human
Good Heavens! cried Evan amazed.
gpt
Do you mean to say the money was returned?
human
And addressed to your wife? What a colossal nerve! What have you done? You haven't sent fresh bills?
gpt
Maud made him, snarled the old man.
human
Insisted on taking the money down herself and sent it in by the chauffeur.
gpt
But you've communicated with Mr. Hassell?
human
Do you know him?
gpt
Why of course, as everybody knows him. The most famous landscape painter in America--or at least the most popular. His pictures bring thousands!
human
What good to communicate with him? said Deaves sullenly.
gpt
I might better have him arrested.
human
But don't you see, urged Evan,
gpt
Hassell couldn't have had anything to do with this, not with the money he makes and his reputation? Not unless he were crazy, and he's the sanest of men! It's as clear as day. They're just using his name. Easy enough for somebody else to get the letter at the club.
human
Is this a trick?
gpt
Why sure! if you want it that way. It's nothing to me one way or the other.
human
Wait a minute, said Deaves.
gpt
Why wouldn't it be better to call up the club?
human
A man's club is his castle. Club servants are always instructed not to give out information, particularly not over the telephone. Telephone Hassell. You should have telephoned him before sending the money. Or better still go to him. It's his interest to get to the bottom of this.
gpt
Will you go with me?
human
A minute ago you implied that I was behind the scheme.
gpt
I might have been mistaken. Anyway, if you had nothing to do with it, you ought to be glad to help me clear the matter up.
human
I'll go with you, said Evan,
gpt
Interesting! shrilled the old man indignantly,
human
You'll stay right here, Papa, commanded George Deaves.
gpt
And don't you go out until I come back! You've brought trouble enough on me!
human
Well, you needn't bite off my head!