human
One moment, said he to Mr Merrett;
gpt
What brought you here so early as a quarter to nine, Hawkesbury?
human
I came to do some work,
gpt
What work?
human
I had several things to catch up.
gpt
What? Invoices, or letters, or accounts, or what?
human
I had the petty-cash to balance.
gpt
That is supposed to be done every day, is it not?
human
Yes; but I had got rather behind.
gpt
How many days behind?
human
Really I can't quite say, said Hawkesbury, who did not seem used to being driven into a corner.
gpt
My journey North threw me out of it.
human
Then you have not balanced the petty-cash since before you went North, nearly three weeks ago? Am I to understand that?
gpt
Yes,
human
Is this the first morning you have come here early?
gpt
No. I have been once or twice.
human
This is the only time you found Batchelor here?
gpt
No; about a fortnight ago he was here with Smith. I found them both in this room.
human
What were they doing?
gpt
They were writing something at the table. They were in a great rage with me when I came in.
human
Was the safe open at the time?
gpt
Yes, he said;
human
And did you mention this to anybody?
gpt
No.
human
And why, pray?
gpt
I--I--hoped I might be mistaken, said he, uncomfortably.
human
In fact, I meant to mention the affair, but--but I forgot.
gpt
Oh,
human
I hope you don't doubt my word,
gpt
What we desire, said Mr Merrett,
human
A cheque for eight pounds has been missed, continued Mr Merrett,
gpt
No, sir,
human
Do you?
gpt
I never expected to be asked such a question, Mr Barnacle. I know nothing about it.
human
Did you fetch a policeman, Hawkesbury?
gpt
No; I was just going when you called me in here.
human
Is Doubleday in?
gpt
No, sir.
human
As soon as he comes in, tell him he is wanted.
gpt
You two had better go to your work for the present, said Mr Barnacle;
human
Do,