human
Major Coulthurst, he said,
gpt
I'm not sure I understand you, Esmond,
human
Well, said the younger man reflectively,
gpt
I always fancied you were a sportsman, and we had our fun. Of course, while it lasted I would cheerfully have broken the Socialist fellow's head if I could have managed it, but just now the odds seem a trifle heavy against him.
human
That's not at all the way to look at it, sir, he said.
gpt
In a case of this kind one has, if I may point it out, a duty to society.
human
And the police? said Esmond, who made a little gesture.
gpt
I really do not think I should ask the opinion of the latter as to what is incumbent on me. Still, that is scarcely the point. You want me to identify the man--and I can't do it.
human
You must have seen him close to, sir.
gpt
Have you ever had incipient concussion of the brain? You probably haven't. I believe they line your headgear with cork or cane. Well, in one respect, it's a little unfortunate, since it would have helped you to understand my position. Now, the major says the man's hair was light brown, but so far as I can remember it was red. Are you quite sure it wasn't, Coulthurst?
human
He certainly had his hat on.
gpt
A cap, sir,
human
You will notice, sergeant, how reliable he is.
gpt
The fact mentioned wouldn't prevent your seeing what kind of man he was, said the sergeant, tartly.
human
He is described as little and pale, and of a delicate appearance.
gpt
Then if the blow on my head is anything to go by, I really think my friend was mistaken, said Esmond.
human
It's my firm opinion the man was distinctly muscular.
gpt
The affair is a serious one, and we naturally look to a gentleman of your position for----
human
As I fancy I mentioned, there are matters in which it is hardly the province of the police to instruct me, he said.
gpt
I'm sorry I can't do anything more for you to-day, sergeant, but if you were to come round when my head has settled down a little I might be able to recollect the fellow's appearance rather more distinctly.
human
If we are to lay hands on him we must have a warrant at once.
gpt
Then if it depends on me I'm very much afraid you will not get it--and now, as the doctor insists on quietness, you will excuse me. Can you reach the bell, Major?
human
I'm not quite sure that I should have let the fellow off, he said.
gpt
What made you do it?
human
I really don't know, and scarcely think it matters, said Esmond languidly.
gpt
Still, you see, I fancy we went a little farther than the law would sanction, and that being so one could scarcely expect the other fellow to pay for everything. Now, if I might remind you, Miss Coulthurst was kind enough to promise to come in and talk to me.