book_id
stringlengths 2
6
| title
stringclasses 1
value | author
stringclasses 1
value | conversations
listlengths 1
5.07k
|
|---|---|---|---|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm leaving you here,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But--but I like you! her small voice faltered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aren't you going to explain--anything? Is this--is this all?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your way lies there --he pointed down river."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For the present mine lies here"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shall I--won't you--gracious!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thief,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "L[=a]o sh[=e]n l[=a]o sh[=e]n!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Allah be with you!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Licksha?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why are you following me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought I knew you. I am sorry. I'll go at once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No! Wait. Her volte relented. It was a fresh young voice, not indeed unlike that of Miss Lorimer's. She was smiling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why are you dressed as a Jap?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am sorry, Peter faltered, retreating."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mistake. You're not the girl I--I expected. _Sayonara_!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "said the girl with a soft laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not afraid, or I would have run, instead of waiting, when you followed me. I've just come up from Amoy--alone. And I leave to-morrow for Ching-Fu--alone. You're American! she murmured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But why the Jap--disguise? I'm American, too. I used to live in New York, on Riverside Drive. Oh! It must have been ages ago!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I haven't met one of my countrymen in centuries! And to-morrow I go up the river, 'way beyond Ching-Fu, beyond Szechwan!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bad travelling on the river this time of the year, Peter murmured politely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's out of her banks up above Ichang, I have been told."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, replied the girl sadly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I could only have just one evening of fun--a dance or two, maybe--I--I--wouldn't mind half so much. I--I----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I believe there's a dance at the Astor Hotel. If we can get a table----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, how lovely! exclaimed the girl."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do--do you mind very--much?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tickled to death,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can do me a favor,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You spoke about my doing a favor,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is a man in Shanghai I want you to try to find for me--to-night. Last time I saw him--this morning--he was drunk. He was the first officer on the steamer that brought me up from Amoy. Perhaps you know him. He's only been on the coast a short while. Before that he ran on the Pacific Mail Line between San Francisco and Panama. His name is MacLaurin, a nice boy. Scotch. But he drinks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "MacLaurin? I know a man named MacLaurin--Bobbie MacLaurin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No! gasped Miss Vost."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose I ought to make that old remark about what a small world it is! Do you know where Bobbie MacLaurin is?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, he murmured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why is he drunk?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is a matter, replied Miss Vost, somewhat distantly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "requested Miss Vost, as the music stopped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'd rather he wouldn't, Mr. Moore, she added quickly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I do wish _you_ were going to make the trip. I'd love to have you!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "runs an old Chinese proverb,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Damn my hide! he roared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your face is familiar! It is! It is! Where have I seen that face before? Ah! I know now! I had a fight with you once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "More than once, corrected Peter Moore, grinning."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The last time was in Panama. Remember? I tripped you up, after you knocked the wind out of me, and you fell, clothes and all, into the Washington Hotel's swimming tank."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Peter Moore!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My old side-kick of the damn old _San Felipe_! announced Bobbie MacLaurin to the small group of somewhat embarrassed sailors."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The best radio man that God ever let live! He can hear a radio signal before it's been sent. Can't you, Peter? Boys, take a long look at the only livin' man who can fight his weight in sea serpents; the only livin' man who ever knocked me cold, and got away with it! Boys, take a long, lastin' look, for the pack o' you're goin' out o' that door inside of ten counts! God bless 'um! Just look at that there Jap get-up! Sure as God made big fish to eat the little fellows, Peter Moore's up to some newfangled deviltry, or I'm a lobster!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sh!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Out with the lot of you! barked MacLaurin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's big business afoot to-night. We must be alone. Eh, Peter?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're taking the _Hankow_ up-river to-morrow?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That I am, Peter!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then we'll take the express for Nanking to-morrow morning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aye--aye! Sir!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll turn in now. Otherwise you'll look like a wreck when Miss Vost sees you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miss Vost! exploded MacLaurin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When did you see Miss Vost?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A little while ago, Bob. Shall we turn in now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miss Vost is why I'm drunk, Peter,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So she admitted. To-morrow we'll talk her over, and other important matters."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As you say, Peter. I'm the brawn, but you're the brains of this team--as always! The bunks are the order."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Damn my withered-up sense of honor, anyway!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dead or alive, Peter?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You nearly broke my back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Serves you right, old slug-abed! You tucked me in last night with the warning that we pick up the early express for Nanking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Quite so,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Chinamen's eyes and Chinamen's knives have been running through my dreams,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Cheer up! The pirates are thick above Ichang. We'll both have our bloody necks slit a dozen times before we make Ching-Fu. Bobbie turned from the miniature mirror. His sea-blue eyes glared through a white lake of lather."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hurry up and shave, you loafer! We'll miss that train."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not going to shave for six months!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Election bet?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When your utterly worthless life has been endangered as many times as----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What you need is a drink, my lad!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When you have evidence that the greatest criminal-at-large wants to have you stuck like a pig----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're not serious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am referring to--a Gray Dragon. Ever hear of one?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We must hurry for that train, rumbled his big voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We must talk this over. We must hurry, Peter,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps she's waiting for us in the coach, holding seats for us,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just like her, said MacLaurin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's a little peach!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There will be no tête-à-tête in Soochow,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'd go to hell for that girl! declared Bobbie MacLaurin as he sat down at Peter's side."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, tell me what you were doing in that Jap rigging. Two years, isn't it, since we were chased out of Panama City by the _spigotties_?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I came over on the _Vandalia_."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And didn't go back, I gather."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She sailed up-river for Soo-chow yesterday. No, I won't go back. Bobbie, I started something on that ship, and I'm on my way to Ching-Fu--and 'way beyond Ching-Fu--to finish it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It will be beautifully finished, Peter! Or your name's not Moore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was a girl, a beautiful girl----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There usually is,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps she is passing through the Inland Sea by now. Bobbie, I wanted her to go home. She was--she was that kind of a girl. She wanted to stay. Bobbie, that girl could have made a man of me! She--she even told me she--liked me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They have a way of doing that,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why is Miss Vost making the trip to Ching-Fu?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You'll have to find that out, Peter. I was too busy letting her know how bright my life has become since she entered it!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's probably going to Ching-Fu on serious business. She's like that. She's not like you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're going to try to break into Len Yang; that's what I mean! Some day, on one of these reckless expeditions of yours, Peter, you're going to run plumb into a long, sharp knife! If I could head you off, I would."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can't, Bobbie. My mind is made up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Get out of China. Why enter the lion's den? You're too confiding, too trusting, too young. In duty to my conscience, I oughtn't to let you go. But I know you'd walk or fly or swim if I tried to head you off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I certainly would,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have you seen Miss Vost? shouted MacLaurin above the hiss of escaping steam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We pull out in an hour, Miss Vost or no Miss Vost. That's orders."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She'll be here,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The sampan boy hasn't been paid, she remarked, opening her purse."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's twenty cents."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aren't you glad--aren't you a little bit glad--to see me--me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course I am, Bobbie! she exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm always glad to see you. Why--oh, look! Did you ever see such a Chinaman?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't care for his looks,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nor I,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I desire to engage passage to Ching-Fu."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This way,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You seemed to recognize him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps I was mistaken,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Moore, she said in a low, soft voice,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I won't ask you any questions. In China, there are many, many things that a woman must not try to understand. But I--I want to tell you that--that I think you are--splendid. It seems so fine, so good of you. I--I can't begin to thank you. My--my feelings prevent it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But--why--what--what----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, Mr. Moore, I know--I know! Miss Vost proceeded earnestly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like all fine, brave men, you are--you are modest! It--it almost makes me want to cry, to think--to think----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, Miss Vost, interrupted Peter, gently and gravely,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Last night, when we met on the bund, she went on in a small voice,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I knew immediately--immediately--what you were. A chivalrous gentleman! A man who would shelter and protect any helpless woman he met!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was nice of you,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And it was true! Miss Vost plunged on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now--now, you are risking your life--for poor, unworthy little me! Please don't deny it, Mr. Moore! I only wanted to let you know that I--I understand, and that I am--g-grateful!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bobbie _loves_ you, blurted Peter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He'd do anything in the world for you. He told me so. He told me----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He'd go to hell for you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's an overgrown boy. He doesn't know what he says. That's nonsense, declared Miss Vost, looking away from Peter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know his type, Mr. Moore. He falls in love with every pretty face; and he falls out again, quite as easily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't know Bobbie, the way I do,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't have to. I know his kind--a girl in every port."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no. Not Bobbie!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Moore, she said in a broken voice,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do try to be nice to Bobbie, begged Peter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is the finest fellow I know. He is true blue. He would give his life for your little finger. Really he would, Miss Vost!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll try,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sometimes, she murmured, inclining her head until it almost rested against his shoulder,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I feel lonely--terrible! Especially on such a night as this. The moon is so impersonal, isn't it? Here it is, a great, gorgeous ball of cold fire, shining across China at you and me. In Amoy it seemed to frown at me. Now--it seems to smile. The same moon!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The same moon!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't _you_ ever feel lonely--like this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, often. Often! The world seems so big, and so filled with things that are hard to learn. Especially at night!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I happened to be in Foo-Chow not long ago. There is in Foo-Chow a thing that illustrates what I mean. It is called the baby tower. Girls, you know, aren't thought much of in China. At the bottom of the tower is a deep well. Women to whom are born baby girls go to the baby tower---- Miss Vost shuddered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The babies are thrown into the well. I have seen them. Poor--poor, little creatures--dying like that!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I like to talk to you, Mr. Moore. You're so--so sympathetic!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good evening, folks!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We were just talking about you, Bobbie, said Peter affably."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I was telling Miss Vost, you're the most sympathetic man I ever knew! Good night, Miss Vost. Night, Bobs!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I do--I do love you! Bobbie was complaining in his rumbling voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ever since you set foot on the old _Sunyado Maru_ I've been your shadow--your slave! What more can any man say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not a great deal, rejoined Miss Vost lightheartedly. She became abruptly serious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bobbie, I do like you. I admire you--ever so much. But it happens that you are not the man for me. You don't understand me. You can never understand me. Don't you realize it? You're too sudden--too brutal--too----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Brutal! I've treated you like a flower. I want to shield you----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I don't _need_ shielding, Bobbie. I'm prudent, fearless, and--twenty-two. I don't need a watch-dog!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good God, who said anything about being a watchdog? exclaimed Bobbie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I--I just want----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You just want me, completed Miss Vost."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, you can't have me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You love somebody else, then. That young pup!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't you dare call him a young pup, Robert MacLaurin, retorted Miss Vost resentfully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is a fine young man. I admire him and I respect him very, _very_ much."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He can't fool around any girl of mine!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A girl of _yours_!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bobbie, you're so _funny_!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wish I was dead!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You should go to Liauchow,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To be happy, you must be born in Soochow, live in Canton and die in Liauchow. So runs the proverb."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why should I go to Liauchow?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because Soochow has the handsomest people, Canton the most luxury, and Liauchow the best coffins!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let's take a stroll forward,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no. I'm quite accustomed to this. Look--just look at that miserable little fellow!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is blind,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Half of them are blind, Miss Vost replied. Her features were transfixed by a look of sadness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait for me. I'll return in a second."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My father, explained Miss Vost."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was stationed at Wenchow then, in charge of the mission. I have not seen him since."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He has money--lots of it. He has a keen, broad mind. But he chose this. When he was first married be brought mother to China. He saw, and realized, China's vast problems. And he stayed. He wanted to help."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He told me to come to see him because he was growing old. I stopped off in Amoy, said Miss Vost with a ghost of a smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A young missionary he wanted me to meet lives there. I met him. But I could not admire that young missionary. He was a--a _poseur_. He was pretending. One reason I like you, Mr. Moore, is because you're so sincere. He was so transparent. And his 'converts' saw through him, too. They were bread-and-butter converts. They listened to him; they devoured his food--then they went to the fortune-tellers! Father could not have known Doctor Sanborn longer than a few minutes--or else he's not the father that he used to be! I inherit his love for sincerity. I--I'm sure he will like you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But--but---- stammered Peter--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't expect to go to Wenchow. Better say he'd like--Bobbie!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, he'd like anybody that I liked, Miss Vost said lightly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It--it's really interesting, you know, from Ching-Fu to Wenchow. We take bullock carts--if we can find them. Otherwise we walk. Doesn't it--appeal to you--just a little--to be all alone with me for nearly a hundred miles?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very much indeed, replied Peter earnestly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But our roads part--at Ching-Fu. I go directly south."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In search of more adventure and romance? Perhaps--perhaps a girl who is not so silly as I have been? Or--is it India--or Afghanistan?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Neither. An old friend!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that why you are growing a beard--to surprise--_him_?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps, said Peter, absently fingering the bristles."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't tell me it's unbecoming or I'll have to shave it off!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As if what I thought made a particle of difference!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I overheard you last night. You broke your promise. You promised to be nice to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was. Do you mean what I said about Liauchow?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't realize what you _mean_ to Bobbie. My dear, dear girl----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am not your dear, dear girl!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Does your heart ache, too, Peter?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course it does! I--I'd like----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then why don't you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wouldn't be fair, that's why!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To--Bobbie?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bobbie, too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then there _is_ another girl, Miss Vost cried bitterly. She bit her lip."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You should have told me before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought it wouldn't be necessary."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do--do you l-love her as much as th-this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I did think I did!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you're not sure--now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I thought I was sure! I _am_ sure'"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's little more to say, then, is there?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bobbie _does_ care for you so,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh--oh--_him_!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He insulted me! panted Miss Vost."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Like many fine, Chinese gentlemen, he thought, perhaps, that I might be--what do they call 'em--a 'nice li'l 'Melican girl!' Impress him with the fact that I am not, Mr. Moore--please do that!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looka here, Chink-a-link, Peter advised him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I comprehend you, my friend, replied the Mongolian in polished accents."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In my case, 'pidgin' is not, let me hasten to say, necessary."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very good, Chink; the next time you so much as glance in Miss Vost's direction, you're going to walk away with a pair of the dam'dest black eyes in China! Get that--you yellow weasel?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Unfortunately, replied the Mongolian, lifting his fine, black eyebrows only a trifle,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Take off your coat, and prove I'm wrong! shouted Peter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm a better man than you are! Swallow it or--fight!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I--I did not intend to offend her, he retracted. His ropy throat muscles seemed to convulse. His long face flamed hotly red. He burst out, as though unable to control himself:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My savvy allatime you no savvy! _Ní bùh yào t[=i] nà gò hwà! Djan gò chü, ràng ó dzóu!_"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "laughed Peter."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Mongolian! she muttered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How he is grinning at you!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He tried to come into my room, said Miss-Vost."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He tried to come into my room!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. I know. But it's all right, soothed Peter, panting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You must go back to bed. You must try to sleep. He talked as though she were a child."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was a bad man. He had to--to be treated--this way!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You--you look like an Arab. The dark. And that beard. Where is Bobbie?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right here. Right here beside you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're not hurt--either of you? You're both all right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. Yes. _Please_ go to bed!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A collision! Junk rammed us! Get up quick! Don't know damage. Call Miss Vost! Get on deck! Take care of her! My hands filled with this dam' boat."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're sinking,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am not afraid, not a bit! she declared, holding with both hands the folds of his unbuttoned shirt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am never afraid with _you_! When I am in danger, you--you are always near. It--it seems that you were put here to--to look after me. But there is no danger--is there?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cut out your babbling, he snapped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Get to that stairway!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're trying to get up steam. Our only chance. Both forward anchors gone. We'll swing around with the current and lose this damn junk. If the after anchor holds till steam's up--we're safe!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can you swim--at all?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A--a little,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hold to my collar and swim with one hand. Only try to keep afloat."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You must get to Ching-Fu. You must go on to Len Yang. Hurry! Hurry!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The darkness deceived me, he said in English of a strange cast."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mistook you for a beggar. You are far from the river, my friend. The bones of your steamer lie fathoms deep by now. Why are you so far from Ching-Fu? You were stunned, perhaps?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am only hungry, said Peter boldly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My way lies into India. There I have friends."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come and sit beside me. Your feet must be sore--bleeding. You may call me Chang. So I am known to my British friends on the frontier. I have been ill, a mountain fever, perhaps. In Ching-Fu. I had expected medicine on the river steamer."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have walked far. You are weary. Another couch is in my tent. You shall sleep there."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have rendered me a service for which I can never sufficiently repay you--for I value my life highly! In the morning your mind will have forgotten what has taken place. Try to sleep now. You will obey--promptly!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A grateful dream came into my sleep last night. For years I have fought in the darkness with a man who has the heart of Satan himself. He has robbed me. Time after time he has sent into my camp his spies. Some were more adroit than others. But none so adroit as the coolie from Len Yang."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In this dream last night a young man was given into my keeping whose spirit and manliness have not yet been soiled. His gratitude was immediate. In return for the acts which grew out of that gratitude, I am prepared to give him anything that is mine, or in my power, whether he desires wealth, or position, or my friendship."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The young man, said Peter gravely,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Should he desire a favor of any kind----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then help him to reach his enemy, who is your enemy, who is the Gray Dragon of Len Yang!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In jest----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In all seriousness!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is death to enter Len Yang!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My mind is made up, mandarin!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is the folly of adventurous youth, rang out the melodious and sincere voice of the mandarin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is a quest for a grail which will end in a pool of your own blood! Come into India with me!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I decided--long ago--mandarin!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your life is your life, said the mandarin sadly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The City of Stolen Lives is beyond the mountain. _Ch'ing_!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What the hell do you want?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "May Buddha bring the thousandth blessing to the soul of your virtuous mother, said Peter in solemn, benedictive tones."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is my pleasure to desire entrance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Speak English, eh? shrilled the man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dammit! Then come in!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Speak God's language, eh? whined the man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sit down and don't stare so. Sit down. Sit down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A mandarin never seats himself, O high one, until thrice invited."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thrice, four, five times, I tell you to sit down! he babbled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Men, even rat-eaters like you, who speak my language, are too rare to let go by. Mandarin?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I say, men who speak my language are rare. Nights I listen to fools on this machine, and tell them what I please. What is the news from outside? What is the news from home?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From where?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From America!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is many years since I visited that strange land, O great one! It is many, many years, indeed, since I studied for the craft which you now perform so honorably."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You--what was that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I, too, studied to your honorable craft, my son. But it was denied me. Buddha decreed that I should preach his doctrines. It is my life to bring a little hope, a little gladness into the hearts----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You stand there and tell me that you know the code?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Such was my good fortune,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I believe you're a dam' liar, you Chink!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll show you! railed the man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll give you a free chance, I will! Now, listen to me. Tell me what I say."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What you have said, replied Peter in a deep voice,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did I say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You said: 'China, it is the hell-hole of the world!' Do I speak the truth?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You stay with me, do you hear? he babbled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You stay here. I'll make it worth your while! I'll see you have money. I'll see----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I have no need of money, O high one!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You stay!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lotus eater!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What if I am? demanded Harrison defiantly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So are you! So are we all! So is everybody who lives in this rotten country!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To the sick, all are sick,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rot! As long as I must have opium, there's nothing more to be said. Now, I pry my eyes open with matches to stay awake. With you here----"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is little work to be done, went on the thin voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only at night. Say you will stay with me!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is my task?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He won't care. Why should he care?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who, my son?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That man--that man who owns Len Yang, and me, and these rat-eaters. All _he_ wants is results."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, yes. He owns other mines?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What does _he_ care about the mines? Of course he directs the other mines by wireless. He owns a sixth of the world. _He_ does. He is rich. Rich! You and I are poor fools. He gives me opium --Harrison glared and gulped--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wise men learn without asking questions, my son,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Certainly they do! He knows everything, and he never asks a question. Not a one! He answers them, _he_ does!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have asked him questions?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I? Humph! What an innocent fool you are, in spite of that gold on your collar! Have I seen him to ask questions?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is what I meant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not I. He is no fool. You may be the Gray Dragon for all of me. No one in Len Yang sees him. No one dares! It is death to see that man! Didn't I try? But only once!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You did try?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was enough. I got as far as the first step of the ivory palace. Some one clubbed me! I was sick. I thought I was going to die! There is a scar on my neck. It never seems to heal!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is crazy, too. Women! Beautiful women for the mines! Men--men--men everywhere know the price he will pay. In pure silver!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He pays well, my son?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A thousand taels, if he is satisfied. That is where this hole got its name. You know the name--the City of Stolen Lives? It should be the City of Lost Hope. For none ever leave. The mines swallow them up. What becomes of them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! What does become of the stolen lives?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is a thousand taels to him? He is rich, I tell you! They say his cellar is filled with gold--pure gold; that his rooms and halls run and drip with gold, just as his rat-eaters run and drip with the cinnabar poison. And the wireless--he has stations, and this is the best. Mine is the best. I see to that, let me tell you!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To be sure!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "These hunters, these men who know his price for beautiful women--he will have none other--and who are paid a thousand taels----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where did you say these stations are?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In all parts. There is a station in Afghanistan, between Kabul and Jalalabad, and one in Bengal, in the Khasi Hills, and another in northern Szechwan Province, and one in Siam, on the Bang Pakong River----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A station on the Bang Pakong?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I tell you. All over. These hunters find a woman, a lovely girl; and they must describe their prize in a few words. He is sly! The fewer the better. If the words appeal to him, he has me tell them to come. Lucky devils! A thousand taels to the lucky devils! Some day I myself may become a hunter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is tempting, agreed Peter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But why does he want beautiful young girls for his mine, my son?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To-night I will listen. You can watch me. Then you can see how simple it is. It is time."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He wants to know where you came from,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From Wenchow. A mandarin. He should know."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Static--static--static. It is horrible to-night. I cannot hear these fellows. Ah! Afghanistan has nothing, nor Bengal. Hey, you fool, I cannot hear this fellow in Szechwan. He has a message. Yes, you, I cannot hear him. Not a word! He is faint, like a bad whisper. They will beat me again if I cannot hear!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you good hearing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will try,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then sit here. You must hear him, or we will both be beaten. This fellow goes straight to _him_."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "O.K."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You lucky fool! He'll give you _cumshaw_. God, you have sharp ears! Only one man I ever knew had such sharp ears. He always gives _cumshaw_. _Na-mien-pu-liao-pa_! You must divide with me. That is only fair. But--what difference? Here you can enter, but you can never leave. You have no use for silver. I have."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He says yes. Yes! Tell that fellow yes, and be quick. The Gray Dragon will give him an extra thousand taels for haste. Oh, the lucky fool! Two thousand taels! Tell him, or shall I?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes--yes--yes. Send her in a hurry. A thousand taels bonus. The lucky devil!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here! You must divide with me. A bag of silver. _Yin_! A bag of it! Listen to the chink of it!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Give me my half!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Give me my half!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miss Vost! Miss Vost! he called softly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is Peter, Peter Moore!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Help me! Oh, help me! she sobbed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's following! He is too late!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Moore! Where have they taken her?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dismount and follow me. To the white palace! Are you armed?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And ready to shoot every dam' yellow snake in all of China!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't wait for me! Get her out of this place! Don't take your eyes from her till you reach Wenchow!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will weave a fragment of verse among the flowers of his robe, and perhaps its words will tell him to return."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You wanchee my?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You allatime go Hong Kong way?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No go Hong Kong way? persisted the coolie, not relaxing that devilish grin."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why not?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You better make for shore!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Swim to the _ma-fou_,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why did you do that?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why did you do that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because I wanted to,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But there are sharks in there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hope they eat him alive,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You threw him overboard just because you wanted to. And if you want to, I'll go next, I suppose."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You might, laughed Peter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I have these spells I simply grab the nearest person and over he goes. It is a terrible habit, isn't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps he insulted you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Or threatened me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! Her sigh expressed that she understood everything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "May I ask: Who are you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I? Peter Moore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, your uniform. You are one of the ship's officers, are you not?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The wireless operator. Shall we consider ourselves properly introduced?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My name is Romola Borria. I presume you are an American--or British."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "American, informed Peter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you? Spanish _señorita_?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have no nationality, she replied easily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am what we call in China, a 'B. I. C.'"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Born in China!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Born in Canton, China. Father: Portuguese; mother: Australian. Answer: What am I?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am afraid that wireless operators are not always discreet,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eh? I beg pardon?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is quite dreadful, this traveling all alone,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, he admitted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sometimes I bore myself into a state of agony."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And it breeds such strange, such unexplainable desires and caprices, the girl went on in her cultivated, honeyed tones."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Strangers sometimes are so--so cold. For instance, yourself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I? exclaimed Peter, supporting himself on the stanchion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, I'm the friendliest man in the world!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder---- she began, and stopped, fretting her lip."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should like to ask you a very blunt and a very bold question."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go right ahead, urged Peter amiably,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why I speak in this way, she explained,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, you ran away from Hong Kong!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course! She said it in a way that indicated a certain lack of understanding on his part."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Since I ran away from Hong Kong I have been looking, looking for such--for such a man as you appear to be, to--to confide in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't you suppose a woman would do almost as well?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you don't _care_ to listen----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am all ears,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I have changed my mind, said Romola Borria with a disdainful toss of her pretty head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Besides, I think the Herr Captain would have a word with you."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mandalay wherein"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I kissed her where she stood."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do not meet me."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who are you? Only one man on the whole Pacific has a fist like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am a little Chinese waif, Peter spelled out slowly, and smiled, adding:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good hunting to you, Smith!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you are Peter Moore, the Marconi people are scouring the earth trying to find you. Are you Peter Moore?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In China, replied Peter breezily, changing back to the inimitably crisp sending for which he was famous,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lock it, and sit down here beside me."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is a foolish question. But, Mr. Moore, do you believe in love at first sight?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Foolish? he chuckled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, I'm the most devout worshiper at the shrine! The shrine brags about me! It says to unbelievers: Now, if you don't believe in love at first sight, just cast your orbs upon Peter Moore, our most shining example. Allah, by Allah! The old philanderer is assuredly of the faith!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am quite serious, Mr. Moore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I was afraid, Miss Borria. Seriously, if you must know it, then here goes: As soon as I saw you I was mad about you! Call it infatuation, call it a rush of blood to my foolish young head, call it anything you like----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why don't you stop all this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All what?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At first you skirt the surface, and then you go a little deeper, and finally you can do nothing but struggle. It is a terrible feeling, to find that your wonderful toy is killing you. Certain people in China, Mr. Moore, are conducting practises that you of the western world frown upon. And blundering upon these practices, as perhaps you have, you believe you are very bold and daring, and you are thrilled as you rub elbows with death, in tracing the dragons to their dens."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dragons!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Or call them what you will, went on the girl in a low-pitched monotone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I call them dragons, because the dragon is a filthy, wretched symbol."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have some knowledge of my encounters with--dragons?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I profess to know nothing of your encounters with anybody, replied the girl quietly and patiently."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I base my conclusions only on what I have seen. This morning I saw you throw a Chinese coolie into the harbor at Batavia. It happens that I have seen that coolie before, and it also happens that I know a little--do not ask me what I know, for I will never tell you--a little about the company that coolie keeps."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess you are getting a little beyond my depth, stated Peter uncomfortably."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Would you mind sort of summing up what you've just said?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean, I want to try to persuade you that the life you have been living is wrong. At the same time, I want you to help me, as only you can help me, in putting a life of wretchedness behind me. It is asking a great deal, a very great deal, but in return I will give you more than you will ever realize, more than you can realize, for you cannot realize the danger that surrounds your every movement, and will continue to surround you until they--_they_--are assured that you have decided to forget them."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can tell you but one more thing of consequence, she continued."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is this: Together we can stand; divided we will fall, just as surely as the sun follows its track in the heavens. I have a plan that will offend you--perhaps offend you terribly--but there is no other way. When _they_ know that we have decided to forget them, we can breathe easily. Our secrets, grown stale, are not harmful to them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am always open to any reasonable inducement,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How would you like to go to some lovely little place to have money, to live comfortably, even luxuriously, with a woman of whom you could be justly proud, and who would bend every power with the sole view of making you happy? --she was blushing hotly--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But this--this is--astounding!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I expected you to say that. But let me assure you, I have thought this over. I have given it every possible consideration, and now I know there is no other way. I want to leave China. I want to go away forever and ever. I must leave."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My life has been miserable--so miserable. And I am not brave enough to go through with it alone. I am afraid, terribly afraid. And afraid of myself, and of my weakness. I must be encouraged, must have some one to make me strong and brave, and afterward to take the good in me and bring it out, and kill the bad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is good in me; but it has never been given a chance! I want a man who will bring that good out, a man who will make me fine and true and honorable. For such a man I would give everything--my life! She lowered her voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I would give my best--my love. When I saw you lift the coolie, after he showed you his knife, I thought you were such a man; and when I looked into your face I believed I had found such a man. The rest--remains--for you to say."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where do you want me to t-take you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! That is of so little importance! To Nara--Nagoya--to Australia--America."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now I am offering you only two rewards for that sacrifice--your safety against _them_--and money. You can name your price. I feel that you will come to love me; but that can come, if it cares, any time. When you want me--I will be waiting. I want you to consider this now. Now! Will you? Tell me that you will!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I--I don't know what to say! stammered Peter in a husky voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are--you are not joking, are you, Miss Borria? You can't be! But this is so serious! Shocking! Why, you never saw me before! Why should you pick me for such a thing when you never saw me? You don't know me. You don't know what a brute I might be. Why, I might be married for all you know----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am reasonably sure,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But this--this is unbelievable! cried Peter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You never saw me before to-day. Why, you're a nice girl. You're not the kind of girl who runs away with a man at first sight. You're not in love with me at all. Not at all. Miss Borria----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "See here! he clamored."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell me what you really want. What's your game, eh? You're a wise little bird, you are. I may look stupid, I may not see all the way through this talk you've been giving me. You're holding back. What is it? Come on! Out with it!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am married,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, what of it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To a man who is fat and untidy, a man old enough to be my father, who treats me as if I were a thief, or a dog. I loathe him. And he detests me. You see --she smiled ironically--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a drowning man would grab at a straw."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not at all! Perhaps, let us say, I had pictured such a man as you. And then you came. He will beat me when I return."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes! She pressed down the gauzy stuff which came up almost to her throat in the form of a high"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "V."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is terrible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will you help me--now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What can I do? What can I do? He was striving to adjust himself to this exceedingly difficult situation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I don't understand how you can place all this confidence in me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because when I saw you I knew you were a man who stopped at nothing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But why--why does he beat you? It--it's incomprehensible!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know I am asking a great deal, far more than I have any right, and not taking you into consideration at all. But you will help me. You must. Have I talked to you in vain? Do--do you think I would make you unhappy?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not the question, not the question at all. But you don't know me. We are perfect strangers!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So is every man a stranger to his wife. What difference does time make? Very little, I think. A day--a week--a month--a year--twenty!--you and I would still be strangers, for that matter. Who can see into any man's heart?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And think! Do think of me!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am thinking of you,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We can go to Nara, if you like, to the little inn near the deer-park, and be so happy--you and I. Think of Nara--in cherry-blossom time!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't see the picture at all, said Peter dryly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But since you've elected me to be your--your Sir Galahad, I'll tell you what I will do."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your husband's nationality?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is a Portuguese gentleman, my father's cousin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It would be possible for me, perhaps, to aid a lady in distress by punishing the cause of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will gladly undertake to thrash the gentleman, if it would do any good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no! That would not do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then there's no choice for me. Either I must accept or decline your invitation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I pray you will! I have told you frankly and quickly, because time is valuable. We have none to lose. A steamer leaves for Formosa and Moji the morning after we arrive--at daybreak. We would scarcely have time to complete our plans, and embark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Complete our plans?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. We must raise money. You see, there is money, thousands of dollars, always in that house. It would be necessary to--to take whatever of it we needed. That is why I will need you, too."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now that I have aired my views, now that I have proved to you I'm not as fine and brave as you hoped me to be, let's shake hands and part the best of friends--or the worst of enemies."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I--I won't give you up, she said in a small, husky voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Besides, you are wrong, wrong in saying and believing that stealing his money would not be for a good cause. He is a brute, a monster, and worse than a thief. I cannot tell you how he gets his money. I would not dare to whisper it. You will be doing a fine and splendid thing in taking his money. You will be freeing me! Does that sound like heroics? I don't care if it does! But with that money you can buy my soul out of bondage. You can make me happy. Won't you? Won't you do--that--for me?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is yours, sar, she informed Peter in English of a very strange mold. She spoke in a rather high-pitched, bell-like voice, pure and soft, and tinkling with queer little cadences."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is yours, sar. I made it for you."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You made this--for me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, yes, sar,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, that is fine. It is beautiful, he said, feeling his way with prudence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how much do I owe you, small one?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is a geeft, she informed him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am no longer poor, my lord. I can now give geefts. I like you. I give this to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are very fine, _busar satu_, went on the tiny, musical voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So is this sarong. You will wear it, great one, around thy middle?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Around my middle, to be sure, small one, laughed Peter;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well said, _busar satu_! The girl giggled, bobbing her small head in happy approval."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is twice blessed: with my love and with my foolish blood, for I pricked my finger on the wicked needle. But I covered that spot with a red mata-ari (sun). You can never, never tell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Assuredly not!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let the sarong be wound about thy middle, commanded the Chinese maiden."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Arise, sar, and wind it about thy middle."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's bully!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is bully! she echoed, in such quaint reflection of his exclamation that Peter laughed outright."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, sit down again, sar,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am coming a long, long way to visit my aged grandmother (may the green-eyed gods grant her the twelve desires!) who lives Canton-way. My dear father sells opium. He has grown rich in that trade, even though the stupid eyes of the Dutch _babis_ are on him all the while. When I have seen my ancient grandmother, and given her geefts, I will go home, to the south, Macassar-way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, where, oh where, do I fit in this scheme? was what Peter thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What have I that this maiden desires?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, _busar satu_! the maiden was saying, deftly and unaffectedly patting the sarong."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is bully! And now----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And now, went on the maid from Macassar, whose father had grown rich in the opium-trade under the very eyes of the Dutch,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When one is young and virtuous, spake Peter in the drone of an ancient fortune-teller,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Those are the words of Confucius, the wise one, retorted the little bell-like voice with a tinkling laugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I need no guide, then? I have heard that China is unsafe. That is why I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Small one, replied Peter, with a smile of gravity and with much candor in his blue eyes,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In Hong-Kong you will go aboard a sampan and be rowed Kowloon-way, from whence the train runs by the great river to Canton."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That will be safe, that sampan?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will make it safe, small one. For I will go with you as far as Kowloon, if that is what you wish."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And does the brave one admire my sarong?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It shames my ugly body, said Peter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now run along to bed--_kalak_!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have come to tell me that you will go to Japan with me,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My cameo! she exclaimed with a start of surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where did you find it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have something to give me in return, I think,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Close the door. Come inside."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My life, she added deprecatingly,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why didn't you ask me? he demanded in his most apologetic voice, as though he had wronged her beyond repair."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why didn't you tell me you were in danger? I'd have loaned you the revolver willingly--willingly!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I did try to find you, she replied;"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have decided nothing, then?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What decision I might have formed, he said, a trifle coolly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm afraid I took too much for granted, she said in a low voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't you suppose my curiosity was aroused when you threw the coolie overboard? I said nothing; rather, I asked you no questions; and I thought that a man who was self-poised enough to meet his enemies in that way would be--what shall I say?--charitable enough to overlook such a---- She paused."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I confessed that you and I are facing a common enemy, that the same hands are eager to do away with both of us, I thought that bond was sufficient, was strong enough, to justify what might shock an ordinary man. I mean----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think I understand, Peter took her up in contrite tones."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll ask nothing more. In the morning we will talk the other matter over. I must have a little time. For the present, I want you to keep the revolver, and--here is the cameo. Forgive me for being so unreasonable, so--so selfish."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And--your revolver, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Those are the terms of the agreement, I believe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no, he protested."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have no use for it; none whatever. You keep it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I insist,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you say you're in danger,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. Not now. I have something else that will do quite as well. If it is written that I am to die, why give Death cause to be angry? I am a fatalist, you see. And I want you to take back your revolver, with my apologies, and quite without any more explanation than I have given you, please."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good night, Mr. Moore, and thank you so--much, she murmured."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I do hope you will forgive me for being a--a thief."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I knocked at your door. God! I thought he had killed you! I was afraid. For a moment I thought you were dead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You stabbed him,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. He tried to shoot you. I saw him pass my window. I was waiting. I watched. I knew he would try. Oh, I'm so glad----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You knew? You knew that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, yes. He was the--the mate of the coolie you threw overboard in Batavia. You know, they always travel in pairs. You didn't know that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No; I did not know. But I could have defended myself easily enough if it had not been for----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your clip of cartridges? Can you forgive me? Can you ever forgive me for taking them out? I took them out. Oh, Mr. Moore, believe me, I am concealing nothing! I did remove the clip, and in my carelessness I forgot to give them back to you when you left my room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see. Have you them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please give them to me. You have not by any chance, in another of those careless moods of yours, happened to tamper with the bullets, have you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Moore----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You _are_ clever, said Peter sarcastically."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're altogether too damn clever. What your game is, I'm not going to take the trouble to ask. You--you----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, Mr. Moore!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Didn't tamper with the bullets, eh? he went on in a deep, sullen voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, Miss Borria, here is what I think of your word. Here is how much I trust you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You _are_ clever, damn clever. Poor, poor little thing! Still want to go to Japan with me, my dear?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure! That's the stuff, railed Peter bitingly;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For example, he sniffed;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not if you don't care to,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By God, you _are_ clever! he scoffed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, Miss Enigma, you spurt out your story, and the true story, or, by Heaven, I'll call the skipper! I'll have you put in irons--for murder!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You forget I saved your life,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I--I---- he stammered, and backed away a step."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good God! he exploded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then explain this; explain why you took the clip from my automatic. Explain why you put up that story of a brutal husband, and showed me scars on your breast to prove it--then washed them off. And why--why you killed this man who would have murdered me."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As for the 'brutal-husband story,' every word of that is the truth. If you must know, I used rouge for the scars. Since you are so outspoken, I will pay you back in the same cloth. There are scars on my body, on my back and my legs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I killed this man because--well, she snapped,"
}
]
|
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