human
So you are Cicero Gramp? began Alan.
gpt
I have seen you----
human
At Bournemouth, interrupted the professor of elocution and eloquence.
gpt
True, I was there for the benefit of my health.
human
And to blackmail Miss Marlow.
gpt
Blackmail--a painful word, Mr. Thorold.
human
How do you know my name?
gpt
It is part of my business to know all names, was the answer--
human
And made yourself scarce?
gpt
I did, admitted Cicero frankly.
human
I departed as soon as you were out of sight, knowing that my letter would be delivered, and that you might call in the police.
gpt
Ah, a guilty conscience!
human
Far from it. Cicero flung open his dressing-gown and struck his chest.
gpt
Here purity and innocence and peace are enthroned. I did not wish to be taken by the minions of the law, lest they should wrest from me for nothing what I should prefer to sell for a few pounds. Besides, I wished to see you in my own house. A poor establishment, said Mr. Gramp, looking round the meager room,
human
Come, Mr. Gramp, said Alan diplomatically,
gpt
About the hundred pounds?
human
I'll pay you that, more or less, when I know what your information is worth.
gpt
More or less won't do, Mr. Thorold. I want, from Miss Marlow or from you, one hundred pounds.
human
I know, and two hundred from Mrs. Warrender.
gpt
Ah! --Cicero did not move a muscle--
human
Yes, and she has come to town to see you. However, I have intercepted her, and she is waiting to see you in a place I know of. You must come with me, Mr. Gramp.
gpt
An Englishman's house is his castle, he said.
human
This is my house, my keep, my donjon. _Quod erat demonstrandum!_
gpt
Oh, confound your dictionary Latin! cried Alan impatiently.
human
You are afraid of the police?
gpt
Far from it, Mr. Thorold. I have nothing to fear from them. For one hundred pounds I lay bare my heart.
human
I'll give you fifty pounds on condition you tell me all you know. From Mrs. Warrender you won't receive a penny.
gpt
Then she shall never know where lies the body of her late lamented partner.
human
She knows that already,
gpt
Ha! --Cicero gave a dramatic start--
human
Indeed, I do nothing of the sort; I found the body myself.
gpt
Where, may I ask?
human
In the Marlow vault, in the coffin of the dead man who was carried away.
gpt
How the devil did it get there from the hut?
human
The hut--what hut?
gpt
I want my money before I tell you that, Mr. Thorold.
human
Here is fifty pounds, he said;
gpt
Aha! Cicero's eyes glittered, and his fingers longed to clutch the money. Such wealth had not been his for many a long day.
human
And the police?
gpt
I thought you did not fear them?
human
I don't, for I have done nothing to put myself in the power of the law. But I am afraid, as this body has been found, that you will have me arrested, and so I shall lose the money.
gpt
If you are innocent of the murder and the sacrilege, you won't be arrested, Gramp. And the money I will give you after we have seen Mrs. Warrender.
human
On your word of honor as a gentleman?
gpt
Yes, on my word of honor. If you can throw light on this mystery, and bring home these crimes to the person who has committed them, I am quite willing to pay you.
human
I don't know about bringing home the crimes, Mr. Thorold, said Cicero, rising,
gpt
At the Norfolk Hotel.
human
I know it. Many a glass which cheers have I drained there. _Dulce desipere in loco_. You don't know Horace, perhaps?
gpt
I suspect you don't, said Alan, annoyed by this hedge-Latin.
human
Hurry up!
gpt
Fifty pounds, Mr. Thorold.
human
After our interview with Mrs. Warrender,
gpt
Command my services,