human
I'm pretty close when I mean to be, said Richard.
gpt
But what is the answer?
human
As to that, Cassis replied,
gpt
I must ask you to contain your curiosity.
human
Well, it shouldn't be hard to say I don't know.
gpt
To tell the truth, said Mr. Torrington very sweetly,
human
It's all very mysterious, said Richard,
gpt
If you are nervous----
human
Nervous be damned, he retorted.
gpt
I'm not easily scared, but I'd like you to know this. I may have slipped down the ladder a bit, gentlemen, but I'm not altogether an outsider.
human
My dear fellar! and
gpt
We have already realised that, Mr. Tidd.
human
So, if there's anything shady in the transaction?
gpt
Nothing.
human
Political?
gpt
No.
human
You've stirred my curiosity, gentlemen.
gpt
To this extent we can satisfy it, he said.
human
We three are engaged upon an operation of considerable magnitude.
gpt
I guessed that much, sir. When three men like yourselves forgather one can generally look for balloons in the sky.
human
Just so. A gentleman in whom we are interested requires latitude to conduct certain important activities with freedom from observation. To provide latitude it is necessary we should persuade our opponents that the gentleman is peaceably residing at his own home.
gpt
Half a minute. You want to get Barraclough out of the country or somewhere and I'm to fill his place.
human
Am I like Barraclough?
gpt
Remarkably so.
human
Tell me, he cried.
gpt
These opponents--have they made a blockade--to prevent him getting away.
human
A most effectual blockade.
gpt
Lord, so that was it. They tried to stop me at Earl's Court Station day before yesterday. Oh, this is great, gentlemen. Come on, I'm your man.
human
You consent?
gpt
I consent all right.
human
Then if you will kindly ring the bell, said Cassis,
gpt
So I have a servant.
human
You have everything this flat contains and five thousand pounds at the end of three weeks.
gpt
Oh, what a lark,
human
I only hope it will prove so,
gpt
Was wondering where I'd sleep tonight.
human
I wonder where you will.
gpt
All right, gentlemen, you can leave it to me. I shan't let you down. If you'll excuse me I'm going to have a bath. In the event of our not meeting again you might post that cheque to care of Porters, Confectioners, 106b, Earl's Court Road--my town address. He stopped at the room door and grinned.
human
Please help yourselves to a drink or anything you fancy. My entire resources are at your disposal. Goodnight.
gpt
Well, what do you think?
human
A nice boy, Mr. Torrington returned.
gpt
Straight. I'm wondering how much he will have to go through in the next three weeks.
human
Yes, but from our point of view?
gpt
Ah, from our point of view I think we might declare a dividend. If you would lend me an arm, Lord Almont, we will speak a word of farewell to Barraclough through the wine cellar door.