human
The trouble with you people, he said,
gpt
But, he continued,
human
I am not here to educate you, nor to deal with you. Any further negotiations will be through my counsellors. And now I will trouble you to return me to the city. We are through with this.
gpt
Not quite through, he said;
human
I anticipated some such _verdammpt_ foolishness from you. You see this? It is a contract; a release, a transfer of all your interests in Harkness, Incorporated. It needs only your signature, and that will be supplied. No one will question it when we are done: the very ink in the stylus you carry will be duplicated. For the last time, I repeat my offer; I am patient with you. Sign this, and keep all else that you have. Refuse, and--
gpt
Yes?
human
And we will sign for you--a forgery that will never be detected. And as for you, your body will be found--a suicide! You will leave a letter: we will attend to all that. Herr Harkness will have found this misfortune unbearable.... We shall be very sad!
gpt
I am still patient, and kind, he added.
human
I give you twenty-four hours to think it over.
gpt
Herr Harkness is in your charge, were the instructions to the one who stood stiffly at attention.
human
He is not to leave this place. Is it understood?