human
Can you send a message to Brisbane for me?
gpt
It is after hours; I cannot, was the reply.
human
But you were just sending one.
gpt
That was official, and the elder man passed his hand wearily along his forehead. He was very pale. The other drew the telegraph-forms towards him and wrote on one, saying as he did so:
human
My business is important; then handing over what he had written, and, smiling ironically, added:
gpt
Perhaps you will consider that official.
human
I am Roadmaster,
gpt
What is your object in coming here?
human
For you to send that message if you choose. That you may arrest me peaceably if you wish; or there are men at The Angel's Rest and a Chinaman or two here who might care for active service against Roadmaster.
gpt
Am I to understand that you give yourself up to me?
human
Yes, to you, Louis Bachelor, Justice of the Peace, to do what you will with for this night, was the reply. The soldier's hands trembled, but it was from imminent illness, not from fear or excitement. He came slowly towards the bushranger who, smiling, said as he advanced:
gpt
Yes, arrest me!
human
Proceed, Captain Louis Bachelor,
gpt
Who are you? he faintly exclaimed.
human
I know you yet I cannot quite remember.
gpt
I was Edward Golding, gentleman; I became Edward Golding, forger; I am Roadmaster, convicted of manslaughter, and bushranger.
human
You--you--that, Edward!
gpt
All that. Will you arrest me now?
human
I--cannot.
gpt
I knew you could not. Why did I come? Listen--but first, will you shelter me here to-night?
human
If it is to save you from peril, yes.
gpt
By God, sir, you're a man! But it isn't likely that I'd accept it of you, is it? You've had it rough enough, without my putting a rock in your swag that would spoil you for the rest of the tramp. You see, I've even forgotten how to talk like a gentleman. And now, sir, I want to show you, for Barbara's sake, my dirty logbook.
human
She didn't want to disgrace you, you understand, he said.
gpt
You were at Wandenong; I know that, never mind how. She'd marry you if I were out of the way. Well, I'm going to be out of the way. I'm going to leave this country, and she's to think I'm dead, you see.
human
I'm afraid that I am ill, he said;