human
You must come with me, my boy.
gpt
Yes, monsieur.
human
You will be given a letter to deliver.
gpt
I will deliver it, monsieur.
human
You are to carry it to--but my friend probably won't want it to be delivered at once. It's a very serious matter--a duel.
gpt
Is it you who are going to fight, monsieur?
human
No; but I am to act as second, which is almost the same thing. The letter's for his father. Sapristi! this business upsets me so--it seems to me it would be much better if we could prevent this duel.
gpt
How can that be done, monsieur?
human
I haven't any idea; but come.
gpt
Hurry, hurry! he shouted to Tobie, who did not quicken his pace.
human
It has just occurred to me that you can take this letter and give it to my father, if I am killed.
gpt
Thanks; much obliged; a delightful commission that! No, indeed; give it to this fellow.
human
Now, my friend, listen carefully to what I say. If you do not see me again within two hours, you will take this letter to my father, Monsieur Vermoncey, Rue Caumartin--the address is on the envelope; but not before two hours from this time! do you understand?
gpt
Yes, monsieur.
human
Take this;--and now, Tobie, let us be off.
gpt
Carry the letter at once; then his father, knowing that he is going to fight, may succeed in preventing the duel.
human
Come on, Tobie! we have no time to waste.
gpt
Here I am; I was just fixing my suspenders.