human
What the hell does that mean? he demanded hotly.
gpt
Why did you lock the door?
human
Naturally, to keep you in here until I am through with you, returned the miner coldly.
gpt
Sit down, Lacy; we've got a few things to talk over. You left word for me at the hotel, and, being a polite man, I accepted your invitation. I supposed I would find you alone.
human
This gentleman is a friend of mine, he explained.
gpt
Whatever you care to say can be said before him.
human
I am quite well aware of that and also that he is now present so that you may use him as a witness in case anything goes wrong. This is once you have got in bad, Mr. Patrick Enright, of New York.
gpt
You--you know me?
human
By reputation only, and Westcott bowed,
gpt
I merely mention this, went on Westcott slowly,
human
As--as a witness?
gpt
Sure; there may be honour among thieves, but not Lacy's kind. He strode forward and with one hand crunched Enright back into his chair.
human
Now, listen to me, he said fiercely.
gpt
I've got only one word of advice for you: don't take any hand in this affair, except as a peacemaker, for if you do, you are going to get hurt. Now, Bill Lacy, I'm ready to talk with you. I was down in your shaft last night.
human
I ought to have thought of that, Westcott, he admitted.
gpt
Still, I don't know that I give a damn.
human
The work hadn't been left in very good shape, and I found the cross tunnel and measured it. You are within a few feet of my vein. The county surveyor ought to have been out there two hours ago.
gpt
You cur! You filed complaint? When?
human
At seven o'clock this morning. We'll fight that out in the courts. However, that isn't what I came here for at all. I came to ask you a question and one of you two are going to answer before I leave--keep your hand up, and in sight, Lacy; make another move like that and it's liable to be your last. I am not here in any playful mood, and I know your style. Lay that gun on the desk where I can see it--that's right. Now move your chair back.