human
Nothing to worry about, I said. But there was. When I unfolded one of the papers, I found that it was the authority von Gratzen had given me. A fair-sized hole had been charred right through the folds and the tinder dropped as I opened out the sheet. It was hopelessly unreadable and thus useless.
gpt
I didn't think I could be such a gorgeous idiot,
human
It's serious then?
gpt
Try if you can make anything out of it.
human
A word or two here and there are readable. That's all. What is it?
gpt
The proof that I ought to be shut up in a lunatic asylum. But it _was_ something that would have taken me anywhere and everywhere through this beastly country and forced every one to help me.
human
That's delightfully intelligible, she cried, laughing.
gpt
Are you going to keep this up much longer, or tell me things?
human
I'm going to tell you everything; but that silly ass trick of mine has knocked me. I'll smoke a cigarette. You don't mind?
gpt
Providing you don't put the end in another pocket, she quizzed.
human
I thought it was agreed we were not to take things too seriously,
gpt
I've learnt my lesson. I had indeed. It had cost me the best safe conduct a man could have wished for, and if any unexpected trouble arose, there was now no possibility of undoing the mischief. As the guard passed along the corridor a little later, I decided to report the loss at once, and beckoned to him.
human
I've had an unfortunate accident, I said.
gpt
I'm travelling on special State business and have burnt this very important paper;
human
I'm afraid I can't be of much help, sir.
gpt
It is my authority signed by Count von Gratzen; you can just make out a part of the official seal; and you will have seen that Herr von Welten was on the platform when we left Berlin.
human
Yes, sir. He gave me orders to reserve this compartment for you, but----
gpt
You can't do anything, I know; but I wish you to make a note that I told you of the loss. That's all.
human
Would you telegraph to his Excellency, sir?
gpt
Where's the first stop?
human
Not till Hanover, sir; but as it is State business and so important, I could stop at the next station for you to send a message, and you would have a reply wired to Hanover, or Osnabr𡡷k, if you are going so far.
gpt
A good idea, guard. I'm much obliged to you. I'll think about it; just give me a form.
human
Who on earth am I travelling with? she cried.
gpt
Do you mean that you are able to have trains stopped at your mere nod?
human
I'll tell you who you're travelling with in a moment, but let me think whether I dare send that wire.