human
You have made very good time in crossing, Randolph, remarked the lawyer calmly,
gpt
And that being the case, resumed the other, smiling still as a winner at the races might do when handed his stake ten times multiplied,
human
The only stumbling-block that I'm aware of, Randolph, said Mr. Smedley suavely,
gpt
But I am the first to appear before you, Mr. Smedley, and there were but two contestants for the property. Isn't that true?
human
You are perfectly right in one thing, Randolph, continued the lawyer.
gpt
The race was to be between you and Jack. I must say you have made very good time getting over here. But in spite of your speed, Randolph, you are showing up somewhat late. In fact, the affair is all over, and I have started proceedings looking to conveying the property to the one undoubtedly presenting the prior claim.
human
Impossible, I tell you, Smedley! he burst out.
gpt
With my own eyes I saw Jack Parmly over there at the front in France when I hurried to the port to embark on _La Bretagne_. He was not aboard that ship, I can take my oath, and another couldn't arrive in New York for days. So you have no other resource but to admit my claim to be just, and hand over what belongs to me. I demand it, sir.
human
Not so fast, Randolph, begged the lawyer.
gpt
A little more moderation. You have made some sort of miscalculation I fear.
human
What does this mystery mean?
gpt
Only that I took a notion to come home and claim that legacy left by our eccentric Uncle Joshua,
human
But I certainly saw you again and again, and heard you talk at the same time just before I left for Havre to sail!
gpt
Oh! did you? remarked Jack, mockingly.
human
Perhaps it was a dream. Perhaps I had an understudy over there. Perhaps a whole lot of things. But the one positive fact about which there isn't any doubt is that I'm here ahead of you, and you've lost out in your game, that's all.
gpt
But--it's impossible, incredible!
human
Still, you must admit that I'm Jack Parmly, and quite in the flesh, which after all is enough to settle the matter, he was calmly told.
gpt
My family here have received me as their own; and Mr. Smedley had no trouble in recognizing me. So perhaps you'd better be packing your grip again, Cousin Randolph, and returning to your secret Government duties over in France!
human
But--how could you have reached here so far ahead of me?
gpt
Please don't forget that I'm an aviator, and we fliers are able to put over all sorts of stunts these days,