human
I'd like a word with you, Mr. Gwynne,
gpt
I am in somewhat of a hurry, Mr.--
human
I'll walk along with you, if you don't mind, said the other, coming up beside him.
gpt
I'm not in the habit of beating about the bush. When I've got anything to do, I do it without much fiddling. Barry Lapelle is down at my place. He has asked me to represent him in a little controversy that seems to call for physical adjudication. How will day after to-morrow at five in the morning suit you?
human
Perfectly, replied Kenneth stiffly.
gpt
Convey my compliments to Mr. Lapelle and say to him that I overlook the irregularity and will be glad to meet him at any time and any place.
human
I know it's irregular, admitted Mr. Trentman, with an apologetic wave of the hand,
gpt
I haven't given the matter a moment's thought, said Kenneth, frowning.
human
Day after to-morrow morning, you say?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
Can't you arrange it for to-morrow morning?
gpt
In view of the fact that you are expected to appear in court at nine to-morrow morning to defend an unfortunate girl, Mr. Lapelle feels that he would be doing your client a very grave injustice if he killed her lawyer--er--a trifle prematurely, you might say. He has confided to me that he is the young woman's friend and can't bear the thought of having her chances jeopardized by--
human
Pardon me, Mr. Trentman, interrupted Kenneth shortly.
gpt
Both of you are uncommonly thoughtful and considerate. Now that I am reminded of my pleasant little encounter with Mr. Lapelle this morning, I am constrained to remark that I have had all the satisfaction I desire. You may say to him that I am a gentleman and not in the habit of fighting duels with horse-thieves.
human
Am I to understand, sir, that you are referring to my friend as a horse-thief?
gpt
I merely asked you to take that message to him, said Kenneth coolly.
human
I might add cattle-thief, sheep-stealer, hog-thief or--
gpt
Why, good God, sir, gasped Mr. Trentman,
human
You may also tell Mr. Lapelle that his bosom friend Martin Hawk is in jail.
gpt
Well, what of it?
human
Does Lapelle know that Martin is in jail?
gpt
Certainly,--and he says he ought to be hung. That's what he thinks of Hawk. A man that would sell his own--
human
Hawk is in jail for stock-stealing, Mr. Trentman.
gpt
What's that got to do with the case? What's that got to do with your calling my friend a horse-thief?
human
A whole lot, sir. You will probably find out before the day is over that you are harbouring and concealing a thief down there in your shanty, and you may thank Martin Hawk for the information in case you prefer not to accept the word of a gentleman. If you were to come to me as a client seeking counsel, I should not hesitate to advise you,--as your lawyer,--that there is a law against harbouring criminals and that you are laying yourself open to prosecution.
gpt
Being well versed in the law, he said,
human
I suppose you realize that Mr. Lapelle can recover heavy damages against you in case what you have said to me isn't true.
gpt
Perfectly. Therefore, I repeat to you that I cannot engage in an affair of honour with a thief. I knocked him down this morning, but that was in the heat of righteous anger. For fear that your report to him may lead Mr. Lapelle to construe my refusal to meet him day after to-morrow morning as cowardice on my part, permit me to make this request of you. Please say to him that I shall arm myself with a pistol as soon as I have reached my house, and that I expect to be going about the streets of Lafayette as usual.
human
I see, said Mr. Trentman, after a moment.
gpt
You mean you'll be ready for him in case he hunts you up.
human
Exactly.
gpt
By the way, Mr. Gwynne, have you ever fought a duel?
human
No.
gpt
Would it interest you to know that Mr. Lapelle has engaged in several, with disastrous results to his adversaries?
human
I think he has already mentioned something of the kind to me.
gpt
I'd sooner be your friend than your enemy, Mr. Gwynne, said the gambler earnestly.
human
I am a permanent citizen of this town and I have no quarrel with you. As your friend, I am obliged to inform you that Barry Lapelle is a dead shot and as quick as lightning with a pistol. I hope you will take this in the same spirit that it is given.
gpt
I thank you, sir, said Kenneth, courteously.
human
By the way, do you happen to have a pistol with you at present, Mr. Trentman?
gpt
I have. I seldom go without one.
human
If you will do me the kindness to walk with me up to the woods beyond the lake and will grant me the loan of your weapon for half a minute, I think I may be able to demonstrate to you that Mr. Lapelle is not the only dead shot in the world. I was brought up with a pistol in my hand, so to speak. Have you ever tried to shoot a ground squirrel at twenty paces? You have to be pretty quick to do that, you know.
gpt
There's a lot of difference between shooting a ground squirrel and blazing away at a man who is blazing away at you at the same time. I'll take your word for the ground squirrel business, Mr. Gwynne, and bid you good day.
human
My regrets to your principal and my apologies to you, Mr. Trentman,