human
I'm really goin' into the Department after all!
gpt
What's flashed up on you, Seth? Got a big job?
human
Indeed I have! I'm goin' into the Department!
gpt
Wha--wha--what?
human
I'm goin' into the Department. Mr. Davis an' the rest of Ninety-four's men have got me a job up at headquarters where I'll have a chance to learn all the business, an' then when I'm big enough, if my record is all right, I'll slip in for a fireman as easy as winkin'.
gpt
Look here, Seth, what kind of a stiff are you tryin' to give me?
human
It's a straight tip, old man. Mr. Davis jest told me all about it, an' says I mustn't black boots any more except for Ninety-four's men. He didn't even want me to do that; but I hung on till Mr. Dunton backed me up, an' he finally gave in. Say, do you know they've bought a uniform for me jest like they wear, only there's no brass buttons on it.
gpt
Oh, go 'way, Seth. You've slipped your trolley.
human
No, it's all straight goods, Dan. What kept me up there so long this mornin' was talkin' 'bout it. I'm to go to-night and get the clothes. The only thing that worries me is I can't pay for them myself.
gpt
Anybody'd think to hear you talk that was hard luck. Look here, Seth, if what you've been givin' me is straight, you've struck a terrible snap, an' a feller who'd kick 'cause somebody gives him a suit of clothes, ought'er go bare-backed.
human
It would look a good deal better, Dan, if I had the money to buy the things, rather than let them give 'em to me.
gpt
I ain't so certain 'bout that. The biggest part of it is gettin' 'em, an' if they're willin' to put up I'd say let 'em buy anythin' they wanted. Look here, I can't quite get it through my head that things is the way you tell, 'cause it don't seem likely a boy could get in at headquarters.
human
You'll be out er sight, Seth; that's all there is to it! Then, realizing how his brother news-venders might be surprised, he added,
gpt
Come on quick, an' let's tell as many fellers as we can before we go to see Bill Dean ship Sam Barney to Philadelphy!