human
How am I to know you are telling the truth?
gpt
For one reason, because I don't lie, replied Hal.
human
Besides, if you doubt me, sir, it would be well to be on the safe side, anyhow. It can do no harm to take the necessary precautions.
gpt
What you say is true,
human
A wire to General Ferrari might tell you we are to be relied upon, continued Hal.
gpt
We were so fortunate as to be of some slight service to him recently.
human
It is best to be on the safe side, he said.
gpt
I shall take the necessary precautions, meanwhile wiring to General Ferrari, as you suggest. In the meantime, I fear I shall have to detain you, at least, until I receive a reply to my wire.
human
But, sir, Hal protested,
gpt
I would like to go back and find my friend.
human
I cannot permit that, was the reply.
gpt
How do I know that you are not spies yourselves and have concocted this story for some reason of your own--a reason that precautions I might take against the plot you have outlined might throw my troops into more serious difficulties? No, I shall keep you under guard. That is final.
human
This is an outrage, sir, he exploded.
gpt
I repeat, this is an outrage. Here we are, three of us, who have gone out of our way, to do the Italian army a service, and the best we get is trouble, fights and insults. I--
human
I trust that you are telling the truth, he said turning to Hal, and ignoring Uncle John.
gpt
But I must make sure. You say you are a soldier. You can appreciate my position.
human
I think you are a lot of savages, he declared.
gpt
I wish the Austrians would blow up your whole army and drop bombs on every spot in the country. I'd help 'em do it if I had a good chance. I wouldn't turn my hand over to help you again.
human
That's enough, Uncle John, he remonstrated.
gpt
You'll get us in worse trouble than ever if you are not careful.
human
Worse? exclaimed Uncle John.
gpt
What can be worse than being in the same room with a bunch like this? I--
human
Enough! he said sharply.
gpt
I am convinced you have come here for no good. I shall send the wire I promised, but I am confident of the reply I shall receive. Orderly!
human
Keep these fellows safe,
gpt
At least, sir, you will still take the precautions,
human
Yes, he said finally,
gpt
I wonder what they have done with Chester?
human
Whatever they have done will not be a circumstance to what they will do when Robard's plot fails, replied Hal.
gpt
That's why I was anxious not to antagonize the general. If the wire goes through we will possibly be in time to save him, if not--
human
You mean--
gpt
I don't know just what I mean, replied Hal.
human
I'm afraid. That's all.