human
Say, Harry, old man, I pity you, he said, with a taunting laugh, looking at Harry.
gpt
I've tried it. It's no use. You'll break over before two days are up--yes, before one day is up. It's no use.
human
Why, you are dying for a whiff now! chuckled Ditson.
gpt
I know you are. I got along a whole day, but it was a day of the most intense torture.
human
There may be others with more stamina than you, Ditson, snapped Rattleton.
gpt
Just because you couldn't leave off a bad habit, it's no sign that nobody can.
human
Oh, I suppose not. But what's the use? Don't get hot, old man. You ought to know my way by this time.
gpt
I do.
human
What is it that you came to tell me?
gpt
Eh? Oh, about the sophs. Those fellows seem to know more about our crew than I do.
human
What do they know?
gpt
Why, they know our men are using English oars, have adopted a new stroke, and have done several other things. Now, those are matters on which I was not informed myself.
human
How do you know the sophs know so much?
gpt
I've just come from Morey's. Went in there with Cressy. Fine fellow, he is. While I was in there Browning and his crowd wandered in. They were drinking ale and discussing the race. I heard what they were saying. Couldn't help hearing, you know. They were talking about our crew and the new methods you had introduced. It was mighty interesting to me, as I didn't know about those new methods myself.
human
How innocent!
gpt
What's that? he demanded.
human
Why shouldn't I be innocent? I am not on the crew, and the men are training and practicing secretly. I have had no way of finding out what they were doing.
gpt
But some sneak has! cried Rattleton, fiercely,
human
Unless somebody on the crew has done the blowing, suggested Roll, exhaling a great puff of smoke.
gpt
That is barely possible, you understand.
human
Possible! No! cried Frank.
gpt
There's not a man on the crew who would do such a thing!
human
Oh, well, I suppose you know. But I understand there are two who are kept in form as substitutes. One of them thinks he should be on the crew. He is rather jealous of somebody who fills his place. He might be the one who has talked too much.
gpt
You don't mean--
human
Rattleton ought to be able to guess who I mean, craftily said Ditson as he arose.
gpt
I'm not calling names, for I don't know anything certain. If I had proof--but I haven't. Never mind. You ought to know enough to watch a certain fellow who thinks his place is filled by a person not his equal. He says there is favoritism in the matter. I rather think I have spoken plainly enough. Wish you success, Merry, old man. Evening, fellows.
human
Well?
gpt
I dunno, mumbled Dismal, falling into the manner of speaking that had been habitual with him from his childhood.
human
I dunno--hanged if I do!
gpt
You thought you knew when you came in, my boy.
human
That's right; but I dunno but I was off my trolley. And still--
gpt
Still what?
human
I don't like the man I suspected, but I never thought the fellow shrewd enough to play a double game.
gpt
Perhaps it is because you do not like him that you suspected him.
human
Oh, it may be--it may be. And I don't suppose that is a square deal. I didn't have absolute proof.
gpt
You were going to name him when Ditson came in.
human
I was, but I will not call any names now. I propose to look into this matter somewhat. Likely it's too late to prevent the traitor from completing the damage, but he can be exposed. It will be some satisfaction to see him held up to public scorn.
gpt
That is true, Dismal, and I want you to do your best to find out who the man is. Make a sure thing of it. Get positive proof, if possible.
human
Whoever he is his sin is sure to find him out.