human
By Jove! I wish you were my son!
gpt
What's the matter now?
human
Matter? Why, the matter is that you have in all probability saved the lives of several hundred people.
gpt
Nonsense!
human
That's just what you have done, all the same. You have a cool head for such a young fellow--I can tell you that. If it hadn't been for you--I shudder to think of what might have happened. You are, as I have had occasion to remark before, a wonder.
gpt
Nonsense, Mr. Wattles! But I must go now; mother is sure to be worrying about me.
human
But there are a score of people waiting to be introduced to you, and I have promised to bring you back with me.
gpt
I can't go, Mr. Wattles.
human
But----
gpt
Tell them that I---- Oh, just tell them the plain truth.
human
That you have a morbid horror of being lionized?
gpt
If you want to put it in that way; and that my mother is waiting for me.
human
Well, well, I won't urge you--particularly as I know that you generally mean what you say and stick to it. But, let me tell you, young man, you will have to stand considerable lionizing before you leave this town, whether you like it or not.
gpt
I don't think so, smiled Al.
human
There is an early train in the morning, if I am not mistaken.
gpt
But you won't take it.
human
You will see. Well, good-night, Mr. Wattles. Oh, wait a moment!
gpt
What is it?
human
You are sure my sister got out all right?
gpt
Oh, yes; everyone on the stage escaped within two minutes after the first alarm. Don't you know I told you that I saw her go out? You will find her with your mother when you get back to the hotel.
human
Well, muttered the manager, as he stood and watched the lad's slim figure until it was lost to view,
gpt
Come in!