human
What's all this row about?
gpt
That is what I hope you will be able to explain to Mr. Sparling's satisfaction, replied Phil.
human
However, wait till we get to his cabin.
gpt
Perhaps we had better close that window this time, sir.
human
Yes.
gpt
Sit down!
human
Now, sir, what does this mean?
gpt
What does what mean? I never was any good at guessing riddles.
human
What do you mean by eavesdropping at my cabin window?
gpt
Oh, was that your window?
human
It was and it is. And unless you can offer a satisfactory explanation, something will have to be done. That is one of the things that I shall not tolerate. I can scarcely believe you guilty of such a disgraceful act. Unfortunately, you have admitted it.
gpt
Admitted what?
human
That you were listening at my window.
gpt
I never said anything of the sort.
human
No, not in so many words; but when I asked you what you meant by doing so, you answered, 'Oh, was that your window?'
gpt
Certainly I said it.
human
Then will you kindly explain why?
gpt
I wasn't listening at your window. I wasn't within half a block--half a boat, I mean--of it. What do you think I am?
human
Well, Teddy, for a minute I thought you had been guilty of an inexcusable act but upon second thought I begin to understand that it is impossible. There is some misunderstanding here.
gpt
While Phil and myself were holding a confidential conversation here, someone was listening to us under that window. All at once the blind fell with a crash--
human
And so did the other fellow,
gpt
Phil looked out quickly. He thought he saw someone dodging into the entrance aft, and at the same time he was sure someone was doing the same thing forward.
human
I was the fellow who dodged in the forward entrance. Then you fellows started a sprinting match with me.
gpt
Why did you run?
human
Oh, I suppose I might as well tell you all about it.
gpt
Yes, if we are to make any headway it will be best to let you tell your story in your own way,
human
I was halfway between here and the pilot house, sitting down on the deck, leaning against the side of the deck-house. I had just gone to sleep, at least I think I had, when I woke up suddenly. I saw somebody down this way peeping in at a window. I became curious. I wondered if he was the fellow who stole my egg, so I got up to investigate. Just then he saw me.
gpt
Well, what happened?
human
He was standing on a box. The box tipped over or he jumped off, I don't know which. I thought he was chasing me, and I ran.
gpt
Afraid, eh?
human
No, I wasn't afraid. I just ran because I needed the exercise; that's all. Do you think he really had my egg?
gpt
Who was the man, Teddy?
human
How do I know?
gpt
You saw him. Could you not--did you not recognize him?
human
No, it was too dark. I didn't wait long after I first discovered him, you know. I thought maybe it was that fellow Cummings, laying for me. I wish January had finished him while he had the chance.
gpt
You noticed nothing familiar about him?
human
Yes, I did.
gpt
What?
human
He looked like some kind of a man,
gpt
Oh, fudge!
human
You say he was standing on a box?
gpt
Something of the sort.