human
You? asked Joe.
gpt
I never thought of you. But why not? Why not, I say? Why not you as well as anybody else?
human
Nobody but me, Mr. Joseph, knows what the business is, and how it might be improved; and I could make arrangements for paying by regular instalments.
gpt
Well, we'll talk about it when the time comes. I won't forget. Sailors, you know, can't be expected to understand the value of shops. Say, James, what does the commodore do all day?
human
Sits in there and adds up his investments.
gpt
Always doing that--eh? Always adding 'em up? Ah, and you've never got a chance of looking over his shoulder, I suppose?
human
Never.
gpt
You may find that chance, one of these days. I should like to know, if only for curiosity, what they are and where they are. He sits in there and adds 'em up. Yes--I've seen him at it. There must be thousands by this time.
human
Thousands,
gpt
Where are the keys?
human
Always in his pocket or on the table before him. He don't leave them about.
gpt
Or you'd ha' known pretty sharp all there is to know--eh, my lad? Well, you're a foxy one, you are, if ever there was one. Let's be pals, you and me. When the old man goes, you want the shop--well, I don't see why you shouldn't have the shop. Somebody must have the shop; and it will be mine to do what I please with. As for his savings, he says they are all for Iris--well, wills have been set aside before this. Do you think now, seriously, do you think, James that the old man is quite right--eh? Don't answer in a hurry. Do you think, now, that he is quite right in his chump?
human
He's right enough, though he throws away his chances.
gpt
Throws away his chances. How the deuce can he be all right then? Did you ever hear of a bookseller in his right mind throwing away his chances?
human
Why--no--for that matter--
gpt
Very well, then; for that matter, don't forget that you've seen him throw away all his chances--all his chances, you said. You are ready to swear to that. Most important evidence, that, James. James had not said
human
but he grunted, and the other man went on:
gpt
It may come in useful, this recollection. Keep your eyes wide-open, my red haired pirate. As for the moldy old shop, you may consider it as good as your own. Why, I suppose you'll get somebody else to handle the paste-brush and the scissors, and tie up the parcels, and water the shop--eh? You'll be too proud to do that for yourself, you will.
human
All your own--eh? Well, you'll wake 'em up a bit, won't you?
gpt
Go on, Mr. Joseph, he said;
human
Consider the job as settled, then. As for terms they shall be easy; I'm not a hard man. And--I say, Foxy, about that safe?
gpt
About that safe. You must find out for me where the old man has put his money, and what it is worth. Do you hear? Or else--
human
How can I find out? He won't tell me any more than you.
gpt
Or else you must put me in the way of finding out. Mr. Joseph lowered his voice to a whisper.
human
He keeps the keys on the table before him. When a customer takes him out here, he leaves the keys behind him. Do you know the key of the safe?
gpt
Yes, I know it.
human
What is to prevent a clever, quick-eyed fellow like you, mate, stepping in with a bit of wax--eh? While he is talking, you know. You could rush it in a moment.
gpt
It's--it's dangerous, Mr. Joseph.
human
So it is--rather dangerous--not much. What of that?
gpt
I would do anything I could to be of service to you, Mr. Joseph; but that's not honest, and it's dangerous.
human
Dangerous! There's danger in the briny deep and shipwreck on the blast, if you come to danger. Do we, therefore, jolly mariners afloat ever think of that? Never. As to honesty, don't make a man sick.
gpt
Look here, Mr. Joseph. If you'll give me a promise in writing, that I'm to have the shop, as soon as you get it, at a fair valuation and easy terms--say ten per cent down, and--
human
Stow it, mate; write what you like, and I'll sign it. Now about that key?
gpt
Supposing you was to get a duplicate key, and supposing you was to get into trouble about it, Mr. Joseph, should you--should you--I only put it to you--should you up and round upon the man as got you that key?
human
Foxy, you are as suspicious as a Chinaman. Well, then, do it this way. Send it me in a letter, and then who is to know where the letter came from?
gpt
Then I think I can do the job, though not, perhaps, your way. But I think I can do it. I won't promise for a day or two.
human
There you spoke like an honest pal and a friendly shipmate. Dangerous! Of course it is. When the roaring winds do blow--Hands upon it, brother. Foxy, you've never done a better day's work. You are too crafty for any sailor--you are, indeed. Here, just for a little key--
gpt
Hush, Mr. Joseph! Oh, pray--pray don't talk so loud! You don't know who may be listening. There's Mr. Lala Roy. You never hear him coming.
human
Just for a trifle of a key, you are going to get possession of the best book-shop in all Chelsea. Well, keep your eyes skinned and the wax ready, will you? And now, James, I'll be off.
gpt
Oh, I say, Mr. Joseph, wait a moment! James was beginning to realize what he had promised.
human
If anything dreadful should come of this? I don't know what is in the safe. There may be money as well as papers.
gpt
James, do you think I would steal? Do you mean to insinuate that I am a thief, sir? Do you dare to suspect that I would take money?
human
I shall open the safe, take out the papers, read them, and put them back just as I found them. Will that do for you?
gpt
Has any one been?
human
Only Mr. Joseph.
gpt
What might Mr. Joseph want?
human
Nothing at all.
gpt
Then, said his grandfather,
human
Mr. Joseph might just as well have kept away.