human
I was very rude, she said,
gpt
I do not need to understand, he answered gallantly.
human
It is enough that you say so.
gpt
No, it is not enough. I value your friendship, Mr. Westcott, and I need your advice. I find myself confronting a very complicated case under unfamiliar conditions. I hardly know what to do.
human
You may feel confidence in me.
gpt
Oh, I do; indeed, you cannot realise how thoroughly I trust you, and impulsively she touched his hand with her own.
human
That is why I wrote you to meet me here--so I could tell you the whole story.
gpt
I received my letter this morning--the letter I told you I expected, containing my instructions. They--they relate to this man Ned Beaton and the woman he expects on this train.
human
Your instructions? he echoed doubtfully.
gpt
You mean you have been sent after these people on some criminal matter? You are a detective?
human
No; not that. Listen: I am a newspaperwoman, a special writer on the New York _Star_. She paused, her cheeks flushing with nervousness.
gpt
It--it was very strange that I met you first of all, for--for it seems that the case is of personal interest to you.
human
To me! Why, that is hardly likely, if it originated in New York.
gpt
It did --she drew in a sharp breath--
human
The murder of Cavendish! He has been killed?
gpt
Yes; at least that is what every one believes, except possibly one man--his former valet. His body was found lying dead on the floor of his private apartment, the door of his safe open, the money and papers missing. The coroner's jury brought in a verdict of murder on these facts.
human
And the murderer?
gpt
Left no clue; it was believed to be the work of a burglar.
human
But when was this?
gpt
The same day he should have received my telegram, he said gravely.
human
That's why the poor fellow never answered. He turned to her suddenly.
gpt
But what became of my others, he asked,
human
That is exactly what I want to learn. They must have been delivered to his cousin, John Cavendish. I'll tell you all I know, and then perhaps, between us, we may be able to figure it out.