human
Well?
gpt
The Lonely Heart.
human
Did you ask her?
gpt
Yes. But--
human
Oh! She won't let him come back?
gpt
She absolutely refused. I did my best.
human
I know you did.
gpt
Well, this settles it, said Jimmy.
human
Now you will have to let me help you.
gpt
But it's such a risk. Something terrible might happen to you. Isn't impersonation a criminal offence?
human
What does it matter? They tell me prisons are excellent places nowadays. Concerts, picnics--all that sort of thing. I shan't mind going there. I have a nice singing-voice. I think I will try to make the glee-club.
gpt
I suppose we are breaking the law, said Ann seriously.
human
I told Jerry that nothing could happen to us except the loss of his place to him and being sent to my grandmother to me, but I'm bound to say I said that just to encourage him. Don't you think we ought to know what the penalty is, in case we are caught?
gpt
It would enable us to make our plans. If it's a life sentence, I shouldn't worry about selecting my future career.
human
You see, explained Ann,
gpt
I suppose they would hardly send me to prison, as I'm a relation--though I would far rather go there than to grandmother's. She lives all alone miles away in the country, and is strong on discipline--but they might do all sorts of things to you, in spite of my pleadings. I really think you had better give up the idea, I'm afraid my enthusiasm carried me away. I didn't think of all this before.
human
Never. This thing goes through, or fails over my dead body. What are you looking for?
gpt
Catalogue, she said briefly, turning the pages.
human
Uncle Peter has heaps of law books. I'll look up kidnapping. Here we are. Law Encyclopedia. Shelf X. Oh, that's upstairs. I shan't be a minute.
gpt
Here we are. I've got it.
human
Shoot,
gpt
There's such a lot of it, called the voice from above.
human
Pages and pages. I'm just skimming. Wait a moment.
gpt
This is the dustiest place I was ever in, said the voice.
human
It's inches deep everywhere. It's full of cigarette ends, too. I must tell uncle. Oh, here it is. Kidnapping--penalties--
gpt
Hush called Jimmy.
human
There's some one coming.
gpt
Hello, said Ogden, strolling in.
human
I was looking for you. Didn't think you would be here.
gpt
Come right in, my little man, and make yourself at home,
human
You're pretty fresh, aren't you?
gpt
This is praise from Sir Hubert Stanley.
human
Eh? Who's he?
gpt
Oh, a gentleman who knew what was what.
human
Well, I know what's what, too. I know what you are for one thing. He chuckled.
gpt
I've got your number all right.
human
In what respect?
gpt
You think you're smooth, don't you? But I'm onto you, Jimmy Crocker. A lot of Jimmy Crocker you are. You're a crook. Get me? And I know what you're after, at that. You're going to try to kidnap me.