human
Mother, said he on reaching home,
gpt
I have had some news to-day.
human
Not bad, I hope?
gpt
I leave you to judge, answered Paul, with a smile.
human
We are to have visitors next Monday evening.
gpt
Visitors, Paul? Who are they?
human
Mr. Jack Morgan and Mr. Marlowe.
gpt
Are they friends of yours? I never heard you mention them.
human
I never saw them that I know of.
gpt
Then why did you invite them here?
human
They invited themselves.
gpt
I don't understand it, Paul. If you don't know them, why should they invite themselves here?
human
Perhaps you'll understand me better, mother, when I tell you their business.
gpt
What is it?
human
They are burglars.
gpt
Burglars!
human
Yes, mother. They have found out, though I can't tell how, that there are some bonds and plate in the safe upstairs, and that is their reason for coming.
gpt
How did you find out, Paul? What a dreadful thing!
human
It will be worse for them than for us, I am thinking, said Paul.
gpt
It was a boy told me--a boy that lives with them. I'll tell you about it.
human
Oh, dear, we shall be murdered in our beds!
gpt
I thought you were braver, Jimmy, he said.
human
If I buy you a pistol, will you promise to use it?
gpt
I don't know, said Jimmy, dubiously.
human
I should be afraid to shoot a great big man. Would he have a pistol, too?
gpt
Probably.
human
Don't be afraid; I don't mean to have you sleep in the house that night.
gpt
Where can we go?
human
I think Mrs. Norton will let you stop with her that night.
gpt
And you will come, too, Paul?
human
And let the house be robbed, mother? What would Mr. Talbot think of that?
gpt
But you will be killed. What can you do against such bad men?
human
What would you recommend, mother?
gpt
You might write a letter to them, telling them you knew all about their plan and you would have them arrested if they came.
human
I don't think, mother, said Paul, laughing,
gpt
You needn't stay, Paul.
human
It is my duty, mother. We are left by Mr. Talbot in charge of the house and what it contains. Some of us ought to be here at such a time. I will take care not to get into danger.