book_id
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| title
stringclasses 1
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stringclasses 1
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listlengths 1
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|---|---|---|---|
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it a safe place to leave a boat for the night with no one on board?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn't go as far as that, sir. None o' the reg'lar boatmen or fishermen wouldn't touch 'er, but they're a thievin' lot o' rascals, some o' them Tilbury folk. If they happened to come across 'er, as like as not they'd strip 'er gear, to say nothin' of the fittings. Then he paused."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But if you was thinkin' o' layin' 'er up there for the night, I'd see no one got monkeyin' around with 'er. I'd sleep aboard meself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, that's a bright notion, said Tommy, turning to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you think, Neil?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it's quite sound, I answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Besides, he can help me look after her for the next two or three days. I shall be too busy to get over to the creek much myself. Then putting my hand in my pocket I pulled out Joyce's envelope, and carefully extracted one of the five-pound notes from inside."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look here, Mr. Gow! I added,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sure I'm very much obliged to you, sir, he said gratefully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll just run up to my cottage when we land to get some dry clothes, and then I'll come straight back and take 'er over. She won't come to no harm, not with Luke Gow on board; you can reckon on that, sir."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm so glad, said Joyce quietly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shan't feel half so nervous now I know you'll have someone with you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's a good egg, he observed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think old whiskers is by way of being rather grateful. Then he paused."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But what swine those German beggars must be not to have stopped! They must have seen what had happened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder what he meant by hinting that they'd done it purposely,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know. I asked him in the cabin, but he wouldn't say any more. I think he was only talking through his hat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not so sure, I said doubtfully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He seemed to have some idea at the back of his mind. I shall sound him about it later on."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see them two or three stakes stickin' up in the water?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, you keep 'em in line with that little clump o' trees be'ind, an' you'll just fetch the crick nicely."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Plenty o' water, he kept on calling out encouragingly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Keep 'er goin', sir, keep 'er goin'. Inside that beacon, now up with 'er a bit. That's good!"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know what time you gen'lemen might be thinkin' o' leavin'; but if you could put me ashore now I could be back inside of the hour."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right you are, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll do that straight away."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I haven't never thanked you properly yet, sir, for what you done, he observed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You saved my life, and Luke Gow ain't the sort o' man to forget a thing like that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, if you'll save our property from the Tilbury gentlemen, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We thought you'd like something before you pushed off, said Tommy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One can scout better on a full tummy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You needn't apologize for feeding me, I replied cheerfully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've a lot of lost time to make up in the eating line."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I tell you what I think I'll do, Tommy, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll see if there's any way along outside the sea-wall. I could get right up to the place then without being spotted, if there should happen to be any one there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's the idea, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And look here: I brought this along for you. I don't suppose you'll want it, but it's a useful sort of thing to have on the premises."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks, Tommy, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, please take it, Neil,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very well, I answered, and stuffing it into my side pocket, I buttoned up my coat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, Tommy, I said;"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I beg your pardon, sir, he said in a pleasant, lazy voice,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I replied boldly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I must really beg your pardon, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was trespassing shamelessly. The fact of the matter is that I am acting on behalf of the District Surveyor, and finding the door open and being unable to get any answer, I took the liberty of looking inside."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The District Surveyor! I repeated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what does that distinguished person want with me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's nothing of any real importance, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's only a temporary structure,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quite so. Still there are certain bye-laws which we have to see attended to. The Surveyor happened to notice it the other day when he was passing, and he asked me to find out the exact purpose it was intended for. We are bound to make some restrictions about wooden buildings on account of the extra chance of their catching fire."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a matter of fact, I said,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, in that case, he said, with a smile,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "--he stepped back and again raised his hat--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You needn't apologize, I returned artlessly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was my own fault for leaving the door open."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, he said gravely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You will find it safer to keep the place locked up. Good-day, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-day,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All serene?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We needn't hurry; there's no one chasing me. Then pushing her off the mud I jumped in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll tell you the news, I added,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How have you got on?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've had quite an interesting time, I said. Then I paused and looked round the boat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is Mr. Gow back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not yet. I expect he's blueing some of that fiver in anticipation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come and sit down, then, I said,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's hateful, isn't it? she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I feel as if we were fighting in the dark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's just what we are doing, answered Tommy,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then he turned to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "McMurtrie's got some game on, evidently, and this chap Latimer's dropped on it. That was why they tried to put him out of the way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder if they're anarchists, he said, after a short pause."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps they want your powder to blow up the Houses of Parliament or the Law Courts with."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever McMurtrie's after, it's nothing so useful and unselfish as that. If I thought it was I shouldn't worry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, there's only one thing to do, observed Tommy, after a pause,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sure of nothing about him, I replied,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We must risk it anyhow, said Tommy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's the only person who knows anything of what's going on, and he evidently wants to find out who sent him that note, or he wouldn't have answered it as he did. He'll have to give me some sort of explanation if I go and see him. I shall rub it into him that my supposed pal is a perfectly sensible, unimaginative sort of chap--and anyway people don't invent a yarn like that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look! interrupted Joyce suddenly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Isn't that Mr. Gow coming along by those trees?"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll pick him up, I said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's just half-past three now, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I vote we run across to Gravesend and catch the train there. Old Whiskers can bring the boat back here after we've gone--if he's still sober."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course he's sober, said Joyce;"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You leave 'er to me, he remarked consolingly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shan't want no help--not to bring 'er in here. Some people don't hold with being alone in a boat, but that ain't Luke Gow's way."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This chap will take us off, he said, turning to Mr. Gow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You push straight back while the engine's running; she usually stops when we've got about as far as this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I'll come over to the creek some time tomorrow,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I tell you what I want you to do when we get back to town, Joyce, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want you to help me buy a hat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's the matter with the one you're wearing? demanded Tommy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It just suits your savage style of beauty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, this new one isn't for me, I explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's for a lady--a lady friend, as we say."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn't know you had any, said Joyce,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You underrate my attractions, I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Haven't I told you about Miss Gertie 'Uggins?"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I believe any woman would starve herself to death for something new to wear,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course she would, said Joyce with spirit--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then she turned to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it's sweet, Neil; I shall give her a new hat myself, just because she loves you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll find that an expensive hobby to keep up, Joyce, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You'll have to start a bonnet-shop."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're spending the evening with me, Neil, of course,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll take a taxi and buy the hat somewhere, and then drop Joyce at Chelsea. After that I am open to any dissipation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only keep away from the Savoy, said Joyce."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am making my great surrender there, and it would hamper me to have you and Tommy about."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shall we be able to write to you? asked Joyce."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shall want to tell you about George, and Tommy will want to let you know how he gets on with Latimer. Of course I'm coming down to the boat in a day or two; but all sorts of things may happen before then."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Write to me at the Tilbury post-office, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only don't make a mistake and address the letter to Neil Lyndon. Too much excitement isn't good for a Government official."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's just the sort of damn silly thing I should probably have done, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can't you imagine the postmaster's face when he read the envelope? I should like to paint it as a Christmas supplement to the _Graphic_."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where did you tell the man to stop, Joyce?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Holland's, said Joyce."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am going to buy Gertie a really splendid hat--something with birds and flowers on it. I am sure I know just what she'll think beautiful. I suppose I had better tell them to send it round to you at Edith Terrace. You won't want to carry it about London."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not unless Tommy likes to wear it, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I'm disguised enough as it is."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-bye, Neil, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shall come down on Tuesday and go straight to the _Betty_, unless I hear anything special from you before then. She paused."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And oh, dear Neil, she added,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In that case, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall be discretion itself. I couldn't allow George anything like so charming an end; it would be quite wasted on him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You keep the taxi on, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall take a bus home. I can't be hurried over buying a hat--even if it's for Gertie. Where shall I tell the man to go to?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Better say the Studio, answered Tommy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We both want a wash and a drink before we start dissipating."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll write to you, anyway, Neil, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You'll be more useful to me in London, Tommy, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All the threads of the business are up here. McMurtrie--Latimer-- George --I paused--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'd give something to know what those three do between them,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's all right, old son, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not much of a believer in inspirations and all that sort of rot, but somehow or other I'm dead certain we're going to win out. I've had a feeling like that ever since the trial--and so has Joyce."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks, Tommy, I said briefly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You'd give a jellyfish a backbone--you two."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have to go away with my father until the end of next week. By that time, if you have succeeded with your invention, there will be nothing to stop our plans. I would have explained everything to you today if you had been here. As it is, _on no account give your secret to any one_ until I have seen you. I shall come down to Tilbury either on Friday or Saturday, and within a few hours we can be utterly beyond the reach of any further danger or difficulties. Until then, my lover--SONIA."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seems to me, I said,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oo--er, she gasped faintly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That ain't never for me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, it is, Gertrude, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was specially chosen for you by a lady of unimpeachable taste."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My Gawd, she whispered reverently;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it will suit you very nicely, Gertie, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's got just that dash of colour which Edith Terrace wants."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yer reely mean it? she asked eagerly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yer reely think I'll look orl right in it? 'Course it do seem a bit funny like with this 'ere frock, but I got a green velveteen wot belonged to Mrs. Oldbury's niece. It won't 'alf go with that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It won't indeed, I agreed heartily. Then, looking up from my eggs and bacon, I added:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By the way, Gertie, I've never thanked you for your letter. I had no idea you could, write so well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Go on! said Gertie doubtfully;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I'm not, I answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was a very nice letter. It said just what you wanted to say and nothing more. That's the whole art of good letter-writing. Then a sudden idea struck me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look here, Gertie, I went on,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oo--rather. I'd do any think for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it's something I may want you to do for me after I've left."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You ain't goin' away from 'ere--not for good?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not entirely for good, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hope to do a certain amount of harm to at least one person before I come back. I paused."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's just possible, I continued,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I _don't_ think, she observed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wotjer taike me for--a Sunday-school teacher?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Gertie, I said gravely;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then pushing away my plate and lighting a cigarette, I added:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll leave you a stamped addressed envelope and a telegraph form. You can send me the wire first to say if any one has called, and then write me a line afterwards by post telling me what they were like and what they said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can do that orl right, she answered eagerly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If they talks to Mrs. Oldbury I'll listen at the keyhole."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's a practice that the best moralists condemn, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then getting up from the table, I added:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You might tell Mrs. Oldbury I should like to see her."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "JAMES NICHOLSON."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An' seem' you've taken on the rooms, sir, observed that lady,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I 'opes it's to be a case of 'say orrivar an' not good-bye.'"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope it is, Mrs. Oldbury, I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shall come back if I possibly can, but one never knows what may happen in life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, you're right there, sir. An' curious enough that's the very identical remark my late 'usband was ser fond o' makin'. I remember 'is sayin' it to me the very night before 'e was knocked down by a bus. Knocked down in Westminister 'e was, and runned over the body by both 'ind wheels. 'E never got over it--not as you might say reely got over it. If ever 'e ate cheese after that it always give 'im a pain in 'is stomick."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you waiting for me--Mr. James Nicholson?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's right, he said. Then as a sort of afterthought he added,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I gotter trap outside."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you? I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've got a couple of bags inside, so you'd better come and catch hold of one of them."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I dunno nothin' 'bout that, he grunted, flicking his whip."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My orders was to drive you to Warren's Copse."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't care in the least what your orders were, I answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can either go to the post-office or else you can go to the Devil. There are plenty of other traps in Tilbury."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I intend to,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-morning, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder if you could help me out of a slight difficulty about my letters?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What sort of a difficulty?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, for the next week or two, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall be living in a little hut on the marshes about two miles to the east from here, and quite close to the sea-wall. I am making a few chemical experiments in connection with photography (a most useful lie this),"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think there will be any difficulty about that--not if you leave written instructions. I shall have to ask the postmaster when he comes in, but I'm pretty certain it will be all right."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am going across the street to get some things I want, I observed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can wait here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wot you want's a bus, he remarked;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What you want, I said quietly,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Off-Licence."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now you can go to Warren's Copse,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There y'are, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We can't get no nearer than this."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I ain't afraid o' you--you--'ulkin' bully! he shouted;"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've come to have supper with you, Mr. Gow, I observed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you got anything to eat?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I says to meself it must be you, sir, d'rectly I heard you comin' round the crick. There ain't much comp'ny 'bout here at night-time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nor in the daytime either,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And that's a fact, sir, he remarked, settling down to the oars."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was one gent round here this morning askin' his way, but except for him we bin remarkable quiet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What sort of a gent?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Smallish, 'e was, sir, an' very civil spoken. Wanted to get to Tilbury."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did he ask who the boat belonged to, by any chance?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now you come to mention it, sir, I b'lieve 'e did. Not as I should have told 'im anything, even if I'd known. I don't hold with answerin' questions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're quite right, Mr. Gow, I observed, catching hold of the stern of the _Betty_."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's a habit that gets people into a lot of trouble--especially in the Law Courts."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look here, Gow, I said abruptly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mebbe they did, and mebbe they didn't, he answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anyway, I reckon they wouldn't have bin altogether sorry to see me at the bottom o' the river."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But why? I persisted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What on earth have you been doing to them?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "he said at last."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bein' about the river all times o' the day an' night, I see things as other people misses--things as per'aps it ain't too healthy to see."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, what have you seen our pals doing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't say I seen 'em doin' nothin'--nothin' against the law, so to speak. He looked round cautiously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All the same, sir, he added, lowering his voice,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You think they're spies?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's it, sir. Spies--that's what they are; a couple o' dirty Dutch spies--damn 'em."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why don't you tell the police or the naval people?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They'd pay a lot of heed to the likes o' me, wouldn't they? You can lay them two fellers have got it all squared up fine and proper. Come to look into it, an' you'd find they was artists right enough; no, there wouldn't be no doubt about that. As like as not I'd get two years 'ard for perjurin' and blackmail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, we must keep an eye on them ourselves, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I got up and knocked out my pipe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The first thing to do, I added,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They done it a-purpose all right, he repeated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They seen me watching of 'em, and they knows that dead men tell no tales."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will you be over tomorrow, sir?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think so, I shall be rather busy the next two or three days. Then I paused a moment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Keep your eyes open generally, Mr. Gow, I added;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yessir, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-night, sir."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good-night, Mr. Gow,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, sonny, I called out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bring it along here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It came the last post yesterday, explained the lad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We couldn't let you have it until this morning because there wasn't any one to send."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, sit down a moment, Charles, I said;"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "JOYCE."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's no answer, thank you, Charles, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How much do I owe you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It will be two shillings, the post-office fee, sir."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, there it is, I said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Beg pardon, sir, he observed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We most of us do that, Charles, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can you make fireworks?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of a kind, I admitted modestly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I only wondered if it was hard, sir. I'd rather be able to make fireworks than do anything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's not very hard, I said consolingly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You go on bringing my letters and telegrams for me like a good boy directly they arrive, and before I leave here I'll show you how to do it. Only you mustn't talk about it to anybody, or I shall have everyone asking me the same thing."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, it's you! she cried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How lovely! Half a second, and I'll come over and fetch you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where's Mr. Gow?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's gone home. I sent him off for a holiday. There's no one on board but me."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jump, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll hang on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You dear, to come so soon! she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn't expecting you for ages."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joyce, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've done it! I've made enough of the blessed stuff to blow up half Tilbury."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How splendid! I knew you would. Have you tried it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not yet, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll do it early tomorrow morning, before any one's about. Then, digging in my scull to avoid a desolate-looking beacon, I added anxiously:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What about Tommy? Is he coming?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He'll be down tomorrow. I've got a letter for you from him. He saw Mr. Latimer last night."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did he! said I."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Things are moving with a vengeance. What about the gentle George?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, she said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've such lots to tell you, I hardly know where to start."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Suppose we start by having some tea, I suggested."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm dying for a cup."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You poor dear, said Joyce."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course you shall have one. You can read what Tommy says while I'm getting it ready."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "TOMMY."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here you are, Neil, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have cut you only two slices of bread and butter, because I don't want you to spoil your supper. There's cold pheasant and peas and new potatoes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If they're as new as this wine, I observed,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sarcon et fils, she repeated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I always thought they made vinegar."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps they do, I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We shall know when we drink it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've read Tommy's letter, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you think about it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From the little I've seen of Mr. Bruce Latimer, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should put him down as being one of the most accomplished liars in England. I paused."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At the same time, I added,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think he's a fine fellow. I like his face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you don't believe his story?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It may be true, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tommy seems to think so anyhow. If it is, things are a bit simpler than I imagined--that's all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And if it isn't?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! said I,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tell me about George, Joyce, I went on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are these particular dark doings that Tommy's hinting about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Neil, she said slowly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've found out something at last--something I thought I was never going to. I know who the man was in Marks's rooms on the day that he was murdered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wish you'd break these things more gently, Joyce, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who was it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was Dr. McMurtrie."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dr. McMurtrie!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Listen, and I'll tell you exactly how it all happened. I dined with George, as you know, at the Savoy on Friday, and we went into the whole business of my going away with him. He has got that twelve thousand pounds, Neil; there's no doubt about it. He showed me the entry in his pass-book and the acknowledgment from the bank, and he even offered to write me a cheque for a couple of hundred right away, to buy clothes with for the trip."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From what I remember of George, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course I let him think I was giving way. I wanted to find out where the money had come from, but try as I would, I couldn't get him to tell me. That makes me feel so certain there's something wrong about it. In the end I arranged to dine with him again tomorrow night, when I said I'd give him my final answer. On Saturday morning, however, I changed my mind, and wrote him a note to say I'd come Thursday instead. I didn't mean to tie myself to be back tomorrow, in case you wanted me here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had to go up Victoria Street, so I thought I'd leave the letter at his office. I'd just got there, and I was standing outside the door opening my bag, when a man came down the steps. I looked up as he passed, and--oh Neil!--it was all I could do to stop myself from screaming. I knew him at once; I knew his cold wicked face just as well as if it had been only three days instead of three years. It was the man I'd seen in Marks's rooms on the afternoon of the murder."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I got there just as the other taxi was drawing up in front of the hotel. A porter came forward and opened the door, and I saw the man get out and go up the steps. I waited for one moment, and then I walked along to the entrance myself. The porter was still standing there, so I went straight up to him and asked him quite simply what the name of the gentleman was who had just gone inside. He sort of hesitated, and then he said to me: 'That gentleman, Miss?--that's Dr. McMurtrie.'"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's lucky you've had some practice in surprises,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course I was absolutely flabbergasted, but I don't think I showed anything. I sort of rummaged in my bag for a minute till I'd recovered; then I gave the man half a crown and asked him if he knew how long Dr. McMurtrie was staying. I think he was in doubt as to whether I was a female detective or a lady reporter; anyhow he took the money and said he was very sorry he didn't know, but that if I wanted an interview at any time he had no doubt it might be arranged. I thanked him, and said it didn't matter for the moment, and there I thought it best to leave things. You see I knew that whether McMurtrie stayed on at the Russell or not you were bound to see him again, and there was nothing to be gained by asking questions which the porter would probably repeat to him. It would only have helped to put him on his guard--wouldn't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My dear Joyce, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think you did splendidly. Sherlock Holmes couldn't have done better. I got up and walked to the end of the cockpit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But good Lord! I added,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Absolutely, repeated Joyce with emphasis."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should remember his face if I lived to be a hundred."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's some damned villainy underneath all this, Joyce, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If McMurtrie was there that afternoon the odds are that he knows who committed the murder."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He did it himself, said Joyce calmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm as sure of it as I am that I'm sitting here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But why? I demanded--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know, she said stubbornly;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And in any case, I continued,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's an absolute mystery to me too. I've been puzzling and puzzling over it till my head aches, and I can't see any sort of explanation at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The only thing that's quite plain, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, anyhow, said Joyce,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I added rather bitterly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can afford the privilege of breaking my word. It's only what you'd expect from a convict."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't, Neil, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hate you to say anything that isn't fine and generous. It's like hearing music out of tune."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look here, Joyce, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We will, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After all, we've got a boat and a lovely evening and a cold pheasant and a bottle of champagne--what more can any one want?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There you are, she laughed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can skin them and shell them while I wash up the tea-things and lay the table. It's a man's duty to do the dangerous work."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We won't wash up, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll just shove everything through into the fo'c's'le, and we'll leave them there for Mr. Gow. A certain amount of exercise will be good for him after his holiday."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do, said Joyce sleepily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And then come and sit over here, Neil. I want to stroke your hair."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I must go, Joyce, I whispered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't stay here. I daren't."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't go, she whispered back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not if you don't want to. What does it matter? I am all yours, Neil, anyway."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joyce dear, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're right, darling, she said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She lifted up my hand and passed it softly backwards and forwards across her eyes. Then, with a little laugh that had tears close behind it, she added:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you know, my Neil, I'm conceited enough to think you're rather wonderful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am, Joyce, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Exactly how wonderful you'll never know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll row myself ashore, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't mind how early you come. The sooner the better."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Try and get some sleep, I added;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll try, said Joyce simply;"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Beautifully punctual, she called out over the side."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I knew you would be, so I started getting breakfast."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's like living at the Savoy, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Breakfast was a luxury that had never entered my head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it's going to now, she returned,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We can spare ten minutes certainly, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Experiments should always be made on a full body."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't believe you've been to bed at all, Joyce, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And yet you look as if you'd just slipped out of Paradise by accident."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn't want to sleep, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was too happy, and too miserable. It's the widest-awake mixture I ever tried. Then, picking up the teapot, she added curiously:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where's the powder? I expected to see you arrive with a large keg over your shoulder."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here you are, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is ordinary gunpowder, and this other one's my stuff. It looks harmless enough, doesn't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You've not brought very much of it, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was hoping we were going to have a really big blow-up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It will be big enough, I returned consolingly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where are you going to do it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Somewhere at the back of Canvey Island, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's no one to wake up there except the sea-gulls, and we can be out of sight round the corner before it explodes. I've got about twenty feet of fuse, which will give us at least a quarter of an hour to get away in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What fun! exclaimed Joyce."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I feel just like an anarchist or something; and it's lovely to know that one's launching a new invention. We ought to have kept that bottle of champagne to christen it with."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I said regretfully;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've thought of a name for it, cried Joyce suddenly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The powder, I mean. We'll call it Lyndonite. It sounds like something that goes off with a bang, doesn't it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It would probably suggest that to the prison authorities, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anyhow, Lyndonite it shall be."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This will do nicely, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll turn her round first, and then I'll row into the bank and fix things up under that tree over there. We can be back in the river before anything happens."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can't we stop and watch? asked Joyce."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should love to see it go off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Unless I've made a mistake, I said,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We seem to have done it, Joyce,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was splendid! she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, oh, Neil, what appalling stuff it must be! It's blown up half Canvey Island!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Never mind, I said cheerfully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There are plenty of other islands left. Let's get into the dinghy and see what the damage really amounts to. I fancy it's fairly useful."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's even better than I expected, Joyce, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If one can do this with three-quarters of a pound, just fancy the effect of a couple of hundredweight. It would shift half London."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They'll be more anxious than ever to get hold of it, when they know, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are you going to do? Write and tell McMurtrie that you've succeeded?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I haven't quite decided, I answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shall wait till tomorrow or the next day, anyhow. I want to hear what Sonia has got to say first. Then, backing away the boat, I added:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'd better get out of this as soon as we can. It's just possible some one may have heard the explosion and come pushing along to find out what's the matter. People are so horribly inquisitive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would be rather awkward, wouldn't it? We couldn't very well say it was an earthquake. It looks too neat and tidy."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What shall we do now, Joyce? I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seems to me that this is an occasion which distinctly requires celebrating."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let's go for a long sail, she suggested,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You always have beautiful ideas, I said. Then a sudden inspiration seized me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've got it! I cried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you say to running down to Sheppey and paying a call on our German pals?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It would be lovely, she said, with a deep breath;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's no risk, I rejoined."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I said 'pay a call,' I didn't mean it quite literally. My idea was to cruise along the coast and just find out exactly where their precious bungalow is, and what they do with that launch of theirs when they're not swamping inquisitive boatmen. It's the sort of information that might turn out useful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll go, she said briefly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What about the tide?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, the tide doesn't matter, I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It will be dead out by the time we get to Southend; but we only draw about three foot six, and we can cut across through the Jenkin Swatch. There's water enough off Sheppey to float a battleship."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's about where our pals are hanging out, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's a little deep-water creek there, which Tommy and I used to use sometimes, and according to Mr. Gow their bungalow is close by."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's a nice situation, she observed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They are so close to Sheerness and Shoeburyness, and other places of beauty. I expect they've done quite a lot of quiet sketching."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's the entrance to the creek all right, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She moved the glasses slowly from side to side."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes, she exclaimed suddenly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've got it now--right up on the cliff there, away to the left. One can only just see the roof, though, and it seems some way from the creek."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I observed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It may come in very handy, she said,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "enjoyed what he called"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I accepted his proposal, and having agreed with his statement that it was"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I'd better catch the three-thirty back, said Joyce."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've got one or two things I want to do before I meet George, and in any case you mustn't stay here too long or you'll miss the tide."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That doesn't really matter, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only I suppose I ought to get back just in case Tommy has turned up. I can't leave him sitting on a mud-flat all night."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He'd probably be a little peevish in the morning. Men are so unreasonable."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When are you coming down again? I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tomorrow?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tomorrow or the next day. It all depends if I see a chance of getting anything more out of George. I'll write to you or send you a wire, dear, anyhow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, I said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very well, said Joyce. Then squeezing my hand a little tighter she added:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And my own Neil, you _will_ be careful, won't you? I always seem to be asking you that, but, oh my dear, if you knew how horribly frightened I am of anything happening to you. It will be worse than ever now, after last night. I don't seem to feel it when I'm actually with you--I suppose I'm too happy--but when I'm away from you it's just like some ghastly horrible sword hanging over our heads all the time. Neil darling, as soon as you get this money from McMurtrie--if you do get it--can't we just give up the whole thing and go away and be happy together?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Joyce, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I paused."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I didn't kill him, I added slowly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, yes, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't really mean it, Neil. I was just weak for the moment--that's all. Right down in my heart I want everything for you; I could never be contented with less. I want the whole world to know how they've wronged you; I want you to be famous and powerful and splendid, and I want the people who've abused you to come and smirk and grovel to you, and say that they knew all the time that you were innocent. She stopped and took a deep breath."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And they shall, Neil. I'm as certain of it as if I saw it happening. I seem to know inside me that we're on the very point of finding out the truth."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I believe you're right, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've got something of that sort of feeling too. Perhaps it's infectious."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Buck up, old son! he called out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's something doing."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry I kept you waiting, Tommy, I said, as he jumped into the boat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Been here long?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "About three hours, he returned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was beginning to wonder if you were dead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not fit to die yet, I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's the matter?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, the chief matter is the time. Do you think I can get to Sheppey by half-past nine?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sheppey! I repeated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why damn it, Tommy, I've just come back from Sheppey."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The devil you have! he exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What took you there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To be exact, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, that's fine about the powder, he said, scrambling on board."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where's Gow?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joyce sent him off for a holiday, I answered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then hitching up the dinghy I added curiously:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's up, Tommy? Let's have it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's Latimer, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I told you I was expecting to hear from him. He sent me a message round early this morning, and I've promised him I'll be in the creek under the German's bungalow by half-past nine. I must get there somehow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, we'll get there all right, I returned cheerfully,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's the game?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think he's having a squint round, said Tommy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anyhow I know he's there on his own and depending on me to pick him up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But what made him ask you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He knew I had a boat, and I fancy he's working this particular racket without any official help. As far as I can make out, he wants to be quite certain what these fellows are up to before he strikes. You don't get much sympathy in the Secret Service if you happen to make a mistake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, it's no good wasting time talking, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If we want to be there by half-past nine we must push off at once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But what about you? exclaimed Tommy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can't come! He's seen you, you know, at the hut."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does it matter? I objected."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If he didn't recognize me as the chap who sent him the note at Parelli's, we can easily fake up some explanation. Tell him I'm a new member of the Athenians, and that you happened to run across me and brought me down to help work the boat. There's no reason one shouldn't be a yachtsman and a photographer too."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very well, he said, with a rather reckless laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We're gambling a bit, but that's the fault of the cards. Up with the anchor, Neil, and let's get a move on her."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I never expected a second trip tonight, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm beginning to feel rather like the captain of a penny steamer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Lyndon-Morrison Line! he observed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tilbury to Sheppey twice daily. Passengers are requested not to speak to the man at the wheel."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think, Tommy, I said,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm blessed if I know what to think about it, Neil, he admitted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If it was any one else but Joyce, I should say she'd made a mistake. What on earth could McMurtrie have had to do with that Jew beast?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joyce seems to think he had quite a lot to do with him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. She's made up her mind he did the job all right; but, hang it all, one doesn't go and murder people without any conceivable reason."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can conceive plenty of excellent reasons for murdering Marks, I said impartially."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should hardly think they would have appealed to McMurtrie, though. The chief thing that makes me suspicious about him is the fact of his knowing George and hiding it from me all this time. I suppose that was how he got hold of his information about the powder. George was almost the only person who knew of it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I always thought the whole business was a devilish odd one, growled Tommy;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "he paused."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It will turn out next that Latimer's in it too,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shouldn't wonder, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't swallow everything he told you, Tommy. It leaves too much unexplained. You see, I'm pretty certain that the chap who tried to do him in is one of McMurtrie's crowd, and in that case--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In that case, interrupted Tommy, with a short laugh,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm a selfish brute, Thomas, I said ruefully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think the best thing I could do really would be to drop overboard. The Lord knows what trouble I shall land you in before I've finished."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll land me into the trouble of telling you not to talk rot in a minute, he returned. Then, standing up and peering out ahead over the long dim expanse of water, dotted here and there with patches of blurred light, he added cheerfully:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You take her over now, Neil, We're right at the end of the Yantlet, and after this morning you ought to know the rest of the way better than I do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Close on a quarter to nine, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We shall just do it nicely if the engine doesn't stop."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope so, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should hate to keep a Government official waiting."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'd better slacken down a bit when we get near, said Tommy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Latimer specially told me to bring her in as quietly as I could."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right you are, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn't going to hurry, anyhow. It's a tricky place, and I don't want to smash up any more islands. One a day is quite enough."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What shall we do now, Tommy? I asked in a subdued voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Turn her round?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, he said,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder how long the interval is, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose spying is a sort of job you can't fix an exact time-limit to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's just on a quarter to ten now. He told me not to wait after half-past."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seems to me--"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, I cried,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll pick him up. You haul in and have her ready to start."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That you, Morrison?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's all right, I said, as he clutched hold of the stern."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Morrison's in the _Betty_; I'm lending him a hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hullo! I said, shifting my grip."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's the matter?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing much, thanks, he answered in that curious composed voice of his."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think one of our friends made a luckier shot than he deserved to. It's only my left arm, though."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll look at it in a second, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are they after you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, some little way after. I took the precaution of starting in the other direction and then doubling back. It worked excellently."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing serious, replied Latimer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks to you and--and this gentleman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They've winged him, Tommy, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can you take her out while I have a squint at the damage?"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Boat ahoy! What boat's that?"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Private launch, _Vanity_, Southend; and who the hell are you?"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come into the cabin and let's have a look at you, I said to Latimer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You must get those wet things off, anyhow."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're lucky, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Another quarter of an inch, and that arm would have been precious little use to you for the next two months. Does it hurt much?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not the least, he replied carelessly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hardly knew I was hit until you grabbed hold of me."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You get these on first, I said,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where are we going to, my pretty maid?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know, I said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll ask the passenger as soon as I've finished doctoring him."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'd better have a drink now, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's part of the treatment."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hullo! exclaimed Tommy genially."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you feel now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I feel extremely obliged to you, Morrison, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have a way of keeping your engagements that I find most satisfactory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had a bit of luck, he returned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I hadn't picked up our pal here I doubt if I should have got down in time after all. By the way, there's no need to introduce you. You've met each other before at the hut, haven't you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, he said quietly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We have met each other before. But I should rather like to be introduced, all the same."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, you shall be, he answered cheerfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is Mr. James Nicholson."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Indeed, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It only shows how extremely inaccurate one's reasoning powers can be."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was under the mistaken impression, he answered slowly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We are up against it, Thomas,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What shall we do? he said quietly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Throw him in the river?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would be rather extravagant, I objected,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am not sure I don't deserve it. I have lied to you, Morrison, all through in the most disgraceful manner. Then he paused."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Still it _would_ be extravagant, he added."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I can convince you of that before we get to Queenborough."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look here, Latimer, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're not going to Queenborough, or anywhere else, until we've got the truth out of you. You understand that, of course. You've put yourself in our power deliberately, and you must have some reason. One doesn't cut one's throat for fun."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're quite right, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had made up my mind you should hear some of the truth tonight in any case; that was the chief reason why I asked you to come and pick me up. When I saw you had brought Mr. Lyndon with you, I determined to tell you everything. It's the simplest and best way, after all."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I _am_ in the Secret Service, he said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought so,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I needn't bother you now with all the details of how I actually ran them to earth. It wasn't an easy job. They weren't the sort of people who left any spare bits of evidence lying around, and by the time I found out where they were living it was just too late. He turned to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Otherwise, Mr. Lyndon, I think we might possibly have had the pleasure of meeting earlier."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By Jove! I exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What a fool I am! I knew I'd heard your name somewhere before."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I daresay I had begun to arouse a certain amount of interest in the household by the time you arrived. He paused."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By the way, I am still quite in the dark as to how you actually got in with them. Had they managed to send you a message into the prison?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm equally in the dark as to how you've found out who I am, but you seem to know so much already, you may as well have the truth. It was chance; just pure chance and a bicycle. I hadn't the remotest notion who lived in the house. I was trying to steal some food."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So far, although I'd been on their heels for weeks, I hadn't set eyes on any of the gang personally. All the same, I had a pretty good idea of what McMurtrie and Savaroff were like to look at, and I fancy they probably guessed as much. Anyhow, as you know, it was the third member of the brotherhood--a gentleman who, I believe, calls himself Hoffman--who was entrusted with the job of putting me out of the way."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, you know how things turned out almost as well as I do. I was vastly obliged to you for sending me that note, but as a matter of fact I hadn't the least intention of drinking the wine. Indeed, I turned away purposely to give Hoffman the chance to doctor it. What did beat me altogether was who you were. I naturally couldn't place you at all. I saw that you recognized one of us when you came in, and that you were watching our table pretty attentively in the glass. I had a horrible suspicion for a moment that you were a Scotland Yard man, and were going to bungle the whole business by arresting Hoffman. That was why I sent you my card; I knew if you were at the Yard you'd recognize my name."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I severed my connection with the police some time ago, I said drily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What happened after dinner? I've been longing to know ever since."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I got rid of Hoffman at the door, and from the time he left the restaurant my men never lost him again. They shadowed him to his lodgings--he was living in a side street near Victoria--and for the next two days I got a detailed report of everything he did. It was quite interesting reading. Amongst other things it included paying a morning visit to the hut you're living in at present, Mr. Lyndon, and going on from there to spend the afternoon calling on some friends at Sheppey."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Amazingly simple, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've got all that part, but I'm still utterly at sea about how he dropped on to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was simpler still, answered Latimer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One of my men told me that the hut was empty for the time, so I came down to have a look at it. He turned to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course I recognized you at once as the obliging stranger of the restaurant. That didn't put me much farther on the road, but when Morrison rolled up with his delightfully ingenious yarn, he gave me just the clue I was looking for. I knew his story was all a lie because I'd seen you since. Well, a man like Morrison doesn't butt into this sort of business without a particularly good reason, and it didn't take me very long to guess what his reason was. You see I remembered him chiefly in connection with your trial. I knew he was your greatest friend; I knew you had escaped from Dartmoor and disappeared somewhere in the neighbourhood of McMurtrie's place, and putting two and two together there was only one conclusion I could possibly come to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My appearance must have taken a little getting over,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Apart from your features you exactly fitted the bill, and I had learned enough about McMurtrie's past performances not to let that worry me. What I couldn't make out was why he should have run the risk of helping you. Of course you might have offered him a large sum of money--if you had it put away somewhere--but in that case there seemed no reason why you should be hanging about in a hut on the Thames marshes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why didn't you tell the police?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The police! Latimer's voice was full of pleasant irony."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My dear Morrison, we don't drag the police into this sort of business; our great object is to keep them out of it. Mr. Lyndon's affairs had nothing to do with me officially apart from his being mixed up with McMurtrie. Besides, my private sympathies were entirely with him. Not only had he tried to save my life at Parelli's, but ever since the trial I have always been under the impression he was fully entitled to slaughter Mr.--Mr.--whatever the scoundrel's name was."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As a matter of sober fact I didn't kill him, but I shouldn't be the least sorry for it if I had."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We've treated you beautifully as a nation, he said slowly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's an impertinence on my part to expect you to help us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go on, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's get it straightened out anyhow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, the straightening out must be largely done by you. As far as I'm concerned the rest of the story can be told very quickly. For various reasons I got to the conclusion that in some way or other the two gentlemen on Sheppey had a good deal to do with the matter. My men had been making a few inquiries about them, and from what we'd learned I was strongly inclined to think they were a couple of German naval officers over here on leave. If that was so, the fact that they were in communication with Hoffman made it pretty plain where McMurtrie was finding his market. My men had told me they were generally away on the mainland in the evening, and I made up my mind I'd have a look at the place the first chance I got. I asked Morrison to come down and pick me up in his boat for two reasons--partly because I wanted to keep in touch with you both, and partly because I thought it might come in handy to have a second line of retreat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It _was_ rather convenient, as things turned out,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very, admitted Latimer drily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They got back to the garden just as I had opened one of the windows, and shot at me from behind the hedge. If it hadn't been for the light they must have picked me off."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you say? he asked, turning to Tommy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shall we run in here and pick up some moorings? Before we go any further I want to hear Lyndon's part of the story, and then we all three shall know exactly where we are. After that you can throw me in the sea, or--or--well, I think there are several possible alternatives."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll find out anyhow,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know whether that makes you an accessory after the fact, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I believe it's about eighteen months for being civil to an escaped convict."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You may be an escaped convict, Mr. Lyndon, he said slowly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seems to me, interrupted Tommy,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That doesn't matter, I observed generously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's hear what Mr. Latimer has got to say. I turned to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who are McMurtrie and Savaroff? I asked,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The meaning is plain enough to a certain point, he answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I haven't the least doubt that they intend to sell the secret of your powder to Germany, just as they've sold their other information. If I knew for certain it was only that, I should act, and act at once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I believe there's something more behind it--something we've got to find out before we strike. For the last two months Germany has taken a tone towards us diplomatically that can only have one explanation. They mean to get their way or fight, and if it comes to a fight they're under the impression they're going to beat us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you really believe McMurtrie and Savaroff are responsible for their optimism?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dr. McMurtrie, he said in his quiet drawl,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I say, Latimer, he exclaimed,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Russian Government, replied Latimer,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But if they know about it, I objected,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If the Government had got hold of them I think their destination would have been a much warmer one than Siberia. As it was they disappeared just in time. There was a gang of them--four or five at the least--and all men of position and influence. They must have made an enormous amount of money out of the Japs. In the end one of them rounded on the others--at least that's what appears to have happened. Anyhow McMurtrie and Savaroff skipped, and skipped in such a hurry that they seem to have left most of their savings behind them. I suppose that's what made them start business again in England."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're absolutely sure they're the same pair?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Absolutely. I've got their full description from the Russian police. It tallies in every way--even to Savaroff's daughter. There _is_ a girl with them, I believe?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's a girl. Then I paused for a moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look here, Latimer, I went on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is it you want me to do? I'll help you in any way I can. When I made my bargain with McMurtrie I hadn't a notion what his real game was. I don't in the least want to buy my freedom by selling England to Germany. The only thing I flatly and utterly refuse to do is to serve out the rest of my sentence. If it's bound to come out who I am, you must give me your word I shall have a reasonable warning. I don't much mind dying--especially if I can arrange for ten minutes with George first--but quite candidly I'd see England wiped off the map before I'd go back to Dartmoor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You've saved my life, once at all events, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It may seem a trifle to you, but it's a matter of quite considerable importance to me. I don't think you need worry about going back to Dartmoor--not as long as the Secret Service is in existence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, what is it you want me to do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want you to go on as if nothing had happened. Write to McMurtrie the first thing tomorrow morning and tell him that you've made the powder. He is sure to come down to the hut at once. You can show him that it's genuine, but on no account let him have any of it to take away. Tell him that you will only hand over the secret on receipt of a written agreement, and make him see that you're absolutely serious. Meanwhile let me know everything that happens as soon as you possibly can. Telegraph to me at 145 Jermyn Street. You can send in the messages to Tilbury by the man who's looking after your boat. Use some quick simple cypher--suppose we say the alphabet backwards, Z for A and so on. Have you got plenty of money?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should like to have some sort of notion what you're going to do, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It would be much more inspiriting than working in the dark."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It depends entirely on the next two days. I shall go back to London tonight and find out if either of my men has got hold of any fresh information. Then I shall put the whole thing in front of Casement. If he agrees with me I shall wait till the last possible moment before striking. We've enough evidence about the Devonport case to arrest McMurtrie and Savaroff straight away, but I feel it would be madness while there's a chance of getting to the bottom of this business. Perhaps you understand now why I've risked everything tonight. We're playing for high stakes, Mr. Lyndon, and you-- he paused--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope so, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm rather tired of being taken for the Knave."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Isn't there a job for me? asked Tommy pathetically."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm open for anything, especially if it wants a bit of physical violence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There will probably be a demand for that a little later on, said Latimer in his quiet drawl."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At present I want you to come back with me to London. I shall find plenty for you to do there, Morrison. The fewer people that are mixed up in this affair the better. He turned to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can take the boat back to Tilbury alone if we go ashore here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We shall meet again soon, he said--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not recently, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I haven't been in the mood for poetry the last two or three years."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't want to be too optimistic, but there's a verse in Longfellow which I think you might like. He paused again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It has something to do with the Mills of God,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-mornin', sir. I hope I done right stoppin' ashore, sir. The young lady told me I wouldn't be wanted not till this mornin'."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The young lady was quite correct, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You weren't. Then as we pushed off for the _Betty_ I added:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I'm glad you've come back in good time today. I want you to go in and post a letter for me at Tilbury as soon as we've had some breakfast. You might get a newspaper for me at the same time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Talkin' o' noos, sir, observed Mr. Gow with sudden interest,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blown up! I repeated as we ran alongside."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who on earth did that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No one don't seem to know, he remarked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By Jove! I exclaimed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder if it had. They seem to be mischievous devils."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They are, sir, and that's a fact. 'Tis time somebody took a quiet look round that house o' theirs, some day when they ain't there."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Letter for you, sir, he observed,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "JOYCE."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Any answer, sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Charles, I said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I added, as he began to put on his cap,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want you to send off a wire for me if you will. It will take a minute or two to write."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can keep the change, I said,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten the address, Sonia,"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! she whispered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At last! At last!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have heard all about the powder, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's quite true, isn't it? You have done what you hoped to do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've blown up about twenty yards of Canvey Island with a few ounces of it, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That seems good enough for a start."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have done something more than that. You have given me just the power I needed to help you. She came up and with a quick impulsive gesture laid her two hands on my arm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Neil, Neil, my lover! In a few hours from now you can have everything you want in the world. Everything, Neil--money, freedom, love--"
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell me, Sonia, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What am I to do? Can I trust your father and McMurtrie?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Trust them! she repeated half scornfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, you can trust them if you want to go on being cheated and robbed. Can't you see--can't you guess the way they have been lying to you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course I can, I said coolly;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's no need for either. As I've told you, in a few hours from now we can be away from England with money enough to last us for our lives. Do you know what your invention is worth? Do you know what use they mean to make of it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I imagine they hope to sell it, I answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It wouldn't be difficult to find a customer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Difficult! She lowered her voice to a quick eager whisper."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They have got a customer. The best customer in Europe. A customer that will pay anything in the world for such a secret as yours."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good Lord, Sonia! I said slowly;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Listen! I am going to tell you everything. What's the good of you and I beating about the bush? She paused."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We are spies, she said quite simply,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I appear to be learning,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He has been a friend of my father's for years. They were in Russia together at one time--and then Paris, Vienna--oh, everywhere. It has always been the same; in each country they have found out things that other Governments have been willing to pay for. At least, the doctor has. The rest of us, my father, myself, Hoffman --she shrugged her shoulders--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How long have you been here? I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What brought you to England?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We have been here just over three years, she answered slowly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was a man in London that Dr. McMurtrie and my father wanted to find. Eight years ago he betrayed them in St. Petersburg."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who was he?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know his name. I only know that he is dead. I think Dr. McMurtrie would kill any one who betrayed him--if he could."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And after that, I said quietly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose the doctor thought he might as well stop here and do a little business?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it was suggested to him from Berlin. He had sent them all sorts of information when we were in Paris, and, of course, as things are now, they were still more anxious to get hold of anything about the English army or navy. She paused."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What they specially wanted were the plans of the Lyndon-Marwood torpedo."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I dare say they did. A lot of people have wanted them, but unfortunately they're not for sale."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The exact price we paid for them, she said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You bought them! I said incredulously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bought them from some one in the Admiralty?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't you remember what you read in the _Daily Mail_ about the robbery at your offices in Victoria Street?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So George sold them to you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ever since you went to prison the business has been going to pieces. He wanted money badly--very badly indeed. Dr. McMurtrie found this out. He found out too that there was a copy of the plans in the office, and--well, you can guess the rest. The burglary, of course, was arranged between them. It was meant to cover your cousin in case the Government found out that the Germans had got hold of the plans."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And have they found out?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't say. The doctor and my father never tell me anything that they can keep to themselves. Most of what I know I have picked up from listening to them and putting things together in my own head afterwards. I am useful to them, and to a certain point they trust me; but only so far. They know I hate them both."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why did George tell those lies about me at the trial?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know for certain; I think he wanted to get rid of you, so that he could steal your invention. Of course he saw how valuable it was. You had told him about the notes, and I think he felt that if you were safely out of the way he would be able to make use of them himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He must have been painfully disappointed, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They were all jotted down in a private cypher. No one else could possibly have understood them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. He offered to sell them to us. He suggested that the Germans might be willing to pay a good sum down for them on the chance of being able to make them out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can hardly see the doctor doing business on those lines,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was too late in any case, she answered calmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just after he made the offer you escaped from prison. There was another pause."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what were you all doing down in that God-forsaken part of the world?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, we weren't there for pleasure, she said curtly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We wanted to be near Devonport, and at the same time we wanted a place that was quite quiet and out-of-the-way. Hoffman found the house for us, and we took it furnished for six months."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was an extraordinary stroke of luck, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was the sort of thing that would happen to the doctor. The Devil looks after his friends."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As a matter of fact, I objected,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was thinking more of myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, it meant everything to him, she went on eagerly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It practically gave him the power to dictate his own terms to the Germans. You see, he knew something about their plans. He knew--at least he could guess--that the moment war was declared they meant to make a surprise attack on all the big dockyards--just like the Japs did at Port Arthur. Well, think of the difference an explosive as powerful as yours would make! Why, it would put England absolutely at their mercy. They could blow up Portsmouth, Sheerness, and Devonport before any one really knew that the war had started."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Promising! she echoed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it was promising enough for the Germans to offer us anything we wanted the moment we could give them the secret. Now perhaps you can understand why we were so hospitable and obliging to you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you believe McMurtrie never meant to keep his word to me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you knew him as well as I do, you wouldn't need to ask that. He would simply have disappeared with the money and left you to rot or starve."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's an unpleasant choice, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Listen, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All the Germans want is the secret. Do you suppose they care in the least whom they get it from? You have only got to prove to them that you can do what you say, and they will pay you the money just as readily as they would the doctor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How could I get in touch with them?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can take you now--now right away--to the two men who are in charge of the whole business. I know that they have an absolutely free hand to make the best terms they can."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who are they?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Their names are Seeker and von Brünig, and they're living in a small bungalow on Sheppey. They are supposed to be artists. As a matter of fact, von Brünig is a captain in the Germany Navy. I don't know who the other man is; I think he has been sent over specially about the powder."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You realize what all this means, Sonia? I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're quite prepared to throw over your father and McMurtrie? You know how the doctor deals with people who betray him--when he gets the chance?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am not afraid of them, she answered defiantly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They are nothing to me; I hate them both--and Hoffman too. It's you I want. You are the only man I ever have wanted. She paused, and I saw her breast rising and falling rapidly with the stress of her emotion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We will go away together--somewhere the other side of the world--America, Buenos Ayres--oh, what does it matter where?--there are plenty of places! What does anything matter so long as we love each other!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One moment, Sonia, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me think."
}
] |
10511
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, you have been lying to me all through, she broke out bitterly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This girl is your mistress; and all the time you have simply been using me to help yourself. Oh, I see it all now. I see why you were so anxious to come to London. While I have been working and scheming for you, you and she ..."
}
] |
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