human
What are you laughing at, Mr. Stoute?
gpt
You will excuse me, sir; but really I can't help it,
human
I really don't see anything to laugh at,
gpt
I was intensely amused at the shuffling indifference of Monsieur Rogier. He evidently regards himself as a very great man, not to be disturbed by insignificant Greek scholars.
human
What do you mean by _insignificant_, Mr. Stoute?
gpt
Why, the minister had never even heard of you, of your Greek Grammar, Greek Reader, and Anabasis. Such is fame!
human
I suppose it is a joke to all, except the victim.
gpt
Do you know anything about the author of this senseless piece of imposition?
human
Certainly not. I had not the least idea that the ponderous document was not genuine till his excellency pronounced it a forgery.
gpt
Who could have done this?
human
Some of the students, probably.
gpt
Probably, replied the professor, taking the note from his pocket again, and carefully scanning the handwriting.
human
I have no doubt it was done by one of the students. It is another of their infamous tricks--the fourth that has been put upon me. Do the other instructors suffer in this manner?
gpt
I have not heard of any other victims, and I am inclined to think you are the only one.
human
I do not see why I should be selected as the recipient of these silly and ridiculous, not to say wicked, tricks. A rope falls on _my_ head, _I_ am pitched into the river, drenched with dirty water, and now sent on a fool's errand to the king's chief minister! I don't understand why I am the only sufferer.