human
If I could get out of the job, I would, he almost groaned.
gpt
But they'd put another man on, and that would be worse for Jenny. Everyone heard of 'Three-Fingered Jenny' at the time of the gang's getaway. The only thing I can do is to keep her out of the business at any cost, and go along on other lines. I'll call you up again, Nella, if I get anything on my _own_, about Jenny.
human
Who, pray, are Nella and Jenny, Mr. Teano?
gpt
I--thought I'd locked the door,
human
It's a good thing you didn't, I said.
gpt
I've heard enough to guess you came on some clue you didn't expect. That's why you forgot to lock the door, before you called up 'Nella.'
human
Nella's my sister, Teano blurted out.
gpt
She's employed in the Priscilla Alden, the hotel where only ladies stay. She's the telephone girl on the thirteenth floor.
human
Thanks for the explanation, I replied with more coolness than I felt.
gpt
As for 'Jenny'--well, before I ask more questions I'll tell you what I think. 'Jenny' is the woman for whose sake you took up your profession. You'd lost, and wanted to find her. Now, you have found her--or rather, her fingerprints--unmistakable, because they happen to be those of her left hand. Rather than get her into trouble, you'd sacrifice my interests.
human
I don't want to hurt a woman; yet you see I know so much I can carry on this case without you. Suppose we work together? I'll begin by laying my cards on the table. I can save you the trouble of a search if I choose. I know where 'Jenny' is, and can take you to her.
gpt
You--you're bluffing!
human
I swear I'm not. Luckily you're a _private_ detective. The police needn't get an inkling of this case, unless you fail me, and I turn to them. All I want is to find out who instigated the affair of night before last. Who carried it out isn't so important to me, though it may be to you. And by the by, has 'Jenny' any personal interest in a little boy of four or five who is dumb?
gpt
My God!
human
Don't you think I can be as useful to you as you can to me? I insinuated.
gpt
Why not be frank about 'Jenny'? I promise to hold every word in confidence. Hang up that receiver. You'd better sit down or you'll fall! Now, let's have this out.
human
Probably, I reflected,
gpt
I'd have done the same in his place.