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22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Those jewels were entrusted to me for a particular purpose by Lady Eileen Meredith, she said peremptorily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is all you have any right to know. You can easily ring her up and ask her. Do it at once and let me go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very well, he said imperturbably."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shall keep you here until I have done so."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She admits having handed over the jewels to Lola, but she won't say a word beyond that, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She's as obstinate as a mule. I have told the Duke something of where we stand, and he has agreed to take the gems back without letting her know. It was a tough job, but I got him to see at last that the girl might be implicating herself. He says he's never heard of Petrovska."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "H'm. Foyle rubbed his chin vigorously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll have a talk with the old boy. See if you can get the Public Carriage Office to borrow us a taxicab, and get Poole to drive it slowly up and down this street. If she hails it when she goes out, well and good. If not, Bolt and you had better follow her, and the cab will come after you so that you can use it in emergency."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can go, he said abruptly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shall ask you to be very careful, however, Princess. If you are wise you will leave England at once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because, my dear lady, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I feel that your career in England may not be altogether without reproach. I shall try to find out a little more about it, and if I get a chance, I warn you frankly, I shall have you taken into custody. You are too mischievous to be allowed to run around loose."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, you make me tired, she retorted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-bye, Mr. Foyle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pardon me, he said, and thrusting a couple of fingers into his waistcoat pocket, fished out a piece of paper."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you know this writing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. I never saw it before,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "These youngsters are all the same, he complained querulously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They will put flowers into their reports. It is always a beast of a job to make 'em understand that we want a fact plain and prompt. They can do it all right in the witness-box, but when they get a pen in their hand they fancy they're budding Shakespeares. The old hands know better."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're progressing a little, though not so fast as I'd like. We know that Grell is alive, that he is in touch with Ivan Abramovitch and Lola Rachael--or the Princess Petrovska, as she calls herself. There is at least one other man in it--probably more. It's fairly certain that Grell knows who killed Harry Goldenburg even if he didn't do it himself. Goldenburg was apparently dressed in Grell's clothes before he was killed. It is clear now that the clothes were his own with Grell's belongings put in the pockets. A Mexican dagger was used. That may be or may not be of importance. Grell has travelled in Mexico. We have eliminated Ivan and Sir Ralph Fairfield as the actual murderers. Nor do the Princess Petrovska's finger-prints agree. I had Bolt take the finger-prints of all the servants in the house, so that we are sure that none of them actually committed the crime. All this narrows the investigation. If we find Grell we are in a fair way to finding the author of the murder."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's all very well, Foyle, but Mr. Grell is hardly the sort of man to commit murder. I gather that your suspicions point to him. Besides, where is the motive?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Every man is the sort of man to commit murder, retorted the superintendent quickly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can't class assassins. All murders must be looked upon as problems in psychology. Mind you, I don't say that Grell did have a hand in this murder. I am merely summing up the cold facts. Why should he disappear? Why should he mix himself up with the shady crew he is with--people who have twice tried to murder me, and who knocked out and kidnapped Waverley? If we find him, we shall find the murderer. That's why I wanted the description of Goldenburg sent out. It makes work--I've got two men out of town now working on statements made at Plymouth and Nottingham, which I feel sure will have no result, but it gives us a sporting chance to nail him if he tries to leave the country. Another line we're looking after is money. He's failed with Fairfield. Lola had a try with Lady Eileen Meredith, who handed over her jewels. We stepped in, bagged 'em, and gave 'em back to the Duke of Burghley. All this means he'll have to make some desperate try for cash soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In fact it's check, commented Sir Hilary, who was something of a chess-player."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now you're manœuvring for checkmate."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then it all came out. Since then I have been very careful in dealing with newspaper men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is there anything more?"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This will be the best method of communicating with E. M. if L. supplies her with key. Her 'phone number 12845 Gerrard."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Honour among thieves,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wish some of you would pass the word among our people that we will pay pretty handsomely for any one who puts us on to the gang mixed up in this Grell business. Word it differently to that. You'll know how to put it. You might get hold of Sheeny Foster, Wagnell, or Poodle Murphy, or Buck Taylor. They may be able to nose out something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Buck was sent up for six months for jumping on his wife, said Wagnell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I haven't seen Sheeny lately, but I'll try to get hold of him, and I'll have the word passed along."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Heldon Foyle presents his compliments to Sir Ralph Fairfield and would be obliged if he could see him at his office at six o'clock this evening, or failing that, by an early appointment, on a matter of urgent importance."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good evening, Sir Ralph. I was hoping you would come. I would not have troubled you but that I felt you would like to know how we are getting on. You were a friend of Mr. Grell's."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well? said Sir Ralph frigidly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am here, Mr. Foyle. Will you let me know what you want to say and have done with it?"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want your word first, Sir Ralph, that what I tell you shall not be spoken of by you to any living soul, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then I will tell you frankly and openly the whole history of our investigation, and you can decide whether you will help us or not. No--wait a moment. I know how loyal a friend you were of Robert Grell's, and it's in the light of that, that I am going to trust you. He is not dead. He is in hiding. It is for you to say whether you will help us to find him. If he is innocent he has nothing to fear."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's all this? he demanded hoarsely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you mean to say Grell is not dead?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As far as I know he is as alive as you or I at this present minute, said Foyle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you want to hear about it all, give me your word and sit down. You're hurting my arm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I beg your pardon,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, I'll give you my word,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You think she really meant to kill me? He waved his hand impatiently as Foyle nodded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Never mind that. Go on. Go on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Vanity Fair"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you say, Sir Ralph? Will you help us?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I do, will it mean that you will arrest Grell for murder?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have been quite open with you, Sir Ralph. I don't know. As things are at present, it looks uncommonly as though he had a hand in it. He is the only person who can clear himself. While he remains in hiding everything looks black against him. We have managed to keep things quiet until the resumption of the inquest. When that takes place we shall not be able to maintain the confusion of identity. With things as they stand, the jury are practically certain to return a verdict of murder against him. If he is not guilty, his best chance is for us to find him. Understand me, Sir Ralph. If he is innocent you are doing him no service by refraining from helping us. Every day makes things blacker. If he is guilty--well, it is for you to judge whether you will shield a murderer even if he is your friend."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will assist you as far as I can, but you must allow me to decide when to remain neutral,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Agreed,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fred knew very well how to circumvent the precaution taken by order of the police that public vehicles should have the back of the seats filled in to prevent pocket-picking. Instead of sitting behind a victim, one sat by his side, with a"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "behind to pass the plunder to. A"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "--perhaps two--with him. As chance would have it, a portly business man, with a massive gold chain spanning his ample waist, had seated himself next the operator. And Fred had decided that the watch on the end of the cable was worth risking an experiment upon. Besides, the appearance of prosperity of the"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "spoke of a possible"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "stuffed with banknotes. Decidedly, even in the absence of a"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course, I don't want you to go into this until I've proved that it can actually be done, he said airily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "See there. I made that handful of gold-dust myself. You test it, and see that it's all right. Now, I'll sell you the secret of making that for £100,000. I don't want the money till I've given you a demonstration."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello, Mr. Foyle! I am glad to see you, he said, with a heartiness that he knew did not deceive the other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's a long time since we met."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's a piece of luck meeting you, Freddy, he went on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But there, I always was lucky. You're just the man in the wide world I've been wanting to see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's on?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, you're all right, the detective reassured him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want you to help me. Let's get off at the next stopping-place and have a drink."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm glad you struck me--on my word I am, he said earnestly, while his active wits were wondering what the detective wanted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That bloke was carrying a red clock, and, though I was going for it, I had a feeling I should get into trouble. If you'd been a minute or two later, you'd----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why talk of these unpleasant things, Freddy? said Foyle, with a deprecatory wave of the hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know how I'd hate to have to do anything to disturb your peace of mind. He drew him to a secluded corner of the lounge."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come over here. Now, listen. Do you know Goldenburg or any of his pals?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The chap that did in Grell. I knew him a bit, he said cautiously."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was in a different line, you know. Mostly works alone, too. I can't say that I know much about him. There's Charlie Eden, he was in with him once--I guess he's in town. And Red Ike, he knew him, too. Perhaps there's some more of the boys who had some does with him. But he always was a bit above us common crooks. I only went for big game once, --his gaze lingered on Foyle's ring,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Never mind about Eden. You keep your eyes skinned for Red Ike, or any one else that knew Harry, and give me the office. It'll be worth your while. You can come to me if you're hard up. Have a shot at ---- and ---- and ---- He named several public-houses which are known rendezvous for crooks of all classes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see what you can pick up. And if ever you're in trouble, you'll know the wife and kid will be looked after."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's all right, Mr. Foyle, said Freddy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What you say goes. Who'll I ask for if you're not at your office?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can talk to Mr. Green."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right oh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Freddy early relinquished the evening's expedition, although his deft fingers had captured no more than a silver watch (hung deceptively on a gold chain, which he had left hanging), a woman's purse containing fifteen shillings in silver, and a pocket-book inside which were half-a-dozen letters. It was a poor hand, and Micky O'Brady, who was one of the"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's the use of chucking it at this time o' night? It ain't nine o'clock yet. There's the lifts at the Tube that we haven't worked for weeks. 'Struth; what did you want to fetch us out for at all? The stuff you've got won't buy drinks."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "See here, Micky, he said tensely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've had enough to-night, and I'm going to give it a rest. So you'd better shut your face. I'm the man who's got the say, so here. You just bite on that."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello, Ike, said the newcomer, adjusting himself to a high stool."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How's things?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello, Dutch. Thought you got stuck the other side of the town. What are you going to have?"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Funny thing you should speak about that, commented Ike, glancing casually about to make certain that no one was within earshot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hear that there's piles of stuff in that house, and there's only a butler and a man named Lomont, who was Grell's secretary, living there now to look after things. It would be easy to do a bust there."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know, he said, shaking his head doubtfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It isn't like a lonely suburban street."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not a mug, am I? What do you say to walking in the front door, opening it with a key, and with the keys of the rest of the house in my 'sky'? All I want is a straight man to keep doggo."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Criminy! Have you got the twirls? he gasped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where did you get 'em?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Never mind where they came from. I've got 'em. That's enough. More than that, I've got a lay-out of the house all marked out on paper, with every bit of stuff marked out where it ought to be. It's as easy as falling off a log."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Am I in it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why should I be telling you if you wasn't? You keep doggo outside if you like."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do I get?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's see. I cut in for a third, and I shall do all the work. I'll give you a quarter of that third. You won't have anything to do, except give me the office if anything goes wrong."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Freddy was more hurt than indignant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You aren't going to Jew me down like that. Who else is in it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Never mind who else is in it. I give you first chance, as a pal. You can take it or leave it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right, I'm on,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will R. G. communicate with R. F. Very anxious."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's a fair ruse. We're pretty certain he's hiding somewhere in London, and it's a big field unless we've got a starting-point. That's our trouble--finding a starting-point. In detective stories the hero always hits on it unerringly at once. There was one yarn in which the scratches on the back of a watch gave the clue to the temperament and history of its possessor. Now, that watch might have been borrowed or bought second-hand, or lost and restored at some time, and the marks made by any one but its owner. That kind of subtlety is all right in print, but in real life it would put you on a false track in nineteen out of twenty cases. In ninety cases out of a hundred the obvious solution is the right one. In an investigation there may be coincidences of circumstantial evidence pointing in the wrong direction. But when you get first one coincidence, then a second, a third, and a fourth, you can be fairly sure you're on the right track. You don't add proof together. You multiply it. See here."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's the kind of thing in terms of arithmetic. Now look at the parts in relation to each other. Grell leaves the club and gets you to lie about his absence. Coincidence number one. A man astonishingly like him is murdered in his study a short time afterwards. Coincidence number two. He is apparently dressed in Grell's clothes and has Grell's belongings in his pockets. Coincidence number three. Both Grell and his valet, Ivan Abramovitch, disappear. Coincidence number four. Ivan is found with the pearl necklace on him. Coincidence number five. Grell writes you a note, which I stole from you. Coincidence number six. You follow me? I could go on with other proofs. Grell _must_ know who committed this murder, and if we get hold of him we shall know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see the point, confessed Fairfield."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All the same, I don't believe, even if he knows as you say, that he had a hand in it. This may be the hundreth case, you know, and there may be some satisfactory explanation of his actions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I quite agree. Even cumulative proof may be destroyed. I can guess what you are half thinking. You believe that I've fastened my suspicions on Grell, and that I'm determined to go through with it right or wrong. That's a common mistake people fall into in regard to police functions. In fact, it doesn't matter a bit to a police official whether he gets a conviction or not--unless, of course, he neglects an important piece of proof through gross carelessness. All he has to do is to solve a problem and to place his answer before a magistrate, and then a judge and jury to decide whether he's right or wrong. No one but a fool would attempt to bolster up a wrong answer. In this case, too, you must remember that there are finger-prints. They cannot lie. If we get the right man--Grell or any one else--there will be no question of doubt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, even if you do draw Grell with that advertisement, I doubt if you'll get anything from him if he doesn't want to talk. I know the man, and he's hard to beat out of any decision that he makes up his mind to, as hard --he bowed smilingly to the detective--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you. If it were a question of Grell against Foyle I might have to go under. But it isn't. Behind me is the C.I.D., behind that the whole force, behind that the Home Secretary, and behind him the State. So you see the odds are on my side."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-day"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hello! Hello!... Yes, this is Foyle speaking. Oh yes, I know.... No, you'd better not tell me over the telephone. You can't come here. Somebody who knows you might see you.... Is it important?... All right. You'd better come to Lyon's tea-place in the Strand--the one nearest Trafalgar Square. I'll get Mr. Green to go along and have a talk with you. Good-bye."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dutch Fred thinks he's got hold of something, opened Foyle abruptly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've told him to meet you at Lyon's in the Strand. I think he's all right, but don't let him have any money until you've tested his yarn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very good, sir, said Green."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll look into it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You may have brains, you may have intuition, you may have courage, but you'll never make a good detective without system,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The real goods, said Green, who was obviously feeling pleased with himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your long shot has come off. They're falling short of money, for they've put Red Ike up to break into Grell's house and steal all the stuff in sight. Ike has asked Fred to give him a hand."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sit down, Green. Let's hear all about it,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's all fixed up. Ike walks into the place with Grell's keys at eight o'clock to-night, while Freddy keeps watch outside----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And some one keeps an eye on Freddy, if I'm any judge. Go on. Who put Ike up to it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He won't say. He's as tight as a drum about all that, according to Freddy. When we arrest him we must get something out of him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know, said Foyle slowly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ike's a queer bird. Dutch Fred will need to look after himself if ever he knows who gave the game away. Well now, let's fix up things. Is any one keeping an eye on the place for Ike?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Freddy's supposed to be there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I guess that they've found out that Lomont and Wills will be out of the house to-night. You might find out for sure, Green. 'Phone Lomont, but don't stop 'em if they've made arrangements. It would simplify matters if we could get one or two of our own men in the house. We daren't do that, though."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why not? If Freddy's keeping watch----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's all right. It isn't Freddy I'm afraid of. There'll be some one else there. The people who put this game up are not going to trust a couple of crooks entirely. I think I'll take a stroll out that way myself about seven o'clock. We'd better have the place surrounded. I'll send for a section map of that part."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That ought to do, said the superintendent when Green had finished taking a note of the various points."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pick out some good men, though I don't suppose they will have much to do. It's only a measure of precaution. You'd better be on hand yourself about half-past seven. If all goes well we shall get bigger game than Ike."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "the police; but suppose their plans miscarried? Suppose Red Ike and his unknown friends got to know that the"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll have to have your breakdown rather closer to the house than we thought, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Give Ike a good chance inside. You've got the duplicate key all right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's safe enough, answered Green, tapping his pocket."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I don't see you after we've bagged him I'd better charge him with housebreaking, I suppose?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Certainly. Now get along. It's a quarter to eight."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Red Ike's gone along, he said, as Foyle supplied him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nobody else has been hanging round except Freddy. The constable on the beat passed along just after Ike."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, my man, said Foyle sharply,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I--I believe they have no right there. I must go and see,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, you don't, said Foyle peremptorily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When you masquerade as a policeman again, my friend, make sure you have a letter of the right division on your collar. This district is B, not M. I am a police officer, and I shall arrest you on a charge of being concerned in an attempt at housebreaking. You'd better not make a fuss. Come on, Smithers. Let's get him into the car."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now we're more comfortable, said Foyle, sinking into the cushions of the car."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you want to give any explanation before I formally charge you, you may. Only don't forget that anything you say may be used in evidence against you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it an offence to go to a fancy-dress ball in a police officer's uniform? asked the prisoner."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because if it is, I shall plead guilty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can make that defence if you like--if you think it will be believed, retorted Foyle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It will be better for every one if you tell the truth, though."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here comes Mr. Green, sir."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, it's you, Mr. Smith! Didn't you think I could be trusted for fair does over the stuff inside? You've fallen into it this time, and no blooming error. Where's Fred?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fred who? queried Foyle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is there some one else in this job?"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aw--don't come it, Mr. Foyle,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sit down and make yourself comfortable, said the superintendent cheerfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We want to have a little talk with you, Ike. Would you like a drink? Here, have a cigar."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A little out of your usual line this, went on Foyle, watching his man intently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As neat a job as ever was spoiled by accident. Now you know, as well as I do, that we can't force you to talk. But it'll help us a bit if you tell us who you got those keys from, for instance."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's no good, Mr. Foyle, said Ike."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The only man that was in this with me was Dutch Fred. You'd better go and get him, because I shall tell all about it in court. He gave me the keys."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't be a fool, Ike,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess that it isn't bursting into the place that's put you two to work, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You want to know something. If I could help you I s'pose you'd drop this case?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know we can't do that in a case of felony. Mr. Green will put in a good word for you at the trial. That's the farthest we can go to."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's no good, guv'nor, said Ike."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you want me to talk I'll do it--if you'll let me go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. Foyle rose abruptly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll let it go at that, Ike. You please yourself, of course. Mr. Green, you'd better charge him now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hi! Mr. Foyle! Don't go yet. I'll cough up what I know. Come back."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've got the bulge on me this time, guv'nor, he admitted ruefully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I give you best. You're welcome to all I know--though that isn't much."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't let's have any misunderstanding, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We're not making any promises except that the court will know you helped us in another case. If you choose to keep quiet we can't do a thing to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know all about that, said Ike, with a little shrug of his shoulders."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know I wouldn't squeal in an ordinary job. I'm no Dutch Freddy to give my pals away. I don't owe the chap anything who put me up to this. What do you want first?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell us all about it your own way. Where did you get the keys of the house?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Off that chap you raked in along of me. I was sitting in a little game of faro at a joint in the Commercial Road about a week ago, when this tough pulls me out and puts it up to me. I didn't much like it, but the chink who runs the show told me he was straight, and he offered me half----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You told Freddy you were only getting a third,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did I? Ike grinned cunningly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It must have been a slip of the tongue. Anyway, I said I'd chip in for half or nothing. He pow-wowed a bit, but at last he gave in. Funny thing about it was he wouldn't hear of keeping an eye open on the day we brought the job off. Said I must get a pal. Yet here he turns up as large as life all the time."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anyway, I took the job on, and he handed me over the twirls and a lay-out of the house. He didn't tell me who was behind him. And I didn't ask too many questions. He called himself Mr. Smith, and we met once or twice at the ---- He named a public-house in Leman Street, Whitechapel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's where I was to have met him to-night with the stuff. Now you know all I know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not quite, said Foyle quietly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's the address of this gambling-joint where you first met him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, play the game, guv'nor. You aren't going to have that raided after what I've done for you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll see, evaded Foyle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Read that through and sign it if it's all right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good night, Mr. Foyle,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Both charged, said the other laconically."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The other chap refuses to give any account of himself. Refuses even to give a name. Seems to be a Yankee. I had his finger-prints taken. There was nothing on him to identify him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yankee, eh? repeated Foyle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So is Grell. There won't be any one in the finger-print department at this time of night. We'll go along and have a search by ourselves, I think. If we've not got him there, Pinkerton of the U. S. National Detective Agency is staying at the Cecil. We'll get him to have a look over our man and say whether he recognises him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very good, sir. There's one other thing. When I searched this man I found this. I don't know if you can make anything out of it. I can't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Advertisement Dept., The _Daily Wire_. Within were two plain sheets of notepaper and a postal order. On one was written:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dear Sir, please insert the enclosed advts. in the personal column of your next issue.--John Jones."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "E. £27.14.5. To-morrow. B."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very curious, commented Foyle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Copy them out carefully and have 'em sent to the paper. They can't do any harm. Now let's get along."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "and"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here it is, he said at last and read:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charles J. Condit. American. No. 9781 Habitual Convicts' Registry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Put 'em back, said Foyle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll find his record in the Registry."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is our man right enough, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "American finger-prints and photograph supplied by the New York people when he took a trip to this country five years ago. Never convicted here. It says little about him. We'll have to cable over to learn what they know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That gives us a chance for a remand,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Exactly. And in the meantime he may tell us something. A prisoner gets plenty of time for reflection when he's on remand."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have you seen the _Wire_ this morning?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, he answered,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you make of the infernal thing? he demanded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's absolute Greek to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's simply a sighting shot, Sir Ralph, he remarked quietly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Grell credits you with intelligence enough to remember that number later. Have you any knowledge of ciphers?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have an elementary idea that to unravel them you work from the most frequently recurring letter; E, isn't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's right, said Foyle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But there are other ciphers where that system won't work. Mind you, I don't pose as an expert. If I had a cipher to unravel, I should go to a man who had specialised in them, exactly as I should go to a doctor on a medical question. Still, the advertisement to-day isn't a cipher. It means exactly what it says."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you, said Fairfield drily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am now as wise as when I started."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sorry, murmured Foyle suavely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll be wiser presently. The thing isn't complete yet. If you'll excuse me a few minutes, I'll just run through my letters, and then, if you don't mind taking a little walk, we'll go and see Lady Eileen Meredith."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, Sir Ralph,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then there was a sequel. I had warned the sheriff and the attorney, who had made up their differences, that the man they had got was a slippery customer to handle. However, they got him in the boat all right. When they got to New York I had a cable from the captain--a friend of mine. He said the prisoner had not only cleared off the ship by himself, but had carried away the hand-baggage of his escort."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I did not know you were here, Sir Ralph. I understood Mr. Foyle wished to see me."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I brought Sir Ralph here. I thought his presence might be necessary."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I suppose you have some disagreeable business to transact. Let us get it over."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to know, he said slowly,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't quite understand. What advertisement? I know nothing about Mr. Grell since he left Grosvenor Gardens. Will you explain?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "E. £27.14.5. To-morrow. B."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then the other was for you! she cried, turning to Fairfield."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wondered if----"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, it was for Sir Ralph, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is why I brought him here. It is you, though, who hold the key to this mystery. We know that you would have sent your jewels to Grell, that you are in communication with his friends. You are young, Lady Eileen, and don't realise that you are playing with fire. Your silence can do your lover no good--it may do him and yourself harm. You have been visited by the Princess Petrovska, an adventuress not fit to touch the hem of your skirt. You are already involved. Take the advice of a man old enough to be your father, and confide in us."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You would be offensive if you were not amusing, Mr. Foyle. Don't you think my help would be a little superfluous, since you know so much? she asked with a quietness that robbed the remark of some of its bitterness."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think you had better go now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am sorry, said Foyle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You may regret that you did not take my advice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come back alone as soon as you can, she whispered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want to speak to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She asked you to go back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eh? The baronet was startled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. How did you know? Did you overhear her?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, but I hoped she would when I took you there. That was the whole reason of our visit. I didn't expect to get her to say or admit anything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You intended-- For what reason? How could you know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Absolute common sense, my dear sir. That's all. Absolute common sense. If you are a chess-player, you know that the man who can foretell what move his opponent is going to make usually wins. Here, let's find a quiet Piccadilly tea-shop and I'll tell you all about it."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I did not tell you why I took you to see Lady Eileen, because I was afraid you might refuse. She has been antagonistic to you hitherto. The fact that Grell advertised you in somewhat the same manner as herself has given her the idea that, after all, you too might be trying to shield him. Naturally, she wants to be certain, in order that you may join forces. That's why I prevented you saying anything. Now, if you go back to her you may tell her that I practically forced you to accompany me. You can win her confidence, and through her we may get on the right track."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In short, he said curtly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't be in a hurry, he protested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The girl, as I told her, is beginning to be mixed up in a dangerous business. This is the only way to extricate her. You may help her and Grell and us by doing as I ask. Consider it coolly, and you will see it is the best thing to do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll have to think over it, said Fairfield thoughtfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Give me an hour or two."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right you are,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You wanted to see me alone,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I want to know if we are allies--or enemies. I know I have treated you abominably, but I was driven half mad by the thought that Bob was dead. Now we are working together--are we not?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In so far as we both wish to get Grell out of his difficulty--and I wish I knew what that was--yes, he replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't believe him to be a murderer, but why does he remain in hiding? He is not the sort of man to do foolish things, and that is foolish on the face of it. He has some strong reason for being out of the way. Can you explain?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I cannot explain--I can only trust. He looked to us to help him. I know that he wants money, for he sent a friend to tell me. I had none, but I gave her my jewels. Detectives were watching her, and they, with the connivance of my father, took them from her. Now, you, his most intimate friend, must help him. He has given you the key to the cipher which will appear, and then, I suppose, he will tell you how to get it to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So that advertisement was the key to a cipher? Do you know when I shall get a message?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall get one to-morrow. You--who knows?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then you can tell me how to read it?"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What was the number mentioned in your advertisement?"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The bottom line is the top one turned into cipher, she explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The middle line is the key number. In the first word you take the second letter from T, the third from H, the first from I, and so on. It is a cipher that cannot be unravelled without the key number. H becomes K once and M once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I see. The simplicity of it at once dawned on him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was what Foyle meant when he said that some ciphers could not be solved by the recurring E,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You spy! There was stinging scorn in her tone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have talked it over with Foyle, and that man knows all. You are here to worm out what I know in order to betray your friend. Oh, don't trouble to lie, --as he would have spoken,--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can see your object. And I nearly fell into the trap."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You may call me what you like, he said in a low voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Spy, if you will. Believe me or not, I have acted for the best, for you and for Grell. You once called me a murderer--with what justification you now know. Are you so ready to judge hastily again?"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You call yourself a spy. It is a good name. For a police spy there is no room in this house."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But if the advertisement has not already been given in, can you give a note to whoever brings it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, that could be done."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was Lady Eileen Meredith, said the workman, in a quick, low voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did she want?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's guessed that we know the cipher, retorted the other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She gave a letter to be handed over to whoever brings the advertisement. Here is what she says. He pulled the letter which Eileen had written five minutes before from its envelope:"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A nice mess you've got me into, he complained."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why didn't you tell me you knew the secret of the cipher?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Didn't I? I thought I made it perfectly clear to you. I am sorry that you misunderstood. I should have made it plainer. What has gone wrong?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, what's the use of talking nonsense? You did not tell me that you knew the cipher, and as a consequence Lady Eileen now knows that you know."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's a pity, he said reflectively."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It may mean a re-arrangement of our plans. And believe me, Sir Ralph, I badly regret now that I did not go into fuller details with you. What happened?"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She told you that you were a spy--that I had used you as a tool, he said sharply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have been hurt by her words. I don't want you to feel that you are anything but a free agent, or to do anything that you consider dishonourable. But I must know whether you are still willing to act with us, or whether you wish to stand aside."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am acting with you, of course, he answered sullenly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand--yes, yes, I know,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After all, he said at last,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very well. Good morning, Mr. Foyle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Take advantage of every chance of bringing a criminal to justice."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A woman brought the advertisement to Fleet Street, sir, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blake has just telephoned up that he and Lambert are keeping her under observation. He 'phoned earlier that Lady Eileen Meredith had been there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I suppose so. What does the advertisement say?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He couldn't tell me on the 'phone. He had to hurry away to look after the woman. It is being sent up by taxicab."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's good. By the way, Green, keep half-a-dozen men handy, and be about yourself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very good, sir. Is there anything on?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't quite know. We may have to go out in a hurry. I'll tell you after we have deciphered the advertisement."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fools! I warned them to handle it carefully. Now they've been and mixed the whole lot up."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That you, Green? Send this up to Grant, and ask him to have it photographed. See if he can pick out any of the prints as being in the records or bearing on the case. Somebody's been pawing this all over, and the prints are probably spoilt. It's been printed out, too, so there isn't much chance of identifying the writing. Anyhow, we'll have a look more closely at it when the finger-print people have done."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Listen to this, Green,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A barge below Tower Bridge, repeated Green, with something like admiration."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was a good shot. He might have stayed there till doomsday without our hitting on him, or any one taking any notice of him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know, said Foyle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A newcomer on the river would attract attention. These water-men know each other. There's only one way that I can see in which he would avoid being talked about. He is a watchman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're right, sir, agreed the other emphatically."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is a matter where Wrington of the Thames Division will be able to help us. Hope we can find him at Wapping. Shall I ring through?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's no hurry for a minute or two, said Foyle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let's get the hang of the thing right. There's probably some hundreds of barges below Tower Bridge. It will be as well to keep a close eye on the docks and shipping offices. You see, he asserts his innocence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "H'm, commented Green, with an intonation that meant much."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He says, too, that there are reasons why he shouldn't be questioned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, we shall see. There had better be an all-station message about the docks. Send two or three men down to Tilbury to watch outgoing boats there. We shan't need any other men from here. Wrington's staff know the river, and will get on best with them. I don't want to leave here until Blake lets us know more about the woman who left the advertisement. That gives us another possible clue."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very good, sir, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you think the man you want is on the river, we will find him. I guess, as you say, he's got a job as a watchman. He's probably had to get somebody to buy a barge, for they don't give these jobs without some kind of reference."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A reference could easily have been forged. But that doesn't matter. How soon can you get your men together?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An hour,--perhaps two. They're scattered all over the place. I sent out to fetch 'em before I left Wapping."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Three or four will be enough. With Green and yourself and myself we should be able to tackle anything. Have a launch and a motor-boat at Westminster Bridge Pier in a couple of hours' time. If you can borrow them off some one, so that they don't look like police craft, so much the better."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can do it, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good. In two hours' time, then."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Any luck?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can't tell yet, he said irritably."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've only just started. Go away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sorry I spoke, old chap, said the other."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't shoot; I'm going."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Great heavens! he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Isn't it enough to have two of my men ill when there are four hundred prints to classify, to have three newspaper reporters and a party of American sociological researchers down on me in one day, without----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Foyle asking for you, sir,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blake's wired that the woman has taken a ticket for Liverpool, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's gone on the same train. Now that's settled, let's see if we can't hurry Wrington up."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't believe he is a detective at all,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Phew, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A narrow shave that, and then, as if realising the sex of his companion,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I--I beg your pardon. I hope the carriage is not reserved. If so, I will change."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, don't disturb yourself, I beg. It would be a pity after all the trouble you have taken--to catch the train."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, what the devil does she mean by that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how is the charming Mr. Foyle? said the Princess, speaking with a soft drawl."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do hope he is still well."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you are a colleague of Mr. Foyle's? she went on, and though her voice was soft there was a trace of mockery in it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is charmingly considerate to send you to look after me. I was desolated to think that I should have to take such a long journey by myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The pleasure is mine,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Smoke, if you like, she said, with a gracious wave of her hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know you are dying to do so. Then we can talk. Do you know, I have long wished to have a talk with a real detective. Your work must be so fascinating."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Indeed, he said grimly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought you had met Mr. Foyle. In fact, I believe that he afforded you some opportunity of seeing a portion of the workings of our police system. Do you smoke? May I offer you a cigarette?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you. But that was different. I don't think it quite nice of you to refer to it. It was all a mistake. Mr. Foyle will tell you so, if you ask him. Do detectives often make mistakes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sometimes, he admitted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I made a mistake just now in coming on this train alone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I believe the man is afraid of me, she said, addressing the ceiling. Then more directly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, what harm could a poor creature like myself do to a great stalwart man like you? I should have thought you'd greater sense."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Common sense is my strong point,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And therefore you are afraid, she laughed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come--Mr.--Mr.----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Smith--John Smith."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. John Smith, then. It's a good English name. I shan't do you any harm. But if you like to lose sight of me when we reach Liverpool----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would be worth £50 to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am afraid, Princess, you have a very poor opinion of the London police. Besides, I told you just now that common sense was my strong point."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Won't you try one of mine? she asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is, if you care for Egyptian."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's going to be a cold job,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ay, agreed Green. Then, without moving his head:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's that chap Jerrold of the _Wire_ behind us. Has he got any idea of what we're on?"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I never! How are you, Mr. Foyle? And you, Mr. Green? What are you doing down here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For the matter of that, what are you doing?"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Me? he retorted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I'm writing a story about Westminster Bridge. Cracks have developed in the pier. Is it safe? You know the kind of thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I know, agreed Foyle, with a smile and a glance at the waiting boats."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, it's nice weather. Green and I are just going off with Wrington. There's some question of increasing the river staff, and we've got to go into it."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That coroner's officer, went on Jerrold gravely,"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So that's why he kept us talking, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He suspects something, and wanted to keep us till he could send for a boat himself. We shall be a regular procession if we don't stop that."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where's Mr. Jerrold?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who's he?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come, you know who he is well enough. He's the man who's borrowed or hired this craft, and he got on board just now. I want to speak to him. If he has ordered you to follow us, let me tell you that I am a police officer, and shall be justified in arresting you for obstructing me in the execution of my duty if you are not careful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hello, Mr. Green. Threatening the skipper? What's wrong?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This isn't the game, Mr. Jerrold. We can't have you following us like this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really? Do you object to me having a blow on the river? Because I'm going on, in any case. I can't help it if you're going the same way."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Jerrold, can't we settle this without quarrelling? We're on a queer job, and you might spoil it all by hanging around. Leave us to it, and if there's anything fit for publication you shall have first pull. Don't ask me anything else and I'll promise you that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Honour?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Honour,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right you are. Slip off and we'll go back. Ring me up at the office."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're right, sir. If we take the likely one now we can leave the others till we've finished. We'll get on. Let her out, boys."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's a new caretaker on a tier of barges just above Tower Bridge, whispered Wrington tensely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll try there first. Keep your voice low if you want to speak, sir. Sound travels a long way on the water. Ah, there it is."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stop her, ordered Wrington."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, sir, will you board her with me? Get ready."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Keep still, ordered Foyle, doggedly maintaining his hold."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hi, Green, Wrington! Give me a hand here, will you?"
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look lively with those boats. He's gone overboard, yelled Wrington."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Light up and get close in to the bank."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's hopeless, growled Green, in an undertone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "On a night like this we might as well look for a needle in a haystack."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We won't give up yet, anyway, retorted Foyle, and there was an unwonted irritability in his tone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've mucked it badly enough, but I'm not going to fling it up while there's a sporting chance of finding him. Do you think he'll be able to swim across the river, Wrington?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It would need a good man to do it in his clothes. The tide's running pretty strong. More likely he's let himself drop down below the bridge, and will try to pull himself aboard one of these craft."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, it's hardly the kind of thing a barge watchman would wear, commented Foyle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'd better take the bag along, and you can go through it at your leisure. The laundry marks will tell whose they are. You had better stop here, Wrington, and take charge. Find out whom the barge belongs to, and make what inquiries you can. Better have it thoroughly searched, and report to me in the morning. Use your discretion in detaining any one who comes aboard."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Man found drugged in first-class compartment of express from London, bears warrant card and other documents identifying him as Inspector Robert Blake, C.I.D., London. Is now under care of our surgeon, and has not yet recovered consciousness. In no danger. He travelled from London with a woman fashionably dressed, dark hair, dark blue eyes. Am now endeavouring to find her. Can you suggest any steps we can take?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There! We're not the only people who have made blunders to-day, Green. Look at that. Wire to them a full description of this woman Petrovska, and tell 'em to detain her if they come across her. We charge her with administering a noxious drug, and that'll hold her safe till we get the business cleared up. If she's trying to slip out of the country, they're pretty safe to get her in one of the liners. Wire over our men at Liverpool to the same effect."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wire's gone to Liverpool. I've drafted this out for Mr. Jerrold, if you'll just look at it. I promised him he should know anything there was to tell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In connection with the investigation into the murder of Mr. Robert Grell, Superintendent Heldon Foyle, accompanied by Chief Detective-Inspector Green, Divisional Detective-Inspector Wrington, and other detectives, examined the body of a man found in the river, whom it was supposed might be the man Goldenburg, for whom search is being made. The police are of the opinion that the drowned man is not Goldenburg."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't you think he'll discover that to be a deliberate lie, Mr. Green?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, said Green doggedly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, all right, let it go. You'd better arrange the laundry inquiry first thing in the morning. Now let me alone. I want to think."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was sheer foolishness, Sir Hilary, he admitted bitterly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If we hadn't blundered Grell would have been in our hands now. As it is, we have to begin the search for him all over again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You still think that Grell had a hand in it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm never positive, Sir Hilary, when it is a question of circumstantial evidence. But there can be no question that if he is not guilty himself he knows who is. I am so certain that I had a schedule of witnesses made out for the Treasury. Here they are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There are gaps in it, of course, went on Foyle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As a matter of evidence, though, practically all we want is to identify the finger-prints. They of themselves would determine the investigation. But we can't tell whether they are Grell's or not until we get hold of him. We've identified the linen found in the bag on the barge as having been bought for Grell, but there is no name or initials on the bag itself. I have not yet heard from Wrington. He may have something further to report. About Goldenburg. I got Pinkerton's to look into his career in America. They have discovered that five years ago he was in San Francisco for three months, and at that time he was apparently well supplied with money. Grell arrived there a month before he left, and they left the city within a day of each other."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A coincidence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It may be or may not. Grell's movements were pretty well chronicled in the American Press at that time, and it is at any rate conceivable that Goldenburg went there with the express intention of meeting him. More than that, Grell was staying at the Waldorf Astoria in New York two years ago. Goldenburg went straight there from India--which he had made too hot to hold him--stayed at the same hotel, and left within three days for Cape Town. Why should he go to Cape Town _via_ New York? I may be right or wrong in the opinion I have formed, but at any rate we have established a point of contact between the two men."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is something in that,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "More than that, on the New York visit Goldenburg was accompanied by a woman whose description in every particular corresponds with that of the Princess Petrovska--though she called herself the Hon. Katherine Balton. There is material enough in that information, Sir Hilary, to draw a number of conclusions from. At any rate, they go to confirm my opinions at present. I know very well that there is sometimes smoke without fire, but my experience is that you can usually safely lay odds that there is a fire somewhere when you do see smoke."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's all right, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But how do you account for Grell finding people ready to his hand in London to help him disappear at the very moment he needs them? There are several people mixed up in it, we know; but how is it that they are all loyal to him? We know that criminals will not keep faith with each other unless there is some strong inducement. How do you account for it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There may be a dozen reasons. Purely as an hypothesis, Grell may have a hold on these people by threatening them with exposure for some crime they have committed. Self-interest is the finest incentive I know to silence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All the same, it's queer, said Sir Hilary, with a little frown."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you propose to do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Break 'em up piecemeal as we lay our hands on 'em now. We've got one--the man we roped in with Red Ike. He's as tight as an oyster; but while we've got him he can't do anything to help his pals. Then there's the Princess. She's as slippery as an eel; but if the Liverpool people can get hold of her we may reckon she'll be kept safe for a few weeks on the charge of drugging Blake. Then there's Ivan Abramovitch. We may be able to lay our fingers on him. If there's any more in this business I don't know 'em; but every one of the gang we take means so much less help for Grell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Western Union, muttered the superintendent."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This may be something else from Pinkerton's, Sir Hilary. Don't go yet. And, tearing open the envelope, he crossed the room and pulled down a code-book. In a little he had deciphered the cable."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're getting closer, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pinkerton's have got hold of 'Billy the Scribe,' who identified the photograph of the dagger with which the murder was committed as one that he believes was in the possession of Henry Goldenburg when he last saw him. That may be fancy or invention, or it may be important. Hello! what is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lady Eileen Meredith, sir--Machin reports that she left her home at five this morning, walked to Charing Cross Station, bought a copy of the _Daily Wire_, looked hurriedly through it, and then worked out something on a small notebook. Then she returned home, and came out again in half an hour's time and went to Waterloo Bridge floating station. There she asked to see one of the detective branch, and they referred her to headquarters at Wapping after nine this morning. Machin says he had no chance to telephone through before. She has not gone to Wapping, he added, as he saw the eyes of his chief seek the clock."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She went straight back home and has not come out since."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She knew the advertisement was to appear in the _Daily Wire_, and she got up early to warn Grell that we know, in case he should give an address. She did not discover a little paragraph of Mr. Green's invention till after she returned home, and then her curiosity was stirred, and she hoped, by going to Waterloo, to find a subordinate detective whom she might pump. What do you think, Green?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I agree with you, sir. She'll turn up here later, I shouldn't wonder."
}
]
|
22173 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Had a cold night?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Been too busy to think about it, sir, he chuckled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We discovered that the owners of the barge engaged the man who gave the name of Floyd on the written recommendation of a firm of steamship agents--that, by the way, was forged, for the agents deny all knowledge of the man. He was supposed to have been an American sailor. Once or twice he has been visited on the boat by a couple of men who pulled up in a dinghy hired from Blackfriars. The regular waterman hardly ever caught a glimpse of him--he never showed himself by day. This morning a letter was sent aboard addressed to James Floyd, Esq. I never opened it, thinking perhaps you might prefer to do so. We searched the barge from end to end, and Jones is outside with a bag of different things you might like to see. What I thought most important, however, was this."
}
]
|
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