human
Don't misunderstand. I say that I think she cares for you; it is merely surmise on my part. Lucie is one person for whom I'd do anything. I stand and have stood in the place of a parent to her. She is very dear to me. I have a special reason for intruding on your personal affairs in this manner, and some right to ask you in regard to your intentions.
gpt
I don't recognize any right whatever on your part,
human
Ah! Then you are in love. Well, youth must be served!
gpt
I'd like to know one thing, struck in Gramont.
human
That is, why you were so cursed anxious to get something on my man Hammond! And why you held the Midnight Masquer affair over me as a threat. Did you suspect my business?
gpt
That, he responded,
human
Ah! exclaimed Gramont.
gpt
Gumberts saw Hammond years ago, when he was escaping from the law--and to think he remembered! Hammond told me about it.
human
That's why I wanted you and Hammond in my gang, said Fell.
gpt
I thought it would be very well to get you into the organization for my own purposes.
human
Thanks, answered Gramont, drily.
gpt
I got in, didn't I?
human
Good evening, stockholders! she exclaimed.
gpt
Do you know there's a crowd down in the street--policemen and automobiles and a lot of excitement?
human
Allow me, said Gramont, taking her coat and placing a chair for her.
gpt
Oh, yes, we've had quite a strenuous evening, Miss Ledanois.
human
Your hand! Why, what has happened?
gpt
One of Mr. Fell's friends tried to shoot me. Will you sit down, please? You remember that I warned you regarding a shock that would come; and now I must explain. Gramont gravely handed her his commission from the governor, and resumed his seat.
human
When I say that I have come here, not to attend a meeting of our oil company, but to arrest Mr. Fell, you will understand. I am very sorry, Lucie, to have to tell you all this, for I know your attachment to him.
gpt
Arrest--you, Uncle Jachin? The girl glanced from the paper to Fell, who nodded.
human
And you, Henry--a special officer of the governor's? Why--this isn't a joke of some kind?
gpt
None whatever, my dear, said Fell, quietly.
human
Mr. Gramont is to be congratulated. He has discovered that I was the head of a large organization of criminals. He has there, under the table, a sack of mail which proves that my organization was conducting a lottery throughout several states; we are now expecting the arrival of Federal agents, to whom Gramont intends to turn me over as a prisoner.
gpt
Oh! The girl stared at him, wide-eyed. Her voice broke.
human
It--it can't be true----
gpt
It is quite true, my dear, and Jachin Fell smiled.
human
But don't let it distress you in the least, I beg. Here, if I mistake not, are your Department of Justice friends, Gramont.
gpt
Here they are, sir--the chief agent and a deputy. Shall I let them in?
human
Do you gentlemen know this man?
gpt
Yes, said one of them, regarding him keenly.
human
Who sent for us?