human
Not going away, Ben?
gpt
Yes, Hiram, I am going to leave you now--I am through here.
human
You--you don't mean--when will you be back, Ben?
gpt
I don't know when I will return, Hiram. Just now I have to answer the call of others. I may come back to testify at the trial.
human
You don't mean you are not going to stay here with me--when things are just getting started right?
gpt
Sit down--both of you, I interrupted, looking at Anna Bell's radiance changing to disappointment too, as he brought chairs up near me.
human
I have a confession to make, and I like to do the unpleasant things first and have them over with.
gpt
But say, old fellow, you can't leave me now--I need you in so many ways--you see, we have been through so much together----
human
It cannot be--just now anyhow--and perhaps you will not want me to do so when I admit to a certain sort of duplicity--but at which I hope in the course of time you will look upon tolerantly, forgivingly--I don't want you to think badly of me--as I have in the last few months become deeply attached to you.
gpt
What are you getting at, Ben--I will never believe you have deceived----
human
Wait till I tell you why I came here--left New York with you, was paid a definite sum and expenses for doing so for a definite purpose, and that purpose is now accomplished, and the Government, engaged in a gigantic war, calls me to other activities. I must----
gpt
I don't care what you have done or been, though I don't quite understand, he began, his voice almost failing;
human
You may have needed me, Hiram, but you don't now--you are nicely started and you have better help now than I can give, I broke in, looking at Anna Bell, who was as much affected as Hiram.
gpt
She is courageous, a natural diplomat and wonderful at plans, and besides, you can now stand alone and must learn to rely on yourself, and besides, more than two in a firm often complicates matters.
human
I know--I know--I can see--but you don't explain--what is this you are hinting----?
gpt
Hiram, it may be better for it to come to you gradually. Now let us talk about money for my train goes soon and I find I need some money, and I must give you the big check necessary to pay for the timber land. First of all, will you cash these checks for me? These are my salary checks I have never used,