human
I'm tired, she added,
gpt
All right, he said.
human
It's only this. You were an old flame of Barraclough's?
gpt
Well?
human
How long is it since last you met?
gpt
Until last night--four years, I suppose.
human
Hm! Had he changed at all?
gpt
Changed?
human
In appearance--er--manner.
gpt
Bit more amusing perhaps--less of a prig.
human
Ah! said Smith.
gpt
Go on--anything else?
human
He seemed to have learnt how to smile.
gpt
I knew I was right, he said,
human
Yes. Sit down, for Heaven's sake. My head's aching and you irritate me walking about.
gpt
In love with him once, weren't you?
human
Once,
gpt
And you've no very good reason for wishing him well?
human
I've a very particular reason for wishing him ill.
gpt
Hm! His engagement to Miss Irish?
human
Perhaps.
gpt
How did you come to be mixed up in this affair?
human
I happened to know Mr. Hipps and heard what was going on through him. It was my idea--kidnapping Anthony. Doubt if they'd have had the nerve to think of it for themselves.
gpt
D'you think they'll get him to talk?
human
I don't think _they_ will get him to talk, she replied,
gpt
Yes?
human
But I could. He's a tough proposition among men but a woman can worm a secret out of him--at least----
gpt
Yes?
human
That used to be my impression.
gpt
Has it altered then?
human
I'm not quite so certain as I used to be. He was different last night----
gpt
Tell me, he said, very earnestly,
human
I don't know.
gpt
Try to remember.
human
Four years is a long while.
gpt
But to a woman like you.
human
I believe something struck me--they puckered at the corners a bit--rather attractively.
gpt
That's it, said Harrison Smith.
human
That's exactly it. Lord, I wish I could understand.
gpt
What's troubling you?
human
Just a crazy idea--probably it's nonsense. By the way, I've had orders from our employers to leave it alone so you'd do me a kindness by saying nothing of this visit.
gpt
All right, she replied listlessly.
human
But I don't see----
gpt
It's solid in my head that a muddle has been made--and between you and me, I'm going to sift it out.
human
I shouldn't, said Auriole.
gpt
You won't be thanked for disobeying orders.
human
Must take a chance of that, he answered.
gpt
Only learnt yesterday what it was all about and the size of the deal has got me gasping.
human
Pretty tremendous, isn't it?
gpt
Big enough to be worth taking some private trouble over. You don't imagine Barraclough would have deputed anyone else to get the concession?
human
Neither do I. But if it isn't that why does his crowd sit still and grin?
gpt
I suppose they don't know of his capture.
human
Maybe. 'Tany rate, it's what our folk believe. I have my own views.
gpt
Tell me.
human
They're a trifle too fantastic for publication yet awhile. He rose and buttoned his gloves.
gpt
There's to be a meeting at Lord Almont's flat this morning. I'm going to hang about and study character.
human
Better not be seen.
gpt
Trust me. I'll take cover in the motor show rooms on the street level and watch 'em as they come out.
human
Hm! Goodbye.
gpt
Au 'voir. You look a bit down this morning.
human
Don't feel up to much.
gpt
Those tender feelings haven't revived, have they?
human
What do you mean?
gpt
For friend Barraclough?
human
Idiot, she retorted.
gpt
As if I had any feelings.
human
He's a decent looking chap.
gpt
Oh, go away,
human
I want to speak to Lord Almont Frayne. Oh, is it? Good morning. Yes, that's right. A. B. was kidnapped last night at twelve thirty. They've taken him to Laurence's house in Totteridge. What? Yes, perfectly satisfied. One of their agents, a man named Harrison Smith, has been here a minute ago. He seems to be suspicious about something. Thinks you all seem too contented. He'll be hanging about outside your flat this morning. Yes, that's all. Oh, Lord Almont, wish you'd explain the situation to me--can't understand it at all. Wouldn't make any difference. No, but what was to be gained by letting Anthony Barraclough be kidnapped? If you won't say it doesn't matter but it seems stupid not to trust one's own side. Oh, Mr. Cassis. I doubt if he'd trust himself. 'Bye!
gpt
Yours for keeps, Tony.