human
Well, it's bound to be a big thing for you, he said, thoughtfully,
gpt
See here, Dan, Mr. Davis has said considerable 'bout medals, an' I don't understand it.
human
Are you claimin' to be posted in the fire business, an' don't know things like that are given to men who save folks from bein' burned up?
gpt
Of course I know it; but I'm talkin' about myself. I can't have a medal 'cause I ain't a fireman yet.
human
If you'd read the _Herald_ as I wanted, you'd seen that the printed piece said you earned one.
gpt
I don't think I did, not even if I belonged reg'larly to the Department. It was Jerry Walters who did the most of the work, 'cause if he hadn't come jest then it would have been all day with me--I was mighty near gone.
human
Don't you make such talk as that to anybody but me, Seth Bartlett, Dan cried sharply.
gpt
What's the use of givin' anything away when folks are howlin' 'bout your bein' so brave? A feller is bound to blow his own horn sometimes in this world, else he'd never get along, an' that's what you must do now.
human
If I can't get into the Department without it, I'll go back to shinin' boots. Look at Sam Barney! He's always doin' that, an' what does he 'mount to?
gpt
Oh, a feller must have some sand to back him, else he won't pull through, an' you know there's nothin' to Sam but wind. Here's where you stop, an' I'll snoop back down-town. The fellers are countin' on givin' you a racket to-morrow night, an' you must be on hand.
human
See here, Dan, don't you spend good money when you're needin' it for the store, jest for the sake of puffin' me up.
gpt
I reckon what I'll put out won't bust me, even if we have 'greed to whack up fifteen cents apiece. Bill, Teddy, an' me will chip in for Jip, so's he can have a good time after all his hard luck, an' we'll make your eyes stick out before it's over.
human
I'd a good deal rather you didn't do it.
gpt
There's no use to kick now, 'cause it's too late. I wouldn't wonder if it was all fixed by this time. You see, Bill an' me was 'fraid you'd been hurt, seein' 's you didn't come over to the room last night, an' the fellers wanted me to find out 'bout it, so's if there was any trouble we could hold off the blow-out till you'd come 'round ag'in. So long; I'll see you to-night,