human
I don't know hardly anythin' at all, Mr. Davis,
gpt
You can read, can't you?
human
Yes, if the words ain't too long.
gpt
And write?
human
Well, I wouldn't like to say I really could, 'cause it's just puttin' down letters same as they're printed.
gpt
Didn't you ever go to school, Amateur?
human
No, sir.
gpt
Why not?
human
I believe you, my boy, and if you had put into the work at books anywhere near as hard as you have on what you call 'picking up points,' you'd have been pretty well along by this time. Howsomever, we can remedy that, though we can't call back lost time. Jerry Walters and I'll figger up what's to be done, and explain further as soon as we've settled matters, 'cause you see, Amateur, you belong to Ninety-four, an' we ain't of the mind to have you fail in what you set out after.
gpt
Shall I have any chance to see you?
human
Bless you, lad, yes. You'll be through between six and seven o'clock, and we'll be glad to have you drop in any evening till you set about studying; then I allow we'll fix up some place so's you can be away from your partner and his friends. We won't have any soft talk after we get inside, so I'll say it all now. Keep your upper lip stiff, Amateur; don't get down at the heel if them as are in charge seem to bear on a little too hard; remember that all hands of Ninety-four's company are counting on you to make good their words, and be a man. Unless we get a call you'll see us to-night, so there ain't need of saying very much more just now.