human
You want to know if I killed her?
gpt
Why, yes--though you put it roughly.
human
What matter? Well, then, she died at my hands.
gpt
When the Advocate defended you, did he know you were guilty?
human
Aye. We kept the secret to ourselves. It was cleverly worked, was it not?
gpt
And last night, continued John Vanbrugh,
human
Aye--and gave me liquor, and food, and money. Listen to it. He rattled the gold pieces in the palms of his hands.
gpt
Look you. I have answered questions enough. I answer no more for a while. It is my turn now.
human
Proceed, Gautran, said Vanbrugh;
gpt
I may satisfy you or not, according to my whim.
human
You'll satisfy me, or I'll know the reason why. There is no harm in what I am going to say. You are a stranger in these parts--there is no offence in that, is there?
gpt
None. Yes, I am a stranger in these parts. Heavens! what a flash! The storm is coming nearer.
human
All the better. You will hardly believe that I have been bothering myself about the colour of your hair. I hate red-haired men. Yours, now. Is there any offence in asking the colour of it?
gpt
None. My hair is black.
human
And your height and build, about the same as mine, said Gautran.
gpt
Let us strike a bargain. I have gold--you have none. I have taken a fancy to your clothes; I will buy them of you. Two gold pieces in exchange for them, and mine thrown in.
human
The clothes of a murderer, said Vanbrugh, slowly retreating as Gautran advanced upon him.
gpt
Thank you for nothing. Not for two hundred gold pieces, poor as I am. Keep off. Do not come so near to me.
human
Why not? You are no better than I. Three gold pieces! That should content you.
gpt
You have my answer, Gautran. Leave me, I have had enough of you.
human
You will have had more than enough before I have done with you, said Gautran, and Vanbrugh was satisfied now, from the man's brutal tones, that it was a deadly foe who stood within a few inches of him,
gpt
Not by fair means, you murderous villain. Be warned. I am on my guard.
human
If you will have it, then!