human
Mr. Waring!
gpt
Yes, Bolton, I have found my way here.
human
I have been expecting you.
gpt
I came to you for some information.
human
Well, ask your questions: I don't know whether I can answer them.
gpt
First, where is my Cousin Florence?
human
How should I know? She wasn't likely to place herself under my protection.
gpt
She's with that boy of yours--Dodger, I believe you call him. Where is he?
human
Run away,
gpt
Do you mean that you don't know where he is?
human
Yes, I do mean that. I haven't set my eyes on him since that night.
gpt
What do you mean by such negligence? Do you remember who he is?
human
Certainly I do.
gpt
Then why do you let him get of your reach?
human
How could I help it? Here I am tied down to this bar day and night! I'm nearly dead for want of sleep.
gpt
It would be better to close up your place for a week and look after him.
human
Couldn't do it. I should lose all my trade. People would say I was closed up.
gpt
And have you done nothing toward his recovery?
human
Yes, I have sent out two men in search of him.
gpt
Have you any idea where he is, or what he is doing?
human
Yes, he has been seen in front of the Astor House, selling papers. I have authorized my agent, if he sees him again, to follow him home, and find out where he lives.
gpt
That is good! Astor House? I may see him myself.
human
But why do you want to see him? Do you want to restore him to his rights?
gpt
Hush! said Curtis, glancing around him apprehensively.
human
What we say may be overheard and excite suspicion. One thing may be secured by finding him--the knowledge of Florence's whereabouts.
gpt
What makes you think she and the boy are together?
human
He came for her trunk. I was away from home, or I would not have let it go----
gpt
It is strange that they two are together, considering their relationship.
human
That is what I am afraid they will find out. She may tell him of the mysterious disappearance of her cousin, and he----
gpt
That reminds me, interrupted Bolton.
human
He told Hooker--Hooker was the man that saw him in front of the Astor House--that he didn't believe I was his father. He said he thought I must have stolen him when he was a young kid.
gpt
Did he say that?
human
Yes, so Hooker says.
gpt
If he has that idea in his head, he may put two and two together, and guess that he is the long-lost cousin of Florence. Tim, the boy must be got rid of.
human
If you mean what I think you do, Mr. Waring, I'm not with you. I won't consent to harm the boy.
gpt
You said that before. I don't mean anything that will shock your tender heart, Bolton, said Curtis, with a sneer.
human
I mean carried to a distance--Europe or Australia, for instance. All I want is to keep him out of New York till my uncle is dead. After that I don't care what becomes of him.
gpt
That's better. I've no objection to that. How is the old gentleman?
human
He grieved so much at first over the girl's loss, that I feared he would insist on her being recalled at once. I soothed him by telling him that he had only to remain firm, and she would come around, and yield to his wishes.
gpt
Do you think she will?
human
I intend she shall! said Curtis, significantly.
gpt
Bolton, I love the girl all the more for her obstinate refusal to wed me. I have made up my mind to marry her with her consent, or without it.
human
I thought it was only the estate you were after?
gpt
I want the estate and her with it. Mark my words, Bolton, I will have both!
human
You will have the estate, no doubt; Mr. Linden has made his will in your favor, has he not?
gpt
Hark you, Bolton, there is a mystery I cannot fathom. My uncle made two wills. In the earlier, he left the estate to Florence and myself, if we married; otherwise, to me alone.
human
That is satisfactory.
gpt
Yes, but there was another, in which the estate goes to the son, if living. That will has disappeared.
human
Is it possible? asked Bolton, in astonishment.
gpt
When was it missed?
human
On the night of the burglary.
gpt
Then you think----
human
That the boy, Dodger, has it. Good Heavens! if he only knew that by this will the estate goes to him!
gpt
You are sure he did not give you the will?
human
I have not seen him since the night of the robbery.
gpt
If he has read the will, it may lead to dangerous suspicions.
human
He would give it to your cousin, Florence, would he not?
gpt
Perhaps so. Bolton, you must get the boy back, and take the will from him, if you can.
human
I will do my best; but you must remember that Dodger is no longer a small kid. He is a boy of eighteen, strong and well grown. He wouldn't be easy to manage. Besides, as long as he doesn't know that he has any interest in the will, his holding it won't do any harm. Is the old gentleman likely to live long?
gpt
I don't know. I sometimes hope---- Pshaw! why should I play the hypocrite when speaking to you? Surely it is no sin to wish him better off, since he can't enjoy life!
human
He might if Florence and his son were restored to him.
gpt
What do you mean, Bolton?
human
What could I mean? It merely occurred to me, said Bolton, innocently.
gpt
You say he is quiet, thinkin' the girl will come around?
human
Yes.
gpt
Suppose time passes, and she doesn't? Won't he try to find her? As she is in the city, that won't be hard.
human
I shall represent that she has left the city.
gpt
For any particular point?
human
No, that is not necessary.
gpt
And then?
human
If he worries himself into the grave, so much the better for me.
gpt
There is no halfway about you, Mr. Curtis Waring.
human
Why should there be? Listen, Bolton; I have set my all on this cast. I am now thirty-six, and still I am dependent upon my uncle's bounty. I am in debt, and some of my creditors are disposed to trouble me. My uncle is worth--I don't know how much, but I think half a million. What does he get out of it? Food and clothes, but not happiness. If it were mine, all the avenues of enjoyment would be open to me. That estate I must have.
gpt
Suppose you get it, what is there for me?
human
I will see that you are recompensed if you help me to it.
gpt
Will you put that in writing?
human
Do you take me for a fool? To put it in writing would be to place me in your power! You can trust me.
gpt
Well, perhaps so,
human
At any rate you will have to. Well, good-night. I will see you again. In the meantime try to find the boy.
gpt
What would he say, said Bolton to himself,
human
Wish me luck, Dodger!
gpt
So I do, Florence. Are you goin' to begin teachin' this mornin'?
human
Yes; and I hope to produce a favorable impression. It is very important to me to please Mrs. Leighton and my future pupil.
gpt
I'm sure you'll suit. How nice you look!