human
OLD MOB
gpt
Do you know who I am, fellow?
human
Captain Charles Johnson, in their folio volumes of the _Lives of the Highwaymen_, published in 1719 and 1742, respectively, describe Old Mob's reply, either in his own words, or excogitated out of their own inner consciousness, according to their own ideas of probability; but these present pages are in octavo volumes and this is the twentieth century, and for one of these reasons, or both—as you please—it is really not possible to reprint the vigorous reply of Old Mob to the Duchess's request. He not only told her who she was, but also, in the sheerest unornamental language, _what_ she was, as well. Among other things:
gpt
You are maintained at the public expense. I know that all the courtiers depend upon your smiles, and that even the King is your slave. But what of all that? A gentleman-collector upon the road is a greater man, and more absolute than His Majesty is at Court. You may now say, madam, that a single highwayman has exercised his authority where Charles the Second of England has often begged a favour.
human
Touch me if you dare!
gpt
Madame, rejoined the highwayman,
human
And Old Mob thereupon gathered in two hundred pounds in gold,
gpt
or the discreet