human
Hallo! there's Webster! What's he hanging about for there?
gpt
Perhaps you owe him a bill,
human
Not I. I've jacked Webster up; he's a surly beast.
gpt
I was in his shop this morning, said Coote.
human
There was such a stunning little shut-up penholder, about so big. I can't fancy how they make them shut up so small.
gpt
Did you buy it?
human
No; I couldn't afford it. Hallo! what does he want? He's beckoning.
gpt
Jolly cheek of him! said Heathcote.
human
If he wants you, let him come. I wouldn't go to him if I were you. Call out and ask him what he wants.
gpt
What do you want?
human
I want you,
gpt
Tell him you're busy, and he'd better come again.
human
I'm busy, I say, cried Coote;
gpt
No, thank you, said Mr Webster, stepping before the boys.
human
Ah! good day to you, Mr Heathcote; quite a stranger, sir. If you'll allow me, I would like a word with your friend?
gpt
You know you'll get in a row, Webster, if you're seen up here, said Heathcote.
human
All the shop fellows have to stop at the gate.
gpt
What do you want?
human
Come, none of your tricks with me, young fellow! I want that pencil- case, there!
gpt
Pencil-case! What pencil-case? I've not got any pencil-case!
human
Do you suppose I didn't see you with it in your hand in my shop, sir, this morning?
gpt
But I didn't take it--I haven't got it--I wouldn't do such a thing,
human
You'd like me to suppose that some one else took it; wouldn't you?
gpt
If you've lost it, somebody else did. I didn't,
human
Now, look here, young gentleman, that sort of thing may go down at home or here in school, but it's no use trying it on with me. If you don't choose to give me that pencil this moment, we'll see what a policeman can do.
gpt
Really, I never took it! You may feel in my pockets. Oh, _please_ don't bring a policeman, Mr Webster!
human
What's your name?
gpt
Coote--Arthur Dennis Coote,
human
Address?
gpt
One, Richmond Villas, Richmond Road, G---.
human
Very well, Mr Coote, said the stationer, folding up the paper and putting it into his pocket-book;