human
That Bill Martin is a desperate ruffian, said Mr. Carlos to me one morning, after we were returning to the Hall through the park. I had been watching in the preserves all night, but nothing had transpired, beyond the discovery of the bowie-knife, that could lead to the detection of the marauders.
gpt
I have no doubt that he and his gang are the party concerned in these nightly depredations; but we want sufficient proof for their apprehension.
human
Give Martin rope enough, and he'll hang himself, I replied.
gpt
He is fierce and courageous, but boastful and foolhardy. In order to astonish his companions, he'll commit some daring outrage, and betray himself. I will relax a little from our vigilance, to give him more confidence, and put him off his guard. It won't be long, depend upon it, before we have him safely lodged in ----gaol.
human
Noah, my boy, you are a trump! cried the Squire, throwing his arm familiarly across my shoulder.
gpt
It's a pity such talents as you possess should be wasted in watching hares and partridges.
human
Was he going, I asked myself,
gpt
D----e, Noah, I had half a mind to buy a commission for you, and make a soldier of you. But you had better remain as you are. That confounded name of Noah Cotton would spoil all. Who ever heard of a gentleman bearing such a cognomen? It is worse than Lord Byronis.
human
Amas Cottle, Phoebus, what a name! What could tempt your mother to call you after the old patriarchal navigator! Ha! ha! it was a queer dodge.
gpt
It was my father's name, said I, reddening; for, besides being bitterly mortified and disappointed, I by no means relished the joke;
human
Both cases _rather_ doubtful, said the Squire, laughing to himself. Then, slapping me pretty sharply on the shoulder, he said,--
gpt
And what, my lad, do you know of your father?
human
Nothing, personally; to the best of my knowledge I never saw him; but my mother has told me a good deal about him.
gpt
Humph! said Mr. Carlos.
human
Did she tell you how much she was attached to Mister Noah Cotton, and how grieved she was to part with such a tender, loving spouse?
gpt
Sir, Mr. Carlos,--do you mean to insult me by speaking in this jeering way of my parents?
human
Not in the least, Noah; so don't look at me with that fierce black eye, as if you took me for a hare or a pheasant, or, worse than either, for Bill Martin. _You_ ought to know that I am your friend,--have been your friend from a child; and if you continue to conduct yourself as you have done, will befriend you for life.