human
I don't know ef you saved anybody from drowning or not; I won't say that you did, but ef you didn't you ain't in luck, that's all I've got to say about it. So you see 'tain't much use for you to try to deceive me, Vermont, for I know jest what's a fair day's work for a boy from the country--jest what's expected of him on his first day here. Why, ef you don't believe me (and I know you don't by the way you look), jest get all the books that tells about country boys coming to New York, and read what they say, that's all I ask of you, Vermont. Now come, own up and tell it straight.
gpt
Bob, you are altogether too funny, laughed Herbert, now that the drift of his friend's seemingly crazy remarks was plain to him.
human
How can you manage to joke so seriously, and why do you make fun of me? Because I am from the country, I suppose.
gpt
I hope I didn't hurt your feelings, Vermont,
human
No, not at all, Bob Hunter, but until I saw your joke I thought surely you were insane.
gpt
Well, you see, I thought you needed something to kinder knock the blues that you brought back with you tonight--'tain't much fun to have 'em, is it? Sometimes I get 'em myself, so I know what they're like. But now to be honest, and not fool no more, didn't you get no show today?
human
No, not the least bit of encouragement,
gpt
And you kept up the hunt all day?
human
Yes.
gpt
I ought ter told you that that warn't no use.
human
How is that?
gpt
Why, don't you see, it's the first fellers what gets the jobs--them as gets round early.
human
And are there so many applicants for every position?
gpt
Are there? Well, you jest bet there are. I've seen more'n two hundred boys after a place, and 'twan't nothin' extra of a place, either.
human
But then there are thousands of places to be filled. Why, the papers were full of them.
gpt
Yes, and there is a good many more thousands what wants them same jobs. You never thought of that, I guess.
human
Well, you done well, any way, to hang on so long, said Bob, in his off hand, comical manner.
gpt
I expected you'd get sick before this time, and steer straight for Vermont.
human
Why did you think that?
gpt
Well, most of the country boys think they can pick up money on the streets in New York; but when they get here, and begin to hunt for it, they tumble rather spry--I mean they find they've been took in, and that a fellow has got to work harder, yes, I'd say so, ten times harder, here'n he does on a farm. There he can just sleep and laze round in the sun, and go in swimmin', and all the time the stuff is just growin' and whoopin' her right along, like as if I was boss of a dozen boys, and they was all sellin' papers and I was makin' a profit on 'em all, and wasn't doin' nothin' myself. So when these fellers find out they've got to knuckle down and shine shoes, why they just light out kinder lively, and make up their minds that New York ain't much of a town no how.
human
And so you thought I would 'light out' too,
gpt
Well, I didn't know. I told you I liked your looks, but I hain't much faith in nobody till I know what kind of stuff a feller is made of. But if he's got any sand in him, then I'll bet on his winning right here in New York, and he won't have to go back home for his bread. Well, speakin' of bread reminds me that it's about time to eat something and I'm all fired hungry, and you look es ef 'twould do you good to get a little somethin' warm in your stomach. Funny, ain't it, we can't do nothin' without eatin'? But we can't, so let's eat. Business is about over, and I don't mind leavin' a little early, any way.
human
Boss Tweed Restaurant
gpt
I s'pose you hain't made no plans for a place to sleep yet?
human
No, replied Herbert.
gpt
I thought I would wait and see you before making any move in that direction. You are the only one I know in the city.
human
And 'tain't much you know about me.
gpt
Very true; but from your appearance I'm satisfied to trust myself with you.
human
You're takin' big chances ef you do, replied Bob, happily;
gpt
I say yes,