human
Well, this is certainly a remarkable letter, said the reporter, as he handed it back to Dodger.
gpt
I am at a loss to understand the interest which this man appears to feel in you.
human
I look upon him as my enemy, said Dodger.
gpt
But an enemy doesn't spend so much money upon another as he has.
human
Unless he has object in it, amended Leslie, shrewdly.
gpt
Do you know of any connection this man has with you?
human
No; I never heard of him until I entered his house,
gpt
It seems to me that he knows more about you than you do about him. It also seems to me that he is anxious to get you out of New York, the farther the better.
human
But what harm could I do him in New York?
gpt
That is the question which I cannot answer. You say he was instrumental in getting his Cousin Florence out of the house?
human
Yes; he wanted to marry her.
gpt
And she would not consent?
human
No; I think she hates him.
gpt
How old is she?
human
Seventeen.
gpt
And he?
human
He looks about thirty-five.
gpt
The difference in years isn't great enough to constitute an obstacle, provided she loved him. I am thirty years old.
human
I am sure Florence would prefer you to Curtis Waring.
gpt
Don't flatter me. I am vain enough already. The time may come when I may ask your good offices with Miss Linden. What I was about to ask was: Is Miss Linden also entitled to a share in her uncle's estate?
human
She is just as nearly related to him as Mr. Waring.
gpt
Then I can understand his wishing to get rid of her. I don't know why he should want to send you to a distance. I suppose there can't be any relationship?
human
Is it likely that I--a poor street boy--should be related to a rich man like Mr. Linden?
gpt
It doesn't seem likely, I admit, said Leslie, musingly.
human
Well, I suppose, he continued, after a pause,
gpt
I don't know what I can do, said Dodger.
human
I can't sell papers, and I can't smash baggage.
gpt
And there appears to be no need of your doing either, as you are provided with board and lodging till we reach shore.
human
That seems strange to me, for I've always had to hustle for a living.
gpt
I was about to make a proposal to you. But first let me ask you about your education. I suppose you are not an accomplished scholar?
human
I'm about as ignorant as they make 'em, answered Dodger, drolly.
gpt
Tim was afraid to send me to college, for fear I'd get to know too much for my business.
human
Tending bar does not require an acquaintance with Latin and Greek. Would you like to know more?
gpt
I wish I did. Florence was teaching me nights when I was in New York. Now I've got to give up all that.
human
Not necessarily. Listen to me, Arthur. Before I came to New York to go into journalism, I taught school for two years; and I believe I may say that I was tolerably successful. Suppose I take you as a scholar?
gpt
I should like it very much, Mr. Leslie, but I'm afraid I haven't got money enough to pay you.
human
That is true. You will need all the money you have when you land in California. Twenty-five dollars won't go far--still you have all the money that is necessary, for I do not intend to charge you anything.
gpt
You are very kind to me, Mr. Leslie, considerin' you don't know me,
human
On the contrary, I think I know you very well. But about the kindness --my motives are somewhat mixed. I should like to do you a service, but I should also like to find employment for myself that will make the days less monotonous. I have a collection of books in my trunk, enough for our needs, and if you will agree we will commence our studies to-morrow.
gpt
I should like it very much. I'd like to show Florence, when I see her, that I have improved. Till I saw her I didn't care much, but when I talk with her I feel awfully ignorant.
human
In four months a great deal can be accomplished. I don't know how quick you are to learn. After we have had one or two lessons I can judge better.
gpt
You have not exaggerated your ignorance, he said to Dodger.
human
You have a great deal to learn, but on the other hand you are quick, have a retentive memory, and are very anxious to learn. I shall make something of you.
gpt
I learn faster with you than with Florence,
human
Probably she would succeed better with girls, but I hold that a male teacher is better for boys. How long are you willing to study every day?
gpt
As long as you think best.
human
Then we will say from two to three hours. I think you have talent for arithmetic. I don't expect to make you fit for a bookkeeper, but I hope to make you equal to most office boys by the time we reach San Francisco. What do you intend to do in California?
gpt
I don't know. I should like to go back to New York, but I shall not have money enough.
human
No; twenty-five dollars would go but a little way toward the passage. Evidently Mr. Waring did not intend to have you return, or he would have provided you with more.
gpt
That is just why I should like to go back. I am afraid he will do some harm to Florence.
human
And you would like to be on hand to protect her?
gpt
Yes.
human
You seem to take a great deal of interest in Florence, if I may make as free with her name as you do.
gpt
Yes; I do, Mr. Leslie.
human
If you were only a little older I might suspect the nature of that interest.
gpt
I am older than she is.
human
In years, yes. But a young lady of seventeen, brought up as she has been, is older by years than a boy of eighteen. I don't think you need apprehend any harm to Miss Linden, except that Mr. Waring may cheat her out of her rightful share of the inheritance. Is her uncle in good health?
gpt
No, sir; he is a very feeble man.
human
Is he an old man?
gpt
Not so very old. I don't believe he is over sixty.
human
Should you say that he was likely to live very long?
gpt
No, answered Dodger.
human
He looks as if you could knock him over with a feather. Besides, I've heard Florence say that she was afraid her uncle could not live long.
gpt
Probably Curtis Waring is counting upon this. If he can keep Florence and her uncle apart for a few months, Mr. Linden will die, and he will inherit the whole estate. What is this will he speaks of in the letter you showed me?
human
I don't know, sir.
gpt
Whatever the provisions are, it is evident that he thinks it important to get it into his possession. If favorable to him, he will keep it carefully. If unfavorable, I think a man like him would not hesitate to suppress it.
human
No doubt you are right, sir. I don't know much about wills,
gpt
No; I suppose not. You never made any, I suppose,
human
I never had nothing to leave,
gpt
Anything would be a better expression. As your tutor I feel it incumbent upon me to correct your grammar.
human
I wish you would, Mr. Leslie. What do you mean to do when you get to San Francisco?
gpt
I shall seek employment on one of the San Farncisco daily papers. Six months or a year so spent will restore my health, and enable me to live without drawing upon my moderate savings.
human
I expect I shall have to work, too, to get money to take me back to New York.