human
One minute, Mr. McGowan, called Harold Fox.
gpt
Come with me, please.
human
What have you to do with this man Phillips?
gpt
What's that? Why, Mr. Fox----
human
I'd no sooner got Dad to his room than he began to mumble that you were to blame for his condition, cut in the lawyer.
gpt
He connected you in no favorable way with some woman in Australia. This man Phillips was involved, too, from what I could gather. I was questioning him when the doctor arrived, and after he was gone I could get nothing more out of him. I hate to go to Australia with him like this, and I have every reason to surmise that I won't need to go if you tell me all you know.
human
I'm very sorry for your father's condition, but I see no way to help you. I don't see why he should connect me with his condition. How long ago did all this happen to your client?
gpt
About twenty-five years ago.
human
Then it's ridiculous to associate me with any such trouble. I was not more than born, if, indeed, that. In what way does it all affect your father, anyway?
gpt
That I don't know. It's a mystery to me.
human
I should gladly give you aid if it were possible.
gpt
I'm only asking that you tell me all you know.
human
All an infant in arms would know would be of little value, I fear.
gpt
But you must know something by hearsay. Father would not take this turn out of a clear sky. There must be a little moisture where there are so many clouds.
human
But, Mr. Fox, I've told you----
gpt
See here, Mr. McGowan, broke in Harold impatiently,
human
Suppose I am connected with all this mystery in some way, how on earth can a man call on a child's empty memory----
gpt
You're stalling, Mr. McGowan. Don't try that alibi stuff with me. It simply won't go.
human
You refuse to accept my statement of ignorance concerning this man?
gpt
I most certainly do. You and Dad are passing the buck. I thought from all reports that you would stand up to any proposition like a man, no matter how unpleasant.
human
There is nothing for me to stand up to, Mr. Fox.
gpt
You absolutely refuse to tell me what you know?
human
I absolutely refuse, for I know absolutely nothing.
gpt
Pardon me, sir. I believe you. But there's something damned crooked somewhere, and I intend to ferret it out. If Dad's in it----Well, I hope to the Lord he isn't. You'd better watch your p's and q's pretty close, for Dad mentioned the fact that Mr. Means has it in for you, and the two of them can make it hell for you. I'm sorry to say that, but it's God's truth. I wouldn't trust Means with a pet skunk. I never have liked the fellow. I've said too much. Good night, and good luck.