human
What's wrong, Cram?
gpt
Read that,
human
COLONEL BRAXTON: Twice have I warned you that the attentions of your Lieutenant Waring to Madame Lascelles meant mischief. This morning, under pretence of visiting her mother, she left the house in a cab, but in half an hour was seen driving with Mr. Waring. This has been, as I have reason to know, promptly carried to Monsieur Lascelles by people whom he had employed for the purpose. I could of told you last night that Monsieur Lascelles's friend had notified Lieutenant Waring that a duel would be exacted should he be seen with Madame again, and now it will certainly come. You have seen fit to scorn my warnings hitherto, the result is on your head.
gpt
Who wrote this rot? asked Reynolds.
human
It seems to me I've seen that hand before.
gpt
So have I, and pitched the trash into the fire, as I do everything anonymous that comes my way. But Brax says that this is the second or third, and he's worried about it, and thinks there may be truth in the story.
human
As to the duel, or as to the devotions to Madame?
gpt
We-ll, both, and we thought you would be most apt to know whether a fight was on. Waring promised to return to the post at taps last night. Instead of that, he is gone,--God knows where,--and the old man, the reputed challenger, lies dead at his home. Isn't that ugly?
human
Who last saw Waring, that you know of?
gpt
My man Jeffers left him on Canal Street just after dark last night. He was then going to dine with friends at the St. Charles.
human
The Allertons?
gpt
Yes.
human
Then wait till I see the chief, and I'll go with you. Say nothing about this matter yet.
gpt
A detective,--already?
human
I was with the chief when Lieutenant Pierce came in to report the matter, was the brief response,
gpt
Why, certainly, if you wish; but I can't see why,
human
You will see, sir, in a moment.
gpt
Now what do you want of him?
human
Ask him, sir, who was the man who slipped a greenback into his hand at the ladies' entrance last evening. What did he want of him?
gpt
You need not lie, Jeffers, he said, very quietly.
human
It will do no good. I saw the men. I can tell your master who one of them was, and possibly lay my hands on the second when he is wanted; but I want you to tell and to explain what that greenback meant.
gpt
Hi meant no 'arm, sir. Hi never dreamed there was hanythink wrong. 'Twas Mr. Lascelles, sir. 'E said 'e came to thank me for 'elping 'is lady, sir. Then 'e wanted to see Mr. Warink, sir.
human
Why didn't you tell me of this before? demanded the captain, sternly.
gpt
You know what happened this morning.
human
Hi didn't want to 'ave Mr. Warink suspected, sir,