human
Get those things for me?
gpt
They're in the dressing room, sir.
human
Let's have a look.
gpt
Good enough. Stick 'em somewhere out of sight. And while Doran obeyed he added,
human
Damn silly idea, isn't it?
gpt
I haven't heard it, sir.
human
Oh, it has its points, I suppose. See, I've got to get clear of here tonight and if--well--another scheme fails--I'm going to have a shot at it this way. At eleven forty-five you'll go out and ring up some fire engines.
gpt
Just so, sir.
human
I shall burn brown paper in that grate with the register closed. Windows open at the bottom--plenty of smoke--effect of flames produced by switching off and on the electric light. It ought to be good for a crowd of about ten thousand. Soon as the engines roll up I go out dressed as a fireman. Car at the top of St. James's Street. Coal train in a siding at Addison Road which pulls out at twelve five. Me under a tarpaulin somewhere. Whoosh! Gone!
gpt
And after that, sir?
human
Ah! said Barraclough,
gpt
Do you fancy it much yourself, sir?
human
Lord knows! The crowd ought to help. Reduces the odds in my favour a bit.
gpt
At quarter to twelve, sir?
human
Um. That'll be after the gentlemen have gone. Clear away this stuff and put out some drinks. They'll be here at ten thirty. I'm going to change into something thinner, that won't brush up under that fireman gear. Got those notes?
gpt
Here, sir.
human
Good man.