human
That man?
gpt
Yes.
human
He is a poor man out of luck, who has applied to me for assistance,
gpt
That's it, governor, said Bolton, thinking it necessary to confirm the statement.
human
I've got five small children at home almost starvin', your honor.
gpt
That is sad. What is your business, my man?
human
My business?
gpt
That is what I said.
human
I'm a blacksmith, but I'm willing to do any honest work.
gpt
That is commendable; but don't you know that it is very ill-bred to smoke a pipe in a gentleman's house?
human
Excuse me, governor!
gpt
I was just telling him the same thing, said Curtis.
human
Don't trouble yourself any further, uncle. I will inquire into the man's circumstances, and help him if I can.
gpt
Very well, Curtis. I came down because I thought I heard voices.
human
The governor's getting old, said Bolton.
gpt
When I was butler here, fifteen years ago, he looked like a young man. He didn't suspect that he had ever seen me before.
human
Nor that you had carried away his son, Bolton.
gpt
Who hired me to do it? Who put me up to the job, as far as that goes?
human
Hush! Walls have ears. Let us return to business.
gpt
That suits me.
human
Look here, Tim Bolton, said Curtis, drawing up a chair, and lowering his voice to a confidential pitch,
gpt
Of course I do.
human
Well, I don't give money for nothing.
gpt
I know that. What's wanted now?
human
You say the boy is alive?
gpt
He's very much alive.
human
Is there any necessity for his living?
gpt
You mean that you want me to murder him?
human
Why not? You don't look over scrupulous.
gpt
I am a bad man, I admit it, said Bolton, with a gesture of repugnance,
human
I didn't give you credit for so much sentiment, Bolton, said Curtis, with a sneer.
gpt
You don't look like it, but appearances are deceitful. We'll drop the subject. You can serve me in another way. Can you open this secretary?
human
Yes; that's in my line.
gpt
There is a paper in it that I want. It is my uncle's will. I have a curiosity to read it.
human
I understand. Well, I'm agreeable.
gpt
If you find any money or valuables, you are welcome to them. I only want the paper. When will you make the attempt?
human
To-morrow night. When will it be safe?
gpt
At eleven o'clock. We all retire early in this house. Can you force an entrance?
human
Yes; but it will be better for you to leave the outer door unlocked.
gpt
I have a better plan. Here is my latchkey.
human
Good! I may not do the job myself, but I will see that it is done. How shall I know the will?
gpt
It is in a big envelope, tied with a narrow tape. Probably it is inscribed: 'My will.'
human
Suppose I succeed, when shall I see you?
gpt
I will come around to your place on the Bowery. Good-night!
human
I can make that man useful! he reflected.
gpt
There is an element of danger in the boy's presence in New York; but it will go hard if I can't get rid of him! Tim Bolton is unexpectedly squeamish, but there are others to whom I can apply. With gold everything is possible. It's time matters came to a finish. My uncle's health is rapidly failing-- the doctor hints that he has heart disease--and the fortune for which I have been waiting so long will soon be mine, if I work my cards right. I can't afford to make any mistakes now.