human
I am not a fool, he said, speaking at last.
gpt
I was never yet fool enough to tackle a forlorn hope. Therefore, even if I had come into this room armed to the teeth to offer you violence, I should not dream of competing against those double-barrels. But as I came empty-handed, and in peace, I, for my part, can say all I have to say comfortably into their muzzles--they can make no difference to me, unless you press too hard on those triggers in your anxiety; and if you did, perhaps it would be the best turn you or any man could do me! At the same time you are treating me like a dog. The only words that have left my lips were as submissive as any victor need want; I turned my back on you without the smallest suspicion, yet turn round again to find you pointing a gun at me!
human
You call that bad treatment! Edmonstone sneered.
gpt
You forget, perhaps, that you have no business to be loose in the world; you forget that I found you out and shielded you, wrongly enough, on certain terms, which you have broken! Well, I am reminding you; but I am not likely to give you a second chance of playing me false. That is why I keep the sight of my gun in a line with your stud--so; that is why, if you come a step nearer, I won't answer for consequences.
human
Considering, said Miles,
gpt
You remind me, said Dick,
human
It is a pity, said Miles, bitterly,
gpt
On the contrary, through saving me then you found one man in England actually ready to screen you from justice. If you had not broken faith with him that man would screen you still; but as it is--Steady! don't move! I am pressing the trigger.
human
Do you mean that you are going to betray me after all?
gpt
What else would you have me do? Give you another chance? Honestly, cried Dick, with honesty in his tone,
human
I wish that I could! But can you expect it?
gpt
Listen to me! cried Miles, in a deep faltering voice.
human
Listen to me!
gpt
I am listening.
human
The other day, then--I mean the night you found me out, you and those blood-suckers--I was on the brink of a new life! You smile--but before Heaven it is the truth! I had lived for weeks as I never lived before--among good people. Bad as I was, they influenced me, at first without my knowing it. It was a new side of life to me. I found it was the best side. I grew--well, call it happy. Then I looked back and loathed the old days. I began to map out a better life for myself. I was a new man, starting afresh. I thanked God for my escape, for it seemed like His act.
gpt
If the fellow isn't in earnest, thought Dick,
human
It was you that blotted out that new existence--just as it opened out before me! It was you that drove me from my haven! It was you that turned me adrift in a city full of foes! So much for your side of the balance between us!