human
If you were content, Captain Bannister, I inquired,
gpt
Aha! Mr. Bundercombe exclaimed.
human
Put his finger on the crux of the whole affair straight off! Smart young fellow, my son-in-law that is to be! Now, then, Captain Bannister and Mr. Cheape, speak up like men and let us know the truth. You let me walk out of that flat, Captain Bannister, and were jolly glad to see the back of me. Why this visit with a legal adviser, and both of you with faces as long as fiddles?
gpt
Mr. Bundercombe, he said,
human
Captain Bannister continued, with emphasis,
gpt
Mr. Bundercombe enjoys a recognized position in society, and that he is reputed to be a man of great wealth, the affair assumes an altogether different complexion.
human
Worth going for, ain't I?
gpt
I feel sure, Mr. Walmsley, Captain Bannister continued,
human
We would save time, I remarked coldly,
gpt
Not what you appear to think, sir, Captain Bannister replied stiffly.
human
We require from Mr. Bundercombe a written confession and his resignation from the Sidney Club.
gpt
The what club?
human
The Sidney Club, Captain Bannister repeated, with dignity.
gpt
The club in question may not be very large, but it is quite well known, and I had the misfortune to act as Mr. Bundercombe's sponsor there.
human
They put me up for some sort of a pothouse, he admitted,
gpt
And write a confession of your misdemeanor, sir?
human
I'll write an account of the whole affair,
gpt
I regret, he declared,
human
Much obliged to you for calling, Mr. Bundercombe said hospitably.
gpt
Drop in and have a little game of cards with me any afternoon you like. I am a bit out of practice, but I fancy I am still in your class.
human
Sir, he announced,
gpt
I have changed my mind. You have insulted me. Five minutes ago I was prepared to treat you like a gentleman. I would have accepted your resignation from the Sidney Club and your written apology. Now I have changed my mind. You have slandered me, both by imputation and directly.
human
How much?
gpt
Five thousand pounds!
human
How much more if I call you a lying, card-sharping swindler?
gpt
You have your terms, sir, he said.
human
Unless you are prepared to hand over the sum of five thousand pounds, my solicitor, Mr. Cheape here, will at once commence proceedings against you with reference to the affair in Mrs. Delaporte's flat. Remember, we have four witnesses to bring into court as to your having cheated--not including your son-in-law here, who heard your confession. For any countercharge you might be disposed to make, Captain Bannister concluded,
gpt
Got me on toast, haven't they, Paul? Mr. Bundercombe observed cheerfully.
human
Five thousand pounds is a lot of money, Captain Bannister, he added.
gpt
I'll pay your taxi fare back to wherever you came from. That's my best offer.
human
Come along, Mr. Cheape! he said.
gpt
You know my address, sir. Talk this matter over with your--with Mr. Walmsley, if you please. If we hear nothing from you on Monday morning a writ will be issued.
human
Before Monday, Mr. Bundercombe declared, in a hollow voice,