human
I'm sorry to have kept you, my boy, but it couldn't be helped, he said as he sat down and put the temptation out of sight.
gpt
I told you in my letter that I had something important to tell you. I have, and unpleasant into the bargain. Was Count von Erstein with you last night?
human
Yes, about ten o'clock.
gpt
Did you offer him some drink?
human
Yes, and a cigar, but he refused both.
gpt
What was he doing there? Wait, I'll tell you first that he has made a charge against you that you attempted to poison him.
human
Of course I didn't. It was a joke.
gpt
It may not be altogether a laughing matter; he's a dangerous man to joke with. Would you care to tell me about it all?
human
Of course. This will explain a good deal. I put my hand in my waistcoat pocket for Rudolff's statement, and then for the first time missed the card case which Rosa had given me. The loss was of no consequence, however, as I had the fellow's confession.
gpt
Before I give it you I ought to say that I promised the man who wrote this that if he was prepared to swear to the truth of it, he should come to no harm.
human
That'll be all right,
gpt
An attempt was made on my life last night by this fellow and two others at von Erstein's instigation;
human
Ah, more clever bluff, eh? Upon my word I shall be expecting you to try it with me next,
gpt
I'll stand by you, my boy. I believe your story implicitly and I know von Erstein. But it was a bad mistake. He has a lot of influence in many directions. I hope you'll hear no more of it; but it was a bad blunder. He paused and, in a different and lighter tone and with a very peculiar look and a shadow of a smile, added:
human
It makes me almost wish you had taken advantage of my absence just now to get away with those tickets.