human
Let us assume, Van Diest, that we are neither of us honourable men.
gpt
You don't mind if I smoke?
human
It's an admirable sedative for conscience and nerves alike. Wouldn't you prefer a cigar of Barraclough's?
gpt
Ach! it wass of this young man I wass about to speak.
human
I had almost guessed it,
gpt
It is said he iss on the road tonight--wass seen by a man who hass done some works for me.
human
Indeed! That must have surprised you very much. After cherishing the belief that he was snugly accommodated at Laurence's house.
gpt
A clever idea thiss substitute--a nice fellow too--vonderful determination.
human
Hm! Careless of you to lose him.
gpt
Mislay, my friend. I do not know thiss verb to lose.
human
So you come to me for instruction? Ah well, it's never too late to learn.
gpt
You tell your fortune, eh?
human
Dear me, no! I can wait for that to develop. A mere game of patience, nothing more.
gpt
There are times, Mr. Torrington, when action is of more value than patience.
human
I treasure your opinion, came the smiling rejoinder.
gpt
What was it you were saying? A man of yours saw Barraclough? Was that all he did?
human
Not a very smart man that.
gpt
But you've others--smarter?
human
Mus' not let ourselves be beat, y'know.
gpt
So galling isn't it?
human
I haf no experience, retorted Van Diest, and rising crossed to a canary cage in the window where, to Mr. Torrington's silent indignation, he spent quite a long while whistling and saying
gpt
Sweet sweet
human
But what if you are beaten already, Van Diest? Anthony Barraclough is on his way home presumably with the concession in his pocket.
gpt
But he hass not yet arrifed, eh? Dicky, eh? Oh, this poor little one he will miss his master. So the poor--the poor--Sweet! Sweet!
human
Present this sugar to your feathered friend with my compliments, said he.
gpt
And ask him to excuse you for a moment.
human
So you wish to talk. Proceed.
gpt
If Barraclough has the concession what have you to gain?
human
There wass millions of concessions never taken up. S'pose thiss one is lost, eh? Who will be the wiser?
gpt
I see. Dog in the Manger?
human
We lock the stable door before the horse arrife that is all.
gpt
And how far have you decided to go--all the way?
human
Accidents, you know, they will happen. These boys wass ver' reckless. With all these motors and trains life is risky, the streets too, are dangerous. You never know with these boys. He stopped as Hilbert Torrington drew the telephone toward him.
gpt
What are you going to do?
human
Ring up the Police, my friend. You will be charged with conspiracy and intent to murder.
gpt
By the time the Police arrife it will be too late, said he.
human
Put down that telephone. I wass not so easily frightened. His voice pitched up and seemed suddenly to catch fire. He rose to his feet and beat the table with both hands.
gpt
You fool, thiss wass business, business, business, the meaning, the motive of my whole life, and if you think I give way at the threat of a rope you don't know Hugo Van Diest. My heart, my whole soul, I haf invest in this enterprise and I don't leave it. I don't move one inch till I haf what I want.
human
Money?
gpt
Pounds, my friend, shillings and pence.
human
And men's lives. There was a fine scorn in the old man's tone.
gpt
Money! I hate the name of it. It turns the honour and cleanliness of men into trashy circles of metal. To business then. What chance has Barraclough of winning through?
human
Very small.
gpt
Go on!
human
If you want that thiss radium company shall be floated you would haf the better chance if----
gpt
Well?
human
You gif to us one-third interest.
gpt
And that represents his chances?
human
But you will understand of course, that there iss not a lot of time to lose.
gpt
In a word you are prepared to call off your dogs for a matter of millions.
human
So!
gpt
There are some horrible men watching the back of the flats, she cried.
human
Are they ours?
gpt
Perhaps you would like to answer this young lady?
human
And there--down there, she pointed to the street below,
gpt
What is it now?