human
You're mad! he ejaculated at last.
gpt
How can this declaration of your intentions to defeat the ends of justice interest me? I'm not governor of the gaol.
human
No. But you, M'sieur de Largentiere, are Governor-General of Algeria, and in your hands lies the supreme power--the power of life and death.
gpt
Supreme power for what?
human
To effect her escape.
gpt
To connive at the liberty of a person who admits crimes that have from time to time startled the world! Bah! For months, nay, years, our troops have been hunting this band of freebooters, and now at last, when the leaders are in our hands, it is very likely, indeed, that I, of all men, should sign an order for her release!
human
I do not desire you to commit yourself in the eyes of your Government and the public by appending your signature to such a document. Might she not escape--vanish from Algiers, suddenly--eh?
gpt
Absurd! he cried impetuously, with flashing eyes.
human
I must really request you to end this interview. If you have any complaint of your treatment while in Algeria, you had better lodge information with your consul. He will deal with it. I have neither desire nor intention of being bothered over your love-affairs. You request the release of the leader of a robber band. _Ma foi_! you will next try to bribe me with some of the stolen booty!
gpt
I shall not bribe you, m'sieur, I answered defiantly, with suppressed anger, advancing to the table and bending towards him.
human
But you will, nevertheless, arrange that Zoraida will obtain her freedom--to-night.
gpt
You must be an imbecile! he cried. Then, with a sarcastic laugh, he asked,
human
And how much, pray, do you offer me as a _douceur_?
gpt
I offer you, I said plainly and distinctly.
human
I offer you, M'sieur de Largentiere, _your own liberty_!
gpt
My own liberty! he gasped, starting in alarm.
human
My own liberty? I do not understand.
gpt
Ah, no! I exclaimed, with a short, harsh laugh.
human
You do not know me. We are strangers.
gpt
I--I was not aware that I was in your custody, m'sieur,
human
No, I answered, with a coolness that surprised even myself.
gpt
But your life is!
human
You--you come here--to--to demand this woman's liberty under threats of assassination!
gpt
I have a revolver here, it's true, I replied.
human
But I have no intention of committing murder, even though the life of my _fiancee_ is at stake.
gpt
You--you threaten me!--you come here, and--
human
Henri, dear! a voice called in English.
gpt
Why, here you are! I thought you had dressed long ago. Already some of the guests have arrived!