human
Then, said the doctor,
gpt
I will fetch a volume of the Testament. But before going any further, tell me if you know any man who would answer to this description--Medium height, iron-grey moustache, possibly a grey beard, but I doubt it; age about sixty; peculiarly courteous and old-fashioned as to speech; an abhorrer of tobacco in any form.
human
That is the Squire--do you know him?
gpt
Ah!
human
Then you know my father?
gpt
That I cannot say, responded Meadows,
human
You astonish me by confessing to a former acquaintance with Squire Carrington. Were you not on the point of taking your oath that you knew nothing about my father?
gpt
No, I was not going so far as that, I am only prepared to swear that I have had no hand in these attempts on your father's life, for I will tell frankly that I was almost confident I had met your father long before you told me that I was right in my description of his appearance. Life is indeed strange. A moment ago you were doubting my word--you may feel inclined to do so now, little thinking that probably I alone could throw any light on the mystery. You know this, for I think you have already told me as much, that Ma--Squire Carrington is keeping some deep secret from the world--even from you, his son. What if I, and I alone, am able to reveal that secret?
human
You speak in riddles, replied Laurence.
gpt
You appear to know my father, yet last time we referred to the subject you told me deliberately that you had not 'the pleasure of his acquaintance.' What am I to believe? Now you deny all connection with these murderous attacks on his life, and yet you profess to be in a position to reveal the cause of them, and to throw light upon the Squire's well-guarded secret.
human
As I have said, explained Doctor Meadows,
gpt
Very little, replied Laurence;
human
Ah, murmured Meadows,