book_id
stringlengths 2
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| title
stringclasses 1
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stringclasses 1
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listlengths 1
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|---|---|---|---|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I found this on my desk just now, sir, he announced, in answer to my look of enquiry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sorry I can't tell you how it got there."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Queer affair, that attempted robbery, Mr. Lister,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Extraordinary,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I notice you people seem quite friendly with Mr. Kinlosti, he continued."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you know if it is true that he is related to the late Tsar?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have no idea, I answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All that he has told us is that he was a member of the household."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He may be a nobleman, and I dare say he is, the manager went on, a little nervously,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No doubt, I answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anyhow, he's leaving to-morrow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Prince or no prince, I am glad to hear it, was the heartfelt reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "People ought to deposit valuables like that in a bank. They're simply asking for trouble when they cart them about the country. It's a thing I've very seldom done to a client, but I told Mr. Kinlosti this evening that I should be glad for him to leave as soon as convenient."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maurice, he confided,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I thought so!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But she's letting him, Leonard groaned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What the mischief can we do? We've no hold over her. Owing to that silly bargain we made, she doesn't dream that either of us care a snap of the fingers about her, except as a little pal and a partner. It's all clear sailing for that unwholesome brute."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Leonard, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is it late? he asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am leaving to-morrow, and I am anxious to have a few minutes' more conversation with Miss Mindel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As it happens, we are leaving ourselves, I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought perhaps that Miss Mindel would like to know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What, to-morrow?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have received a message,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maurice, she whispered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Kinlosti has already been begging me to accept a seat in his car to London to-morrow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Indeed!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course, I never had any idea of leaving you two, she went on,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Damn our instructions! I muttered, losing control of myself for a moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rose, you're not falling in love with that fellow?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't be foolish, please, she answered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll call him a scoundrel if he behaves like one,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You and Leonard are both very kind in looking after me, she admitted,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're not going up to London alone with Kinlosti,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miss Mindel reminds me that you also are leaving Bath to-morrow. I have two seats in my car, one of which I have offered to Miss Mindel. If the other is of any service to you, I shall be delighted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We don't, as a rule, separate when we have a journey to make, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "However, in this case the circumstances are a little exceptional. If you will take Miss Mindel and Mr. Cotton, I dare say I can manage to get up somehow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We can't leave you, Maurice,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So far as I am concerned, I am afraid it must be so, Kinlosti intervened, in a tone full of courteous regret."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have John outside with the chauffeur, and there is only room for two comfortably in the inside. We shall have to improvise a seat for Mr. Cotton."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don't anticipate any adventures on the way, I suppose? I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing after the style of this evening's happenings?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sincerely trust not, was the earnest reply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "However, both John and I are armed, and I do not think any one will venture so far as to hold up the car."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In that case, Rose, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think you and Leonard had better accept Mr. Kinlosti's offer. At the worst I hear there are some char-à-bancs running. I shall probably get a lift. At what hour did you think of starting?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At nine o'clock, if Miss Mindel doesn't mind, Kinlosti answered hastily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The sooner we get away, the better. My chauffeur tells me that they are asking two pounds a tin for petrol, and a Government order, commandeering stocks, is expected out to-morrow."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I feel rather mean about you to-morrow, Maurice,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No help for it. Two were invited and two have to go. I can't tell what surprises may be in store for me. I may get an invitation myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maurice, she confessed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm afraid of to-morrow. I'm afraid that we are being made use of to rob Mr. Kinlosti."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can't be helped, Leonard put in, as I remained for a moment silent."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We took this business on with our eyes open. Our consciences weren't very active when we were starving and cold and in debt. It's no good finding them too sensitive now that we're living on the fat of the land. We've just got to see the thing through, for a year, at any rate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Leonard is right, I assented."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've got to grin and bear it. This time, I added,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can have my share,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We could start any time you liked, Kinlosti said, addressing Rose eagerly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We have left room for your trunk behind, and there will be a quite comfortable place for Mr. Cotton. You are ready, Miss Mindel?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quite,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is the damp which has brought this on again, he confided."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only a few days ago I was better. Every one says the same thing. It is when one leaves here that one reaps the benefit of the treatment. I am ashamed to be so much trouble."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll get up somehow, I shouted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "See you to-night."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Never another shilling shall any railway porter have so long as I live!--eleven--one more. And as to the management of this hotel, I call it disgraceful! Flung out like cattle, that's what's happening to us!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Got any one to take you in?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course I have, she answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not a miserable, disagreeable old curmudgeon like you! My friends are glad to have me pay them a visit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gladder to get rid of you, I know!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, young Mr. Musician, he went on,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not at all, I answered cheerfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm hoping some one will offer me a lift to London. If not, I shall have to buy a seat for myself in the char-à-banc."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not a bit of use thinking about the char-à-banc, sir, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've a dozen guests in the hotel we've had to refuse already."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good walker, eh, young man?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I could get there, all right, I assured him,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I added, putting a bold front on it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see your car out there, empty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, why don't you give the poor young man a ride? Mrs. Cotesham chipped in, lowering the speaking trumpet from her ear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fancy wanting all that great car to yourself! I hate selfishness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I couldn't persuade you, my dear lady----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, you couldn't! she interrupted vigorously."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wouldn't step inside your old car if you paid me. I'm not going your way, either. I'm going to Clifton. And I hope that as long as I live I'll never set eyes upon your repulsive face again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Amen! he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come on, young fellow, he added gruffly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll take you to London as long as you promise not to try and sing to me."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Got to call at a house three miles out on this road, Mr. Grant explained thickly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll be in London before the fastest of them, though."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's quite immaterial to me so long as we get there by this evening,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is the house where you want to call near here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Listen!"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something wrong with that engine, he remarked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps we had better enquire if we can help."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dear me, the latter exclaimed, turning around and finding me at his heels."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our amiable old friend on her way to Bristol! We must see whether we cannot be of some assistance."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The game's up, Kinlosti, he said, and the voice was the voice of Thomson."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll shake the life out of you if you reach for that pistol."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Get back in the car and take that box with you,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sha'n't we be stopped? I asked my companion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He can telephone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The game isn't played that way,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can you hold out until we reach London? he asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't want to stop for luncheon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Easily, I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had a good breakfast, and to tell you the truth, I added boldly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm too curious to be hungry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can keep your curiosity and your appetite, too, if you like, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All three of us?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Louise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I fear, our host said, as he watched the wine being poured into Rose's glass,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn't the distance, Rose replied, as she followed his advice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was Mr. Kinlosti's extraordinary behaviour. I have never seen a man so nervous in all my life. He could not sit still. He seemed to lose sometimes almost the power of speech. Always he seemed to be expecting something which never happened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! Mr. Thomson murmured."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is not to be wondered at."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When we neared London, Rose continued,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Things did not turn out, Mr. Thomson reflected,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It has been your custom, sir, I reminded him, leaning forward in my place,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is true, he admitted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will tell you, then, a little history. It may perhaps bring some part of the colour back to Miss Mindel's cheeks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It may also, I observed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A month ago, Mr. Thomson said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Andrea Kinlosti's story, then,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A tissue of lies, our host interrupted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The true facts about his appearance in England are these. A very valuable portion of the Crown jewels was hidden by one of the Monarchist party in St. Petersburg. Partly through Andrea Kinlosti's intervention, these jewels fell into the hands of the Bolshevists. The two Kinlostis and John, however, managed to secure possession of them and escaped to England. Hard on their heels came four or five of their kidney, and the attempt you saw at theft at the Crown Hotel was the third or fourth which has been made since they arrived in this country. In the absence of any extradition treaty between the present Government of Russia and this country, the trio thought that they would be safe here and could make their plans to realise the jewels. They did not count, however, upon the little stream of fellow rascals who found their way over here after them. The Bath idea seems fantastic, but on the whole it had its points. Andrea was really suffering horribly from rheumatism, and an hotel of the class of the Crown seemed as good a hiding place as any from the kind of person whom they desired to avoid. The scheme was that Kinlosti should be quite frank about his possession of the jewels, but the box which was supposed to contain them was a dummy. Paul, the actor, impersonated an old lady and was really in possession of the jewels, and the idea was that he should watch his opportunity and take steamer direct from Bristol to some little port at which he could reship to New York."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miss Mindel here, Thomson continued,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "he concluded,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What has happened to them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is just a telegram,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What made him go on?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A little information I whispered to him, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what about--the other one? Rose asked, in a stifled, breathless voice--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Andrea, Mr. Thomson replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am afraid, Miss Mindel, that he is a very bad lot indeed. If I had not been sure that your protection was adequate, I should certainly have hesitated before I asked you to play Delilah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am still wondering, Rose murmured,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is in luck, Mr. Thomson said grimly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Scotland Yard has a pretty black record against him since his last visit to England, six or seven years ago, but if it had been the others--I don't think they would have been so kind to him as they were to his brother. And now that's the end of my story, he went on, in an altered tone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miss Mindel, I am assured that this young turkey is as tender as the chestnut stuffing. Lister, you ought to have an appetite, for I did you out of your lunch. Cotton, a glass of wine with you."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "About those jewels, sir--where are they?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Young man, he replied,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That isn't what I meant, I persisted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You seem to have recovered them from the original thieves. What are you going to do about it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me see, he observed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The little lady, Monsieur Huber had said to us on the evening of our first performance,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maurice--and you, old solemn-face, Rose said, turning to Leonard,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I like this place. I am prepared to enjoy myself here. I am more glad than ever that I sold my soul."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am entirely with you, Leonard assented,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're all right, I reminded him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm the person who nearly found trouble. A few more paragraphs about that mysterious jewel robbery and the probability of immediate arrest would have sent me into a nervous decline."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rubbish! she scoffed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know perfectly well that you never turned a hair."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As a matter of fact, I admitted,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am beginning to have confidence in Mr. Mephistopheles Thomson. Whether he is of heaven or earth, of the law or of the underworld, he seems to have a remarkably good idea of how to take care of himself and his minions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Considering that he has three perfectly good consciences to look after besides his own, Rose agreed,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I must say that he does very well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His interests appear to be somewhat cosmopolitan,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So much the better, Rose declared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It means plenty of change for us, and I like change, only this time I hope my affections are not going to be trifled with."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You shouldn't wear your heart on your sleeve for sentimental Russians to nibble at,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mademoiselle sang charmingly to-night,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't see you amongst the audience, Monsieur Huber,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When you sing I am never far away, Mademoiselle, was the impressive response."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was standing at the back of the Baroness Spens' box."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Baroness, Monsieur Huber continued,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Baroness desires that you three will visit her box and take a glass of wine, he announced, with the air of one conveying a royal command."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "François, a bottle of _34_ to the stage box at once."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You find it pays, she asked, a little abruptly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Financially, I admitted,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You find it very changed--the city?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only as regards the absence of Germans, I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the old days one met them everywhere."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They will return,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But surely they will not be welcome guests?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not at first, she answered indifferently."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Brussels, however, is too cosmopolitan and too near the frontier to preserve her isolation. The intermarrying alone would prevent any ostracism."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hope, I ventured to say,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You lost that in the War?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That and better things, I told her--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You English were wonderful,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But she is wonderful, that little one, he declared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Marvellous!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You were unfortunate, dear Henri, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It will be my pleasure another evening, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Meanwhile, dear Baroness, if you will excuse me. Mademoiselle expects me. We shall meet again."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Monsieur Henri Destin, she pronounced,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I fear that I must be excused, Baroness, he regretted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My turn to sing is close at hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am having a few friends out to supper to-night at my chateau, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It will give me great pleasure if you will come after the performance. My car will be at the stage door at half-past eleven, and I shall send you back to your hotel."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are wondering why half my chateau is illuminated and the remainder is in darkness, is it not so? she enquired."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I will tell you. The portion which you see in darkness was the headquarters of the most detested German who ever set foot in this country during the enemy occupation of the city. Since his departure, I have not yet been able to accustom myself to the existence of apartments in which he and his suite lived and breathed."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I fear, the Baroness confided,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We shall find no difficulty in accommodating ourselves to your delightful customs, I assured her, as we took the places she indicated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One must dine at six while our present engagement is on, and it seems a long time ago."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell me, Monsieur, she begged, in her very attractive undertone, as we sat in a corner after a waltz,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing of the sort, indeed, Madame, I assured her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am there on a short engagement with my two friends. I am merely what we call in English a strolling mountebank."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You had no other reason, then, for coming to Brussels?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Unless I was subconsciously aware of the joy in store for me in meeting Madame, I answered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Or in coming to this house?'"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Baroness was good enough to ask us all, I explained,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You do not treat me with confidence, Monsieur, she complained,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Madame, I replied,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell me, Madame, I begged, as we sat enjoying a cigarette in a remote corner of the room,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There are so many, she said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But what purpose?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just that, monsieur,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come, we dance again. This is the waltz we both love."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps, she exclaimed, with her head in the air,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This isn't of my seeking, is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nor was L'Affaire Kinlosti mine, she retorted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was a wonderful little Belgian Count, with moustaches half an inch long, the other night. I shall let him call upon me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall leave you in Leonard's charge,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dear old Len! she mocked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He won't have an earthly chance if I take it into my head to be frisky, and I'm sure I shall. It isn't natural for a girl to see no men except two ogres of guardians."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You be thankful you've got us to look after you, Leonard intervened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From what I've seen of this city, Sodom and Gomorrah weren't in it for levity."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can take care of myself,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps, I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the meantime, when I am away on duty--on duty, mind you--Leonard is going to play watchdog."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One would think that I were a masquerading princess,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're our princess,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If only you'd tell me so sometimes!"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You find me distracted, she declared presently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A terrible tragedy has happened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I dared to confide in you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dear Sara, I ventured--we had progressed so far--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Listen, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is a secret in my life which has troubled me many times--more than ever, she murmured, dropping her eyes,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell me? I begged."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am impatient to hear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is one in my family, she continued,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does that matter, I answered,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You feel like that, Maurice?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed I do,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are English, she went on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You fought in the War for Belgium's deliverance. The halo of heroism still rests around your head. You can do what others dared not. Listen. This telegram is from my brother. He has escaped from prison in Antwerp. Never mind the charge. The police search for him everywhere, but he promises that he will reach my flat at ten o'clock to-night."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In disguise?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He comes as the victim of a motor accident, in an ambulance car, his face bandaged. But here--how can I keep him here! The Chief of the Police is amongst my intimates. There are people coming and going all day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have a suggestion?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, she answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was at the Café des Quatres Etoiles when you did your imitations the other night. You have a wonderful gift of making up. My cousin has undertaken to hide Albert at the chateau, if we can get him there. Good! You must come here, make up my brother, say, to imitate your friend Monsieur Cotton, whom he is not unlike. Then you drive out to the chateau quite openly to one of my cousin's supper parties. Albert will disappear and all will be well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And when is this to be?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To-night, she answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You consent?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have perhaps a price, a reward to ask?"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sara, I said, giving a very excellent extempore performance of British stupidity and magnanimity combined,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I ask for no reward beforehand. I wait till the task is done."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You shall not be the loser, Maurice. At eleven o'clock to-night you will come? I am not singing and you must finish early."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At eleven o'clock,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All is well, so far, she murmured."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Albert arrived in a motor ambulance, all bandaged up. We are alone in the flat. If he is a little nervous, you will forgive him."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is Monsieur Lister, Sara said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He has promised to disguise you, Albert."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let him be quick about it, then,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The passages are unlocked, she whispered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let us go quickly. In half an hour there may be people who arrive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We trust you, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You must come with us."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We make a mistake, she said in a low tone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is no place here for strangers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stranger or not, he replied,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And after then, what about us? the Baroness demanded."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Safety, with you, is a matter of an hour or so, but we remain."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bah! was the contemptuous reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He will not inform against women. Sara will see to that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "On the whole, I decided,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have seen as much as I care to of these proceedings. I will find my way back again and await your return, Baroness."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Too late, Mr. Englishman, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know too much. Remain where you are."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quite unnecessary, I declared, waving my hand towards the revolver."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you wish me to stay, I am entirely at your service. In fact, to tell you the truth, I went on,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am beginning to feel a certain amount of curiosity about this enterprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You'll have time to get over that,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is not to be hurt! she exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was a promise."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing seems to have been touched here,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing has been touched, the Baroness assented calmly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Other rooms, as you know, have been ransacked, the grounds have been dug up, and the tower almost pulled to pieces. But here, where you sat in state and pulled the legs out of the spiders' bodies and the souls out of your poor human victims, well, no one has thought of looking here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My victims were not all unwilling, eh?"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is still a connection, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is better so? You need have no fear. The shutters are tightly closed. No one will know that human beings have dared to penetrate into the spider's parlour."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You need have no fear, the Baroness repeated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The shutters are fast closed. You can look around on the scene of your former triumphs. The telephone wires have been cut. Nothing else has been altered."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We talk too much, he muttered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is enough for me that you have obeyed my orders and left all here untouched."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is true, she acknowledged."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Searchers have almost wrecked this wing of the chateau and destroyed my grounds, in search of your spoil, but this bare little room--no! It seemed so harmless, so empty, and besides, there were many who shuddered to come near it."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your treasure hunters were but simpletons, he scoffed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They saw as far as the end of their noses."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Excellently timed, he said, nodding pleasantly at me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Count----"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think, perhaps, he remarked,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The particularly unpleasant gentleman, he observed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn't have insulted Leonard to such an extent if I'd had the least idea beforehand who he was going to turn out to be,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall hate my own face more than ever,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Von Hantzauel certainly seemed to have the gift, he observed,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why was he such an idiot as to come back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because, Mr. Thomson explained,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But the inducement?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Von Hantzauel, Thomson explained,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In what capacity? I asked quickly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what has become of the treasure?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An answer to those questions just now is scarcely possible, he replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We will call them, if you please, Conundrum Number Three."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mademoiselle, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why not include heaven, monsieur, she answered quickly,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is your turn, Monsieur? she asked me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You three who appear now?"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is our turn, I replied,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall stay here for your performance, she announced."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please do your best. Sanda, fetch me a chair."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You will escort me to my dressing room,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With the greatest pleasure,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see, she went on,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am making the way easy for you. You are a myrmidon of the great Mr. Thomson, are you not?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know a Mr. Thomson, I admitted,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The cleverest of all conspirators, she said, as she came to a standstill outside her dressing room and waved her hand to Rose and Leonard,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Believe me, I assured her earnestly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have never heard of you in my life except from the newspapers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you have never seen me before?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Never!"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, she conceded,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I pray that it may not be our last,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You will receive your belated instructions before very long, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then I shall make it easy for you. You may visit me when you like. I live at 96, Milan Court. And so, Monsieur!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A conquest, my son, he observed, looking up from a bowl of cold water and rubbing his head vigorously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rose is furious with you. She has asked me to take her out to supper."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Capital! I replied spitefully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will join you."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maurice, she asked me,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was no time limit,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not, perhaps, in words, she persisted,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Metaphysical history would suggest the period of our lifetime, I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is no precedent for a soul, once disposed of, being returned to its owner."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seems a pity. We really haven't anything more to gain. One would like to settle down and enjoy now with a clear conscience. Why, one of you could marry me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We hadn't thought of that,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The fact of it is, I groaned,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then all I can say, she murmured,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We are wandering from the subject, I said firmly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I propose that we apply to Mr. Mephistopheles Thomson for a time limit. I should think----"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Congratulations to all of you, he said, as he drew up a chair and seated himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was at the Parthenon to-night. If Naida Modeschka's performance was the most wonderful, yours was certainly the most pleasing item upon the programme."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have improved, I think, Rose admitted modestly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nice frocks do make so much difference."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And good food,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And no anxieties,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Apropos of which, the newcomer enquired,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you've quite finished with them, Rose confessed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We should hate to seem ungrateful, but so far as we are concerned all our ambitions are satisfied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We are earning twice as much as we spend,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And we could book up for two years,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You disappoint me,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't think us ungrateful, she begged."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We are not. We often think of that wretched night at Cromer when you became our good angel. Many and many a time since we have blessed your name."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ours was a bargain, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have lifted the curtain,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have done more, he admitted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have all three shown capacity and courage. Why withdraw? Believe me, the end and aim of life is not prosperity. The moment the love of adventure ceases, the slumber of middle age commences. There isn't anything more fatal to genius or to the fuller life than a contented conscience, a swelling bank account, and an amble along the easy ways. I give you back what you are pleased to call your souls, if you will. In five years' time, the three of you will be prematurely middle-aged, the limits of your ambitions will be fixed, one day will be as another. With the passing of all mystery from your lives, will come the adipose somnolence which breeds mental and moral indigestion."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We will make that time limit one year, dating from the night at Cromer,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To-morrow afternoon at four o'clock, he added, turning to me,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have already made her acquaintance, I told him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She spoke to me this evening. She referred to you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Naida is wonderful, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nevertheless, you will call. Ask her what has become of Felix Worth. Afterwards, place yourself in her hands. She will explain exactly what is required of you."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Mephistopheles Thomson,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With an accent on the Christian name,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It would be charming of you to come so soon, she murmured, as she held out her hand,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My own will would have brought me here in any case, I assured her,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How much do you know of this matter?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing at all,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is the way with him, she ruminated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His agents never know anything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That does not, I trust, prevent my finding great pleasure in making your acquaintance, Mademoiselle,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It does not prevent your paying me any compliments you choose, she replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is no reason why we should not be friends--even comrades. The only cloud between us appears to be that it will fall to your lot to kill the only man I have ever really cared for."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can assure you, I told her,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am not out for that sort of thing at all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it will come,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It will not, I contradicted her firmly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have done all the killing I want to, in fair fighting. I have a weakness for adventures, but nothing would induce me to become an assassin."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you afraid, dear earnest Englishman, she asked,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He may live or he may die, I answered,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We shall see, she remarked indifferently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are a just man, beyond a doubt, but I like you. You are different from all others."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In what respect?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I admit you here, she replied,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go away, dear man, she begged,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And where do I sit by your side to-night?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You and your two friends, she said,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So! she whispered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They will know from whom that rose comes. Your fingers will caress it when you sing. They will applaud you the more for my sake."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A supper party will be perfectly delightful, Rose declared, smiling with dangerous sweetness."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have a little headache to-night but that will pass. In any case you will not mind if Leonard--if Mr. Cotton should bring me away early."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So long as you do not rob me of my dear cavalier,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look here, Len, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know what this game is, but I'm playing it for the three of us. I am obeying orders so far as Mademoiselle Naida is concerned. If Rose won't see it, I shall rely upon you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll do my best, old chap, he promised, with a gloom which I fancied was not altogether natural."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's a jolly hard situation, though. Rose had asked me to take her out to supper to-night, and to dinner on Sunday night."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can count that dinner off, I said firmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We three have dined together every Sunday night since we started out. Sometimes it's been a scrag of mutton and a glass of beer; once or twice--that week at Cromer, Len--not even that. On Sunday night it's going to be caviare and a Maryland chicken, and I'm in it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's all right, Leonard assured me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course, Rose thought that you'd be in attendance on Naida."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You and I won't have any misunderstanding, at any rate, Len, I insisted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Naida means just as much to me as that bit of fluff on your coat. When our year is up, I shall ask Rose to marry me, and though you're the dearest fellow in the world, I hope she'll have me and not you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sha'n't take advantage, old chap, Leonard promised, with a sigh,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll punch your head if you do, I answered savagely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our call."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, she whispered, looking at me from under her eyelashes with that slow, curious smile upon her lips,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have made the little lady jealous, is it not so? And also the great managing director who pays me my salary, and perhaps others. But what does it matter? You are content?"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rose,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I play the buffoon to order, I reminded her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You, too, have your part in this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes! Your part is not to make mine more difficult. Your part is to remember----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To remember what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The things of which your heart assures you, I answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am only human. If I fail to-night, the fault will not be wholly mine."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dear friend, she whispered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man is a foreigner, without a doubt,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And foreigners, she answered, with a stabbing little glance,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For your impatience, Monsieur Maurice, she said,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So we are alone, my friend."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It has that appearance, I admitted, taking one of her cigarettes and lighting it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I await your further instructions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My further instructions, she mimicked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Monsieur Maurice, what a strange person! Ring the bell on your left, please."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Prepare for a shock, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For ten minutes I leave you. You seat yourself in that easy chair, you take a whisky and soda and the evening paper, you make yourself at home. You understand?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perfectly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then au revoir! But have no fear, she added, looking back with a mocking smile,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall return."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You admire, Monsieur Maurice? You like the colour?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You look charming, I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are not to stir,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is the hardest part of your task, this, Monsieur Maurice, she said, with a demure little droop of the eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see the time? It is exactly two o'clock. For one hour you remain where you are. At the end of that hour you are free. You may then leave, and, if you wish it so, your courtship of Naida is over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And for that hour?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shall I keep you company?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Naida, I said, and my own voice sounded to me unfamiliar,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We make them,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am in love with Rose Mindel, I continued."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should be married to her at the present moment but for a stupid agreement between Leonard Cotton and myself, made when we three started out together. I am in love with her, but I'm no Joseph. You know what you are, and your power. I'm not any different from other men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you do not care, then?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There isn't any ordinary young man of my type, I answered,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Monsieur Maurice, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had made up my mind to say nothing, but that was wrong. You are a very honourable young man and I have not met many. It has been promised to me that no harm shall come to you, but yet--go warily to the lift."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am not sure, he told us, with the air of one imparting grave knowledge,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The wine is wonderful, Rose agreed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "These oysters are wonderful, too, and I never saw such a lobster mayonnaise as that upon the sideboard. But, dear Mr. Thomson, if you expect us to enjoy our supper, do be merciful. There will be no waiter in the room for at least five minutes. Give us some idea as to the meaning of this last adventure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why not? he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here is the story in a very few words. There was in London, ten days ago, the most dangerous anarchist and political disturber of the peace in Europe. His name is a household word to all of you. He passed here as Paul Kansky."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Naida's lover,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a matter of fact, her husband, Mr. Thomson explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His removal was absolutely necessary for the internal peace of this country. There were a hundred charges on which he could have been arrested, but not one for which he could have been safely put out of the way. Being at times open to accept a contract of this nature, I undertook to dispose of him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kansky's one weakness was Naida Modeschka, his one passion jealousy. With the aid of our young friend here, I succeeded in fanning that passion into a red-hot flame. I succeeded, too, in engineering such an attempt at wilful murder on the part of Kansky that his own demise, owing to the apparently accidental intervention of a casual rescuer, seemed to occur quite naturally. You behold the result of an exceedingly well-laid scheme. This mischievous person is dead and buried under the name he bore at the Milan Hotel, and which the great world of his followers does not recognise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then my rescuer, I exclaimed,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "John P. Martin, the American Oil Trust man----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Precisely, Mr. Thomson interrupted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Martin was my agent, a man of iron and a professional fighter, planted in room number eighty-four, with instructions to intervene on your behalf in such a way that Kansky could give no more trouble."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And those other two men who gave evidence--the witnesses?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Also arranged for, Mr. Thomson acknowledged."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was really a very well-planned affair. The man Kansky's passion for Naida was proved by the letters produced in court. His attack upon our young friend here provided ample excuse for Mr. Martin's vigorous action. The witnesses, of course, were able to declare that Kansky was in the act of committing a probable murder, and that Martin's contra attack, with its unfortunate results, saved your life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And Naida?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How should we be able to deal with these little affairs, he observed,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For whom were you acting? I asked eagerly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How did this affair come into your hands?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! he murmured."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That again is a question the answer to which I fear must be postponed. Shall we call it Conundrum Number Four?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Spring, Leonard declared, fanning himself with his straw hat and breathing in the ozone from the waves which rippled up to within a few yards of our chairs,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I must get some new frocks,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To-morrow, I reflected,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I must go through my tennis flannels."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jolly good-looking girl that was with the party from the Grange at the show last night, Leonard continued reminiscently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I liked the way her eyelashes curled. Jolly fine figure, too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The tutor man is quite handsome, Rose ruminated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He ties his black evening bow just the way I like."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Handsome! I scoffed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, he's got a cast in his eye! He reminds me, more than anything, of the plaster villains in the Chamber of Horrors at Madame Tussaud's."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn't notice any cast, Rose sighed, her eyes turned dreamily seawards."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He looked at me hard enough, too, when I was dancing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They're a strange crew at the Grange, I observed, lighting a cigarette from the case which Leonard had thrown me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't altogether size them up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are becoming obsessed, Maurice, with your love of adventures, she complained gently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You think of nothing else. Surely, in this dear, old-world place we can have a little rest; we can drop the tenseness of the last few months and become just simple, natural human beings again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The chief didn't send us down here for nothing,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't forget, she reminded me,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder, she continued, with a little sigh,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The situation,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, hang the situation! Rose interrupted irritably."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you can't make up your minds which of you it is to be, you might toss up or something. Here's spring coming on. I'm twenty-two years old, and I haven't got a young man. You will drive me to answer some of the desperate notes which are showered upon me by lovesick youths from the front row. I had another last night from Arthur. I believe that he really loves me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm afraid Arthur will have to be spanked,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is such a thing, Mr. Maurice Lister, she declared,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good morning! I say, you'll forgive my saying so--what? Awfully jolly show of yours! Ripping!"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Glad you like it,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So nice of you,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quite a crowd from your place last night, wasn't there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's right, the young man acquiesced."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We all weighed in--had dinner early on purpose. Jolly place you've got here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Won't you sit down?"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you cramming for anything in particular?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was supposed to go in for the Army, was the dubious reply,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The exams are so much stiffer since the war,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are any of your people down here with you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I haven't any people to speak of, he confided,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "the young man added, with a queer flash of seriousness which made one forget his socks and his tie and his pimples,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wish he hadn't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It must be awfully nice, though, to feel that you've plenty of time in life for games and all that sort of thing,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not very good at games, the young man confessed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Duncombe and his friends are so much better than I am, and they always laugh at me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is a very untutorlike thing to do,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Duncombe is very good to me--very kind indeed,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is he?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He has no end of people down so that we shouldn't be dull, the young man went on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's his sister--she's very kind to me, too. I think I shall have to marry her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think Mr. Duncombe would like me to, was the resigned reply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am very fond of Ella. She sings and dances beautifully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How old are you?"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's a sort of secret about my age, he confided."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Duncombe likes me to tell every one that I am twenty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And aren't you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shall be twenty-one on Saturday, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall be able to sign cheques of my own then--and make my will."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you want to make your will for? Rose asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're strong enough, aren't you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is the duty of every one with a great deal of money to make their will directly they are twenty-one, the boy declared, as though repeating a lesson."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I had my own way, he added, looking up at Rose,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should leave a great deal of money to you, but I don't suppose I shall be allowed to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good gracious, Mr. Dompers! Rose exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, I scarcely know you!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I like your face, the young man continued earnestly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you saw the faces of the people who are staying at the Grange, you would know what I mean. They all look as though they wanted something. They remind me sometimes of a pack of hounds. And they pretend not to, but they are always watching me."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good morning! I am glad to see that my young ward has been finding friends."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am so thankful, he went on,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We haven't found him at all shy, Rose assured him, with a smile at the subject of these remarks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the contrary, he has been entertaining us quite nicely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are very kind, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am sure that Arthur has already told you how charmed we were with your performance last night. My guests are agitating for a permanent change in our dinner hour, that we may be more frequent attendants."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How nice! Rose murmured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It does make quite a difference to see some civilised people in the reserved seats."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My sister, Duncombe continued,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "he went on,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A second Ardalmont case,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In which case, I reflected gloomily,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was left here by a motor-cyclist soon after you went out, sir,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dull as ditchwater! I exclaimed, as I tore up the communication in disgust."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An unprepossessing cub of a boy, whom his tutor permits to be fleeced at billiards and whom he is probably going to marry to his sister. Sordid as it can be. Not a thrill in it for us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This may be my show, Rose mused, her blue eyes very wide open and innocent."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I may be able to guide the young man from the matrimonial noose. I wonder if he is really very rich. Perhaps I'll marry him myself. I suppose I could keep him on a chain."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After the war was a bit of a knock for most of us, he remarked meditatively, as we men sat in the smoking room of the Grange after a very excellent supper."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here are you, Lister, with a game arm, going round the country entertaining, more or less, I take it, for your living. I tried every job that was offered me and did very little good at any of them. Last of all I took this bear-leading on, and, between you and me, I sometimes wish to God I hadn't!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why? I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The boy seems amiable enough."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He seems so, Duncombe assented drily,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not an idea,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dear me! he exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I took it for granted that you knew the story. He is the Welsh miner's orphan, who inherited two and a quarter million from Jacob Dompers of New York. A nice little windfall for a cub like this, isn't it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What about his relatives?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The only one with whom I have had any communication, Duncombe replied,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who placed the boy in your charge, then?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The London agents for the New York solicitors. I answered an advertisement. I think they realise, he went on,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How long have you had him?"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Three years this June,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then he was sixteen when he came to you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You probably think that he is backward now for nineteen, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You should have seen him when he came to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose he is backward, I admitted,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His twentieth birthday is this week, Duncombe told us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am getting a thousand a year and my expenses for looking after him, and I haven't any prospects of a job when he is out of my hands, but I wish to heavens it was his twenty-first!--I suppose we ought to see what the others are doing."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Beastly fluke! he grumbled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No one can play against such luck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bad-tempered again, Arthur?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's a rotten fluker, the young man rejoined surlily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He wins all my pocket money."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Arthur, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was rather hard lines,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see, I was ninety-eight, he explained,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Lister, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I envy you your profession. I think that anything in the world must be better than being bear-leader to a boy like Arthur."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your brother seems to have quite a great deal of influence over him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As much as any one could have, perhaps, she agreed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After all, what can one expect? You can't make bricks without straw, and it's hard to give even the appearance of a gentleman to the son of a Welsh miner. Look at him now!"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose he's rather a handful,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is that, he admitted,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's like this, you see, Lister, Duncombe began, speaking a little jerkily and watching me closely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've an agreement to look after this cub for five years--a thousand a year and every mortal expense. I must say the lawyers are generous about expenses. I don't mind admitting that they cover the whole cost of my housekeeping, and I'm able to save practically the lot. I'm going in for fruit farming when the job comes to an end, but the boy's health is uncertain. I can't help wondering what would happen to me if he were to die."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose, I ventured,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I couldn't afford that, Duncombe declared."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to secure against it if I can. You're a stranger. You can look at this matter with an open mind. What do you think about insuring his life for, say, five or ten thousand pounds?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn't think of it, I told him bluntly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Strikes you like that, does it? he sighed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I was afraid it might. I expect you're right, too. Reminiscent of the Ardalmont mystery, and all that sort of thing, eh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As you say,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know why, Rose said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They're all right in their way, Leonard observed dubiously,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't like him, Rose pronounced abruptly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought he was just simple and foolish at first, but I've come to the conclusion that I don't like him. There isn't a single member of the household I do like. They're just sordid and peevish. I think the chief might have found us something better to do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps he looks upon this in the light of a holiday task,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is just one person in that household, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One more, Arthur. I've found a new place. It's the best of the lot."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait a moment, Arthur,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Get out of the way, then, he replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm coming over. Where's Duncombe?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One moment, Arthur,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Arthur!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Get out of the way, will you? he shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm coming."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't be a fool, I answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's a submerged rock right across here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't be a fool, I answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's a submerged rock right across here. You couldn't miss it. Climb down, do you hear?"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello, Duncombe!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's the matter? he shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And where's Arthur?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's climbing down from that rock, I answered, as Duncombe came alongside."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've just stopped his diving into this pool."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jove, I've never noticed those!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They're barely three feet, I answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can reach them."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come along to lunch,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn't make a fuss about that, if I were you, Lister, he suggested."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It looks as though I weren't careful enough. As a matter of fact, I don't think the boy would have come to any harm."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Probably not, I answered, trying to speak in as unconcerned a tone as possible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Boys and drunken men have a wonderful knack of avoiding accidents."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come along, he said,"
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don't suppose, he suggested,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why should he? I answered coolly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He must know that you made a mistake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Naturally, Duncombe assented."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I still don't think he'd have come to any harm unless he bungled his dive, but I'm glad, all the same, that you noticed the rocks."
}
]
|
59198 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hullo, there! I bawled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hullo! Duncombe, I'm coming to take you in."
}
]
|
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