human
You were perfectly right. I happened to be coming here, upon this very unpleasant and tragic errand, at the summons of Miss Maud Duggan----
gpt
She did. We had a prearranged signal--she'll probably tell you all about it --he smiled at her sad young face, a hint of tenderness in his own.
human
You see, we happen to be friends _through_ friends, if you can follow what I mean. Miss Duggan's school-mate and chum chances to be the lady who has done me the honour to promise to become my wife, and of course it was naturally a firm link between us.
gpt
Maud's school-friend? The Captain's voice was incredulous.
human
And you? A--a policeman! Damned funny!
gpt
As you say--_very_ funny, returned Cleek, with an ironical bow.
human
But I must beg of you, my good Captain, to curb your language a little before the ladies. It's not done, you know, in the best society--even a mere policeman knows that. And as all this is entirely beyond the point I'm aiming at, let's get down to brass tacks at once. What I want to know is--what were you doing here last night, when the crime had only just been committed? And why did I encounter you, running from the direction of the house as fast as your feet could carry you? That's what I want to know.