human
What the--that's the funniest thing! It's never failed before, except last night, when I found it conveniently ajar, he ejaculated, staring up at the sky.
gpt
Unless--perhaps it would have failed last night, too. There's no knowing. But Miss Duggan assured me positively that the thing had never been stopped. But if it _had_ been stopped for this very happening last night, to silence the approach of an unwanted visitor, what's to prevent 'em from swaddling the clapper up--and not had time to undo it again? And yet, when the Inspector came it rang all right. No--_that_ theory won't hold water, my friend.
human
What's that you're mumbling about, Cleek? threw in Mr. Narkom at this juncture.
gpt
Clapper swaddled up? You surely don't think the bell's been stopped for any purpose?
human
No--simply to protect the sensitive ears of the housekeeper, threw back Cleek with a contemptuous laugh; and then whirled around upon him and caught him by the shoulder.
gpt
Forgive me, old friend. My tongue scampers ahead of my heart sometimes, which is a very poor trait for a policeman to possess. What I mean to say is simply this: Up to yesterday that bell rang--even when we came here for the first time--for I have the evidence of my own ears to prove it. And now--it doesn't ring. So what's prevented it? I'm going up to see.
human
Cleek, my dear fellow!--to climb that height! And in daylight, too!
gpt
What's the harm? say I--if you'll keep watch and tell me of approaching visitors. Here goes! Keep your eyes peeled upon the high-road, Mr. Narkom, because it wouldn't do to be seen, y'know and if any one approaches, whistle 'God Save the King,' and I'll slip into a hiding-place somewhere until the coast's clear. And don't tell any strangers who you are, will you?
human
God Save the King