist.
human
Pooh! Waste of time!
gpt
Why aren't you working at it now?
human
It wouldn't come to-day,
gpt
Stuff and nonsense! You'll never get on that way! Look at me!
human
I wouldn't be like you for all your millions!
gpt
Keep everlastingly at it! That's my motto. That's what's brought me to where I am to-day. I've retired now--though I still have my irons in the fire--but when I was your age I worked early and late. I didn't waste _my_ time fooling round like young men do. No, sir! My only thought was how to turn everything to advantage. I denied myself everything; lived on two bits a day, I did, and put my savings to work. The cents and the dollars are good and willing little servants if you make them work for you. I watched 'em grow and grow. That was my young man's fun.
human
You are an object-lesson all right, old man, but not just the way you think.
gpt
You're a strong boy, he said, with a glance at Evan's stout frame. He felt of his biceps through the thin coat.
human
Hm! he said scornfully.
gpt
I suppose you're proud of your strength. I suppose you spend the best part of your days exercising. Waste of time! Waste of time! A strong man never comes to anything. They're simple, mostly. It's the head that counts! How many of those ruffians did you knock down?
human
Not any, said Evan carelessly.
gpt
They ducked.
human
Well, you're a good boy. You stick to me, and I'll show you something better than messing in colours. I'll show you how to make money!