human
It's a starter any way,
gpt
I've been thinking over what Herbert said, and I guess between you'n me, Tom, he is 'bout right.
human
That's what I think too, Bob,
gpt
I think we was in big luck, Tom, when we run on to Herbert Randolph.
human
I think so, too, Bob; but why do you think so?
gpt
Why do I think so! Well, ef that ain't a queer question, Tom Flannery. Would you a' had that bank book now, with your name, Thomas Flannery, in plain writin' writ across it, I'd like to know, ef it hadn't been for Vermont?
human
No, I wouldn't. That's so, Bob, I wouldn't, fer to be honest with you, Bob, I think I'd put it on racin'.
gpt
So you would, Tom, ef you'd had it, but you wouldn't er had it.
human
Well, I never thought of that, Bob, but it's so, ain't it?
gpt
I should say it is, and I wouldn't er had my bank book or these new clothes either.
human
And the big supper, Bob?
gpt
That's so, Tom, and the big supper too. I tell you, Tom Flannery, 'twas great luck when we struck Vermont.
human
That's so, Bob, so it was. But say, Bob, don't you think 'twas kinder lucky for Herbert when he fell in with you?
gpt
I don't know 'bout that, Tom. How do you figure it?
human
Why, I figures it in this way, Bob; ef it hadn't been fer you he would be down in that old Gunwagner's cellar now.
gpt
Well, that's so, Tom, but he has more than paid me up, though.
human
How did he do it, Bob?
gpt
Ain't he helping me right along, I'd like to know?
human
I hain't heard much about it, Bob. What has he done for you?
gpt
Yes, you have heard about it, too, Tom Flannery. Didn't I tell you how he teaches me every night?
human
Oh, yes, you told me about that, Bob, but that ain't much--'tain't like doin' the detective business, is it?
gpt
Well, no, of course it hain't, but it's just as good, Tom, and a good deal more so, I think.
human
Well, I don't think no such thing, Bob.
gpt
Well, ef I do, that's all right, ain't it? I tell you, Tom, 'tain't every feller that can do the teachin' act.
human
Nuther can every fellow do the detective business. Ef you want to know what I think, Bob Hunter, I'll tell you.
gpt
All right, Tom, sail in.
human
Well, I think, ef I was you, I'd jest let this learnin' business go, and I'd make myself a detective. No feller could put more style into it than what you could, Bob.
gpt
Tom, you're way off again. A feller can't make no kind of a detective, nor nothin' else, neither, unless he knows somethin'. I guess I know, and Herbert says so too.
human
Well, I hain't got no learnin',
gpt
I know it,
human
Then you might's well say right out that I won't make nothin', Bob Hunter,
gpt
Well, I said what I said, Tom, and if it fits you, why then am I to blame?
human
It's no use for you to get mad, Tom. Anybody would tell you jest the same as what I did. Now, the thing for you to do, Tom, is ter get some learnin'--you can do it.
gpt
Do you think I could, Bob?
human
Why, of course you could, Tom; ain't I doin' it?
gpt
Well, yes, I s'pose you are, Bob, but then you can do 'most anything.
human
That ain't so, Tom. You can do it jest as well as what I can, ef you only try.
gpt
I never thought about that before, Bob, said Tom, thoughtfully.
human
Who could I get to learn me?
gpt
You mustn't say 'learn you,' Tom. Herbert says that hain't right.
human
What is it, then, Bob?
gpt
He says I must say 'teach me,' because I've got to do the learning myself.
human
Well, that's too much for me, Bob; I want to start in on somethin' easier.