human
Hi! Seth! Do you mean that's really you?
gpt
Don't make such a row on the street, Dan, 'cause folks will wonder what's the matter. But say, I do look pretty fine, eh?
human
Fine? Why, that's no name for it, old man. You're out of sight! Where did you get 'em?
gpt
This is the uniform I was tellin' you 'bout. Mr. Davis gave it to me when I was over to the engine-house, an' do you know I hadn't more'n got into it when there was an alarm, an' I rode to the fire on Ninety-four jest as if I belonged to her.
human
No!
gpt
I did for a fact.
human
Well, if they let you do that there ain't much question 'bout your gettin' into the Department.
gpt
Mr. Davis says it all depends on me now, an' you can bet I'll work mighty hard, Dan Roberts.
human
If you don't you're a bloomin' idjut! Why, I wouldn't ever knowed you if I'd been goin' fast! I was kind-er loafin' along wonderin' when you'd be home, an' thinkin' of Jip, so had time to look 'round. First off I couldn't make up my mind to holler, you looked so bloomin' swell. Now, I don't see why I shouldn't go in for somethin' same's you did, an' flash up in sich style; but no, I'll stick to sellin' papers, that'll be the way with me, an' think I'm playin' in great luck if I get to own a stand on some corner.
gpt
You talk as if I was already in the Department, instead of havin' to work my way up to it.
human
I only wish I was as near there. By the time you're captain of a company I'll jest about get so I can pay my own way, with never two cents ahead.
gpt
Now, don't begin to jump on yourself 'cause it seems as if I was gettin' along pretty fast; but wait an' see how I pan out, an' as for doin' nothin' but sellin' papers, why, that's 'cordin' to the way you want it. There ain't any need of stickin' to sich business unless you hanker for it.
human
Yes there is, except I'm willin' to starve,