human
My name is Staples, he said,
gpt
What is your case?
human
Wal, the facts are, replied Staples,
gpt
I've had to sue a miserable whelp in self-defence. I live in Lynnfield. It's a small place about ten miles out, and last spring I bought the good will, stock in trade, an' all of a man by the name of Hunt, who was in the meat business. He signed a paper, too, agreein' not to engage in the business in or within ten miles o' Lynnfield for a period o' five years, and a month ago he opened a shop almost 'cross the street from me and is cuttin' my prices right and left, confound him.
human
And you are bringing an action for breach of contract?
gpt
I'm a-suin' him for ten thousand dollars' damage, if that's what you mean, replied the belligerent Staples.
human
I won't get it all, but then, as your partner said, we may get more than if we sued for less. Law's a big game of bluff, I reckon.
gpt
And so you are basing your suit on this signed agreement, are you? he said;
human
But the agreement is all signed and witnessed, exclaimed Staples,
gpt
That may be, said Albert, realizing he had put his foot in it, so to speak,
human
Then why in thunder did Frye tell me I had a good case, and take my money?
gpt
That I can't say, replied Albert, foreseeing the rumpus he had started,
human
I'll stay away to-morrow, he said to himself,
gpt
Where were you yesterday?
human
I was availing myself of your express wish that I cultivate young Nason, was the answer.
gpt
We went to Beverly to see to the housing-in of his yacht for the winter.
human
And what did you say to Mr. Staples the day before, I would like to know? continued Frye in a sneering tone.
gpt
He has retained me for an action for breach of contract, and you have told him he had no grounds for suit. He came in yesterday, mad as a wet hen, and wanted his money back. Are you a fool?
human
Maybe I am, replied Albert, trying hard to keep cool,
gpt
And what has that to do with it? said Frye, with biting sarcasm.
human
I didn't hire you to tell the truth and lose me a paying client. If that is your idea of law practice you had better go back to Sandgate and hoe corn for a living. I knew very well his agreement was of no value, but that was a matter for him to find out, not for us to tell him. You have made a mess of it now, and lost me several hundred dollars in fees.
gpt
You need not say any more, he put in, when Frye had paused for breath;
human
he added, feeling himself blush,