human
Caged at last! muttered Pringle to himself, as he drew out the key and put it in his pocket.
gpt
Past three o'clock: it will be broad daylight soon. I think I could relish some breakfast. Pity old Mother Bakewell isn't here to get it ready for me. Whistling a tune under his breath, he went back into the kitchen, flung open the shutters, and began to set about lighting a fire.
human
Shall I have those two eggs boiled or poached? he asked himself, as he prepared a foundation of firewood and paper.
gpt
I think I'll have 'em poached, just for variety. I'm sick of boiled eggs.
human
Pringle! what devil's trick is this? were his first words as he sprang at the closing door.
gpt
Pringle, Pringle, I say, you have fastened me in! Open the door, you fool, or it will be worse for you!
human
Come, now, Pringle, my good fellow, a joke's a joke, as everybody knows, but I've had enough of this. If you only knew how important is the business I've got to attend to, you wouldn't keep me here, I know.
gpt
What do you want of me? What's your grudge against me? cried Van Duren, behind the iron door.
human
Do you want an advance of salary? You shall have it. Twenty pounds a year advance. Do you hear that? Twenty pounds a year. If that's not enough--thirty. Only open the door, and I promise you fifty. Think of that--fifty pounds a year advance! Still no answer, though he could plainly hear the rattle of crockery, as Pringle proceeded to set out the breakfast-tray.
gpt
Come, now, Pringle, we've had enough of this tomfoolery. I'd like to join you over breakfast. I want to tell you my plans. I want to talk things over with you before I go. Open the door, there's a good fellow.
human
One had need be economical in these days, muttered Pringle to himself.
gpt
Gas is very expensive.
human
Pringle, Pringle, I say, where are you? What have I done to you that you should serve me like this? Fiend--monster--bloodthirsty villain! If you want to get rid of me, knock me on the head and have done with it. Don't leave me here to starve. That is too horrible!
gpt
These eggs are hardly as fresh as they might be, for all I gave twopence each for 'em, muttered Pringle!
human
But that's the worst of London eggs--you never can depend on 'em. Then he made himself some toast, taking care not to spare the butter, and presently everything was ready for him to begin.
gpt
I like my coffee made ally Frongsey, he said, contemplatively.
human
It's certainly an improvement on the old English style. Those Frenchmen don't know a great deal, but they do know how to make coffee.
gpt
Max Van Duren, are you there?
human
Yes, yes, Pringle, I am here! I knew it was only one of your queer practical jokes.
gpt
I am now going to get my breakfast, after which I shall smoke a pipe. When I have finished my pipe, I will come and have some talk with you. Till then you may as well be silent, and behave like a reasonable being.
human
Pringle, my good fellow, don't leave me here all that time; don't leave me here in the dark in this horrible den!