human
Good afternoon,
gpt
Good afternoon,
human
I don't know but that it is a fortunate thing, Sharp, that I have met you, he said.
gpt
The fact is, I'm in a bit of a difficulty, and I don't know a more likely man than you to help me out.
human
I'm at your service, sir, said Mr. Sharp,
gpt
Well, the fact is, said Mr. Lawrence, and he went on to tell all the circumstances connected with the missing note, and finished up by saying,
human
But somehow I cannot for the life of me believe the boy has stolen it.
gpt
Indeed, now, said Mr. Sharp, putting on a professional air,
human
I cannot for the life of me believe that the urchin has _not_ stolen it. So you see my difficulty is in the opposite direction, Mr. Lawrence.
gpt
But you don't know this lad, Mr. Sharp.
human
Well, perhaps, I don't know this particular young dog, but I know the whole tribe of them, said Mr. Sharp, trying to look wise,
gpt
But this boy has been with me six months, and a nicer lad I never knew.
human
Ay, yes, Mr. Lawrence, their cunning is amazing; and they can play the hypocrite equal to old Satan himself. I tell you what, sir, if you had had the experience of 'em that I've had, you'd mistrust the whole tribe of 'em.
gpt
Well, I dare say, Sharp, you know more about them than I do, and I confess that it was with some amount of misgiving that I engaged the boy; but he has never taken anything before.
human
Did you ever give him the chance?
gpt
Well, perhaps not,
human
Just so, said Inspector Sharp.
gpt
The young dog has patiently waited his opportunity. Oh, bless you, sir, they know their game.
human
But what had I better do?
gpt
If you'll leave the matter to me, said Mr. Sharp,
human
I'm very unwilling to prosecute,
gpt
Just so, just so. I quite understand your feeling. But you'll not have need to do much in that direction, I can assure you,
human
Well, said Mr. Lawrence, looking like a man that had made up his mind to submit to a painful operation,
gpt
I'll leave the matter in your hands.