human
Well, what have you done with your firebug?
gpt
We've shipped Sam Barney, an' Jip's gone down Thirty-fourth Street way sellin' papers.
human
Do you allow he'll run straight after this?
gpt
I'm almost certain of it, Mr. Davis. He feels terrible bad, an' if Sam gives him the chance he'll show that he can be a decent feller.
human
I hope so, because I hate to see a boy go wrong. Do you know, Amateur, that what's done while you're young hangs on after you get to be a man. Then, when you're getting along swimmingly, up comes somebody and tells of the mean trick you played when you was a kid. It always counts against a man. Now, I ain't saying that your firebug won't pull out of this, but he's taking the chances that it'll be thrown up in his face a hundred times 'twixt now and the next ten years, however straight he walks. If a boy would only bear that in mind I allow he'd be a heap more careful about what he did. Howsomever, you ain't here for a lecture of that kind, and what's more you don't need one. I allow you're counting on that suit of clothes?
gpt
I s'posed that was what you wanted me to come for, sir.
human
Well, it was, Amateur, it was; and if you'll go upstairs and look on my bed you'll find the togs laid out there. Put 'em on, and come down to show us how you look.
gpt
Are they new clothes, sir?
human
Of course they are. You don't allow that when this 'ere company takes it into their heads to fit out a kid they're going to do it on second-hand rigging, do you?
gpt
I only asked the question 'cause I thought perhaps if they was all new I'd better wash my face an' hands first.
human
That's right, Amateur; fix yourself out the best you know how. We want to see what kind of a looking kid we've taken on our hands.
gpt
What are you hanging in the wind now for? Got anything on your mind?
human
I'd like to know, sir, if I'm to be allowed to pay for these clothes when I get so I can earn money enough?
gpt
Bless your heart, Amateur, when you're regularly in the Department you shall come up and square the bills with Ninety-four if it so be you're inclined; if not, why, what we do comes free as air, and we're glad to give you a boost. All the payment we want is that you'll do us credit. I'd like to have the boys up at headquarters, when they look at you, say to themselves, 'That kid belongs to Ninety-four,' and in the saying of it I'd have 'em think you was way up--something out of the ordinary run of kids, don't you understand, Amateur?
human
If I can do anything to make you feel proud of me, Mr. Davis, I'll be mighty glad; but I promise you shan't be ashamed of having sent me there.
gpt
I ain't counting on the possibility of that, Amateur, 'cause I believe I know you better. Now, get along and put yourself into condition, 'cause there's no knowing how soon we may get a call.