human
Mr. Trinkle, he began more complacently,
gpt
I have, said the city editor with satisfaction.
human
They loathe me.
gpt
Do it some more, then! I won't permit any nepotism in this office! If you don't keep after 'em they'll turn into little beastly journalists instead of into decent, self-respecting newspaper men! Have either of my nephews attempted to write any more poetry for the Saturday supplement?
human
Young Sayre got away with some verses.
gpt
Wha' d'ye do with 'em?
human
Printed 'em.
gpt
Don't worry. Sayre got no signature out of me.
human
But _why_ did you print?
gpt
Because those verses were too devilish good to lose. You must have read them. It was that poem _Amourette_.
human
Did _he_ do _that_?
gpt
Yes; and the entire sentimental press of the country is now copying it without credit.
human
My nephew wrote _Amourette_?
gpt
He sure did. That poem seemed to deal a direct blow at this suffragette strike. Several women subscribers sent in mash notes. I had a mind to take advantage of one or two myself.
human
That's what I told you! he snapped;
gpt
Well _I_ tell _you_ that they've no nose for news--no real instinct--and they might as well write for the backs of the magazines.
human
They've got to acquire news instinct! Bang it into 'em, Trinkle! Rub their noses in it! I'll have those pups understand that if ever they expect to see any inheritance from me they'll have to prepare themselves to step into my shoes! They'll have to know the whole business--from window-washer to desk!--and they've got to like it, too--every bit of it! You keep 'em at it if it kills 'em, Trinkle. Understand?
gpt
It'll kill more than those gifted young literary gentlemen,
human
What do you mean by that?
gpt
It will kill a few dozen good stories. We're going to murder a big one now. But it's your funeral.
human
That Adirondack story?
gpt
Exactly. It's as good as dead.
human
Trinkle! Listen to me. How are we going to make men of those pups if we don't rouse their pride? I tell you a man grows to meet the opportunity. The bigger the opportunity the bigger he grows--or he blows up! Put those boys up against the biggest job of the year and it's worth five years' liberal education to them. That's my policy. Isn't it a good one?
gpt
It's your paper. _I_ don't give a damn.
human
You do what I tell you, he growled.
gpt
You start in and slam 'em around the way they say Belasco slammed Leslie Carter! I'll have no nepotism here!
human
Talk of nepotism!
gpt
Showemin! And don't you go volplaning around this office or I'll destroy you!