human
How is his love affair progressing with Anna Bell Morgan?
gpt
Oh, I know she hates his name, and I think--I think she hates him, too; but these Southern girls are so polite and considerate of one's feelings, I can't tell for sure; besides, she is pretty deep,
human
He both sleeps and eats there, doesn't he?
gpt
Yes, he eats and rooms there, but lately he doesn't sleep much. Why, he came in here the other afternoon and sat where you are and cried like a baby. He said he didn't think she cared anything for him, and that he loved her so much he couldn't live without her--even hinted at suicide.
human
I told him the river water was nice and warm and muddy, and that the alligators would finish the job cheaper than an undertaker.
gpt
And do you know, he continued with a smile creeping about his mouth,
human
Did you?
gpt
Yes--I told him he had been there nearly two years and that was long enough for her to learn to appreciate him--that the only way was for him to ask her and thus settle the question for good and all.
human
Did he take your advice?
gpt
He wanted to know if he shouldn't speak to her father first, but I told him the preliminary skirmish should be with her. He decided on the spot to do that and if she refused him he was going to leave.
human
I suppose he got his answer?
gpt
He went over immediately--what happened there I never learned, exactly, but I do know he came back in about an hour squealing like a razorback pig kicked in the ribs by a mule, and wired in his resignation. He was an awfully poor loser, Hiram added, as he sealed the big yellow envelope for the auditor.
human
Why, the poor dub was so sorry for himself, he snuffled and groaned, and his breath back-fired like a four-cylinder motor hitting only on two.
gpt
Who are his associates here, and does he have any one come to see him?
human
No one has been here to see him since I came. No; he is just a big boob, with this love-stuff working overtime.
gpt
Has anything whatever--however insignificant--happened that would connect him with the disappearance of the dynamite?
human
No, not the least thing--the claim agent and I went over that several times. There is a certain low cunning in him, a disposition to be tricky in small things, but there's nothing to him--just grease. Of course, he has the wires here all night, and I may underestimate him. By the use of a code he might pull off something.
gpt
Did the company accept his resignation?
human
Yes; they had to.
gpt
And you don't attach any importance to his going now, further than this love affair?