human
Now, Malone said at last,
gpt
The local constables, the cabbie said,
human
But, Malone pointed out,
gpt
I have a hunch no cop could resist a taxi which is not only stalled and blocking traffic but is also blatting its horn continuously. Strike or no strike, he finished sententiously,
human
Friend, the cabbie said,
gpt
Hey, now, listen, he said, shouting slightly above the horn.
human
This wasn't anything. Just a gag, see? A little gag. We was playing a joke. On a friend.
gpt
Do you ever see either of these boys before?
human
Never,
gpt
Nor do I, the cabbie said. He eyed the gunman.
human
We are not your friend, he said.
gpt
Either of us.
human
No, no, the gunman said.
gpt
Not you. This friend, he ... uh ... owns a taxi, and we thought this was it. It was kind of a joke, see? A friendly joke, that's all. Believe me, the gun's not even loaded. Both of them aren't. Phony bullets, honest. Believe me?
human
Why, naturally I believe you, the cabbie said politely.
gpt
I never doubt the word of a stranger, especially such an honest-appearing stranger as you seem to be. And since the gun is loaded with false bullets, as you say, all you have to do is reach over and take it away from me.
human
A joke, the gunman said feebly.
gpt
Honest, just a joke.
human
We believe you, Malone assured him grandly.
gpt
As a matter of fact, we appreciate the joke so much that we want you to tell it to a panel of twelve citizens, a judge and a couple of lawyers, so they can appreciate it, too. They get little fun out of life and your joke may give them a few moments of happiness. Why hide your light under an alibi?