human
Yes, yes, that's so. I'm much obliged to you for the tip, Mr. Appleby. That's what it is to be trained in a big burg. But I'll have to rearrange it myself. That boy Peter is no good. I'm letting him go, come Saturday.
gpt
That so? said Father; then, authoritatively:
human
Peter, my boy, you ought to try to make good here. Nothing I'd like better--if I had the time--than to grow up in a shoe-store in a nice, pretty village like this.
gpt
Yes, that's what I've told him many's the time. Do you hear what Mr. Appleby says, Peter?... Say, Mr. Appleby, does this town really strike you as having the future for the shoe business?
human
Why, sure.
gpt
Are you ever likely to think about going back into the shoe business again, some day? 'Course, apologetically,
human
Yes, I've thought some of going back into business. 'Course I'd hate to give up my exploring and all, but-- Progress, you know; hate to lay down the burden of big affairs after being right in the midst of them for so long. Which was a recollection of some editorial Father had read in a stray roadside newspaper.
gpt
And you mustn't suppose I'd be sniffy about Lipsittsville. No, no; no, indeed. Not at all. I must say I don't know when I've seen a more wide-awake, pretty town--and you can imagine how many towns I must have seen. Maples and cement walks and nice houses and--uh--wide-awake town.... Well, who knows! Perhaps some day I might come back here and talk business with you. Ha, ha! Though I wouldn't put in one cent of capital. No, sir! Not one red cent. All my money is invested with my son-in-law--you know, Harris Hartwig, the famous chemical works. Happen to know um?
human
Oh yes, indeed! Harry Sartwig. I don't know him _personally_, but of course I've heard of him. Well, I do wish you'd think it over, some day, Mr. Appleby. Indeed I understand about the capital. If you and me ever did happen to come to terms, I'd try to see my way clear to giving you an interest in the business, in return for your city experience and your expert knowledge and fame and so on as an explorer--not that we outfit so many explorers here. Hee, hee!
gpt
Well, maybe I'll think it over, some day. Well--well, maybe I'll see you again before I get out of town. I'm kind of planning to stick around here for a day or two. I'll talk over the suggestion with Mrs. Appleby. Me, I could probably call off my wager; but she is really the one that you'd have to convince. She's crazy for us to hike out and tramp clear down into Mexico and Central America. Doesn't mind bandits and revolutions no more than you and I would a mouse.