human
You writ that, didn't you?
gpt
I did,
human
Well, that settles it. Come along.
gpt
But hold on, laughed Al.
human
It isn't a crime in these parts to advertise a theatrical performance, is it?
gpt
Yes, replied the deputy, without hesitation,
human
What is the matter with my advertisement?
gpt
You don't know, eh?
human
I certainly do not.
gpt
Well, of course my business here is only to serve the warrant, but I'll read the advertisement over to you.
human
Go ahead,
gpt
Please don't look at the queer old man in the third row of the orchestra.
human
Well?
gpt
Didn't you write that and cause it to be inserted in the _Bugle_?
human
I did.
gpt
That settles it, then.
human
It may settle it for you, but it doesn't for me, said the boy.
gpt
What is the matter with the ad.?
human
You know well enough what the matter is with it.
gpt
I do not. Is it a crime in this town to try to boom a show by any legitimate means?
human
No; but it is a crime to try to boom it the way you have; it is a crime here and everywhere else, as you will find out if you try the same game again in another town.
gpt
What is the matter, sir? she cried.
human
I read the advertisement, and I am sure there was nothing in it that could offend anyone.
gpt
As far as you see, miss, he said,
human
Well, what is there--what can there be--that I do not see?
gpt
You are not acquainted in this town, are you, young lady?
human
I am not.
gpt
That accounts for it, then. But this young fellow is acquainted here, and he knew just what he was doing when he wrote that advertisement.
human
Yes, I think I did, interposed Al,
gpt
But will you please tell me right now why you are here?
human
I am here in my capacity of deputy sheriff of this county, replied the official, with dignity,
gpt
Mr. Marmaduke Merry!
human
Yes. No wonder you start and turn pale at the mere mention of that name.
gpt
But I did not start or turn pale. Who is Mr. Marmaduke Merry?
human
You pretend not to know?
gpt
I pretend nothing at all; I do not know. I never heard the name of Marmaduke Merry before in my life.
human
This subterfuge will avail you nothing, said the deputy, who was becoming theatrical.
gpt
We know all.
human
All what?
gpt
I am not here to bandy words with you, young man, he said;
human
I have already spent too much time in talk.
gpt
That's what I think,
human
I'm glad we agree upon that point. Come along.
gpt
I am ready.
human
One moment, interposed Miss March.
gpt
Won't you please tell me, sir, of what crime Mr. Allston is accused?
human
I will, the deputy replied, with a look that was very evidently intended to be languishing.
gpt
I can refuse you nothing, miss. He is accused of holding one of Rockton's most respected citizens up to public ridicule; and Mr. Marmaduke Merry is the man.
human
But, interrupted Al, more bewildered than ever,
gpt
You have told me so--yes.
human
Well, I told the truth.
gpt
You will have to convince the court of that.
human
But what has my ad. to do with Mr. Merry? His name is not mentioned in it.
gpt
Ah, that is where your cunning comes in. But doesn't everyone in Rockton know that for years and years Mr. Merry has always occupied a seat in the third row of the orchestra at the first performance of a new play?
human
Oh! he exclaimed,
gpt
That is what I mean.
human
And you think I meant Mr. Merry when I referred to the 'queer old man'?
gpt
Of course I do, and so does Mr. Merry.
human
Both of you are very much mistaken.
gpt
For your own sake, I hope you will be able to prove that statement.
human
Why, I never heard of Mr. Merry until you mentioned his name.
gpt
You have said so several times since I have been here, but I do not believe you. However, I am not your judge. But if you did not mean Mr. Merry, whom did you mean?
human
Nobody at all; the old man was only a creation of my imagination.
gpt
This is a great tale, he said,
human
Come in,
gpt
A card for you, Miss March.
human
Mr. Marmaduke Merry!
gpt
Mr. Marmaduke Merry!
human
Show him up, please,
gpt
He is here!
human
I am Mr. Marmaduke Merry,