“I would be a gentleman if I could. They was always something about a man that did not work I rather admired, and wondered how they felt, dressed up all the time.” “Pat, if you had the chance, you would try it, wouldn’t you?” “Well, faith, and I think I would.” “Pat, you understand what I’m here for?” “Faith, and I don’t want to be here for the same purpose you are, to be a gentleman, or to be a officer as you was.” “No, that was by choice, Pat, I was here. I have plenty of money, and now it will do me no good, if I am to stay in here, and if I were out of here, I would have enough to last us both the rest of our lives. Now, Pat, can you find a way to get me away from here, so this place will never see nor hear of either of us again?” “Well, me friend, what would be the job I would have after we got away from here?” “Did I not tell you that you would never have to work any more?” “And I would be a gentleman, then?” “Yes, you would, Pat. Now, let me plan this. You are trusted, and the superintendent has confidence in you, and you can get me out of here, and walk out yourself, and then we can leave the country together.” “And what would the poor man do without me help?” “Oh, go along! What does he care for your help? There are many others who would be glad to take your place, and you would be a gentleman then, Pat. Just think of it!” “Well, I can’t think of a gentleman in me, as I never was one.” “Of course, you always had to work, but you will never have to if you get me away from here. Come, Pat, wake up! You may never have the chance again to be a gentleman.” “I will study this over and see if I want this chance. I feel the cold chills run up and down me back. Does that belong to the appearance of a gentleman?” “It does. You see, just talking about it, you are feeling the gentleman vibrations.” “Well, I think I have got the plot, and what I miss now I can get along without. I will hasten to the office,” the superintendent whispered. Pat continued: “I think I’ll be getting along back to the office, Mr. Pearson. The superintendent will be after asking me, ‘Why the delay?’” “Come around often, Pat, and talk to me.” “That I will. Well, I am a gentleman, or can be if I want to give up me job here.” “Pat, I have been looking for you for some time. You are not so lively as you used to be. Are you feeling your age? You look worried. Pray tell me what is the trouble,” said the officer as Pat entered the office. “I have no trouble. I am wondering how a man feels that don’t have to work or have anny trouble.” “I don’t know, Pat. I never had such a job. I always had to work hard for my honest living.” “Then the gentleman that is called the gentleman is not honest?” “Not all, Pat. It would not include all wealthy men, but it would close the bars around some of them.