human
A dastardly letter! said Mr Merrett.
gpt
How came Masham to know of Smith's private affairs?
human
Hawkesbury overheard Smith and me talking of them on the first occasion that we found him here, and must have told Masham, who had a grudge against Smith.
gpt
You heard, of course, that Hawkesbury included Smith as well as yourself in his accusation?
human
Yes, I did. And I wish he was here to confirm my denial of it. What happened was--
gpt
Yes, said Mr Barnacle,
human
Slightly. I once was introduced to him by Hawkesbury and spent a day with him.
gpt
Have you any reason to believe he is a swindler?
human
I know of nothing which would warrant me in saying so,
gpt
Do you know whether Hawkesbury owes him money?
human
Yes--at least I have been told so.
gpt
By whom?
human
By a boy--a shoeblack who--
gpt
A shoeblack! exclaimed Mr Merrett.
human
Is that your only authority?
gpt
I believe he is honest, I said;
human
Really, said Mr Merrett,
gpt
It wouldn't be amiss to see the boy, though, said Mr Barnacle;
human
Oh, I could fetch him at once. I know where he works,
gpt
No, said Mr Barnacle,
human
Doubleday, he said, when that youth entered,
gpt
Yes, sir, said Doubleday, artlessly:
human
No, no, said Mr Barnacle,
gpt
He works at the top of Style Street, I said;