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": "Where are they?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Safe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Romola!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Peter. You are feeling stronger?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What am I doing here? What is this place?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We are in the cellar."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is waiting outside. They will not dare come into my house again!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am dizzy. Who will not dare? Who is outside?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The man from the Jen Kee Road place. He is waiting outside that window. No, No! He cannot see. It is covered with silk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does he want?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your answer. I told him to wait. I promised him; I will hold the candle to the window."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I am dizzy, he groaned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do not understand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Once--means 'yes.' Twice--means 'no.'"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once--means 'yes?' Twice--means 'no?' The meaning suddenly became clear to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The up-river trip?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And twice--means death, also, Peter!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You drugged me!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was no other way. I could not let you go into the night--into death!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am quite powerless?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I--I am afraid you are, Peter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I decide yes--or if I decide no--how can I defend myself?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are quite helpless, she confessed in a whisper."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. You cannot defend yourself. Her expression showed an inward struggle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are in my hands. You are in my arms! Yes! What have you to say?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What shall I say? he muttered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I say--two lights! I say--no! _No_!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you awake?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eileen,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no, came the reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is Romola. I--I am leaving you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! Where is Jen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who is that? What do you want?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The wireless operator. He is sick. Drop the ladder. Send down some one to carry him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "River boat--for Ching-Fu?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. The _King of Asia_. Peter--can you understand? I am leaving you! This is good-by! I--I--we will never see each other again. I--I couldn't turn you over to that man!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But the candle---- Peter was miserably confused."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You raised it--once! I said no!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I tricked them, Peter! Oh, won't you understand? I do love you, Peter! I couldn't give you to them!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, he muttered;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't understand. I--I'm dizzy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that Peter Moore? What's happened to him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's sick--sick! Send down a watchman. Hurry! This tide is carrying us away!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good-by!--_Ch'ing_!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Great Scott! I thought you were dead!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What happened? Both girls safe?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How did you get here alive?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I came down by sampan. The princess detained me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We thought you were with us. Somebody put out all the lights! He shivered again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Raynard wanted to go back--so did I. We didn't dare! The girls, you know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How is Peggy?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Peter, she--she thinks you're a quitter! She thinks you ran away at the big moment!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That can be cleared up. Did you enjoy--the game? Did you succeed? That's all I'm worrying about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was not a put-up job. Why--I shot a man! He became anxious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will there be a row?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not a bit--if you keep your mouth shut."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I'll do that! But that dead Chink! Ugh!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Forget him, advised Peter cheerfully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I still don't know what Peggy had to say."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Does she think----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I made a little mistake, he confessed weakly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It--it isn't Peggy; it's Helen! We're engaged! You see, Helen is such a--a quiet and reserved sort of girl. Just my kind! Peggy--well, you know, I decided she was a little too--too wild!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Great guns!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jen!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aie!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The man from the Jen Kee Road place!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My no savvy,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you can speak English as well as 'pidgin,' declared Peter, frowning."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You did last night!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My savvy 'pidgin,' said Jen brightly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "China allatime funny place! China no can savvy allatime funny people! Funny!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's that?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wanchee tea now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wake me--daylight--sure,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You, he snapped,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "he added sharply to the girl,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am waiting,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am a merchant--from Shanghai."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What you are or who you are is of no importance, returned Peter in a voice of cordial doubt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps you've aroused my idle curiosity; at all events, I want you to tell me why you were late in coming to your wife's assistance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His life is more precious,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You anticipated me by three seconds, he replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was drowsing. I thought I had dreamed the scream. May I say--I am very grateful?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps you can tell me what became of the man who opened my door?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am at a loss to account for any man entering your room--unless by mistake, he said with genuine concern."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think you are crediting me with an interest in an affair that I know nothing of. Unless--unless---- He hesitated and paused, searching Peter's eyes with a glance suddenly startled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can it be possible----? he muttered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I judge by your accent that you are an American. I have spent the past four years myself in America--at Harvard. Somehow----"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, my good friend, should he attack you, unless----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unless what? he asked, bluntly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This man is from Len Yang."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unless you are --he hesitated--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He laughed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you--Peter Moore, known in some parts of China as--Peter the Brazen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you hear, Naradia? he exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is _Peter Moore_!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We must talk this over, the young Chinese was muttering."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, I could not have arranged it more suitably! He seemed to collect himself then."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before we talk, let us get rid of this man."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They will dispose of him, said the stranger, helping himself to a cigarette. He paused with the flaring match in his fingers and looked at Peter quizzically."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My name is Kahn Meng. And I am _not_ from Shanghai."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have returned to China to attack and capture the city of Len Yang. I came from there originally. Exactly five years ago I galloped over the great drawbridge to study the classics in Peking. Fortunately I met a man. He was an American missionary. He said to me: 'Kahn Meng, the classics are dead. Betake yourself to America, where you will find the fountain of modern knowledge.' Of course, the missionary was a Harvard man."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You understand, the monster of Len Yang, as I affectionately call him, must not know of my return. Otherwise he would make me prisoner. This fat-faced one slipped through the guard lines. There may be others. He grunted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They do not dare kill me. For I----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For you----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Must hide my identity, finished Kahn Meng with a little laugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But Naradia--they object to her. They have attempted to kill her, so many times. Naradia, how many?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A score of times, she said darkly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To-night they nearly succeeded. I am not wanted. I am a half-caste--a Chinese father, a poor French mother. They desired him to marry of the----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hush! cautioned her husband, for Naradia was almost hysterical and was willing to prattle on. Kahn Meng smiled tenderly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Naradia, he continued, lowering his voice gently,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good-night! she said, obediently."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-night, --she lifted her brows archly--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Peter the Brazen! I do hope that you are not a dream!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the first place, began Kahn Meng,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He spat into the darkness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why are you in Ching-Fu? I believed you to be in America, but I could not find you. What brings you here? Surely you were not planning to enter Len Yang again alone?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I came on another errand, which has nothing to do with Len Yang. But --he threw away the half consumed cigarette--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Take me just as I am, pleaded Kahn Meng earnestly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We have one desire, I know, in common--to clean up that horrible city! You have visited Len Yang. You know the wretched condition of the miners--slaves, poor devils. Perhaps you have seen them at nightfall coming from the shaft, dripping with the blood-red of the cinnabar, starving--blind!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have seen all that,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! But are you acquainted with that man's methods? Do you know that his corrupt influence has extended into every nation of Asia? His organization is more perfect than any eastern government. His system of espionage puts those of Japan and Germany to shame! You must know! You have encountered his underlings. Oh, I have heard of the Romola Borria affair. Your escape was masterly! I believe you astounded him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Think, Kahn Meng, what might be accomplished, said Peter fervently,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wanted you to say that! he exclaimed, enthusiastically."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The thing has been in my mind for years--ever since I was a child! We can do it! We can!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yet one thousand men cannot enter Len Yang. It is a fortress."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is another way into Len Yang--by the mines. It cuts off three days of the journey. I remember it as a child. Tremendous black ravines lead to the entrance from the merchants' trail, and the opening is so small that you could pass it a thousand times without suspecting. Will you accompany us, Peter Moore--Naradia and I and our followers? We leave at dawn."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I cannot leave Ching-Fu until to-morrow night."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That will be as well, perhaps, assented Kahn Meng after a moment's thought."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We will rest for the night in the Lenchuen Pass. It is to the right of the black road. My sentries will be watching for you."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eileen----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, Peter Moore!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What under the seven suns are you doing in Ching-Fu--and Kialang--and China? What's the meaning?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is my office hour,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But what does this mean--this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My clinic!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're not practising medicine out here--in this street!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed I am, she replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Some of these people have been waiting their turns since daylight. I returned from Kialang an hour ago. And I'll work until I collapse. I must. I wish I could multiply myself by a thousand. There's not another doctor within miles. You can watch, if you'd like,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eyes,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This child has been without sight for a month. Without this operation he would remain blind forever. To-morrow he will see again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're wonderful!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Filth caused this, she explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Chinese are the dirtiest race on earth, anyway, she added, dipping a clump of cotton into an antiseptic wash and rinsing the patient's eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where there is too much dirt, there is blindness. One-fourth of the population in this section of China are blind. They go to 'fortune tellers,' and they remain blind. In nine cases out of ten the simplest of operations followed by care will cure this type of blindness."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good enough; but will they be careful afterward?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once their sight is given back to them, they follow directions to a T. I'm leaving behind me a trail of the cleanest Chinamen you ever laid eyes on!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shouldn't you have an operating-room?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Peter, I've learned to operate with a thousand hooting infidels crowding closer than this. In Nanking I was nearly mobbed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did they harm you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, no! They wanted their children, their wives, and their virtuous mothers to see the light of day again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eileen, you're an angel!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Be careful, Peter, or I'll kiss you in front of all these people. She blushed and smiled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I was very bold to come up here all alone. Don't you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought it would be a lark; but it isn't. It's the hardest kind of work. There seem to be so many blind people--and I get tired--furious!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can't we break away from this mob and have a little chin-chin by ourselves?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're not anxious, Peter?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is not Shanghai, he rejoined sententiously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ching-Fu is not a healthy spot for me--or for you. I've been watched. Perhaps, this very minute----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you going on to Len Yang this time, Peter?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Without you,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It isn't fair, she murmured;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've come all this way----"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are in time!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you stopped them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only the wind could overtake them. He shrugged."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They came--they broke through our lines--and again they broke through! If they had stopped for battle, he added grimly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And they have taken her to Len Yang?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The doctor? Yes, assented Kahn Meng sadly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One of my men was in Ching-Fu when the troop drove through. He was looking out for you. He arrived only a few moments ago. By Buddha, how you have traveled!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I intend to go on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It means only death."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am willing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you cannot catch them with any horse. You would be killed. We can arrive in Len Yang sooner, Kahn Meng pleaded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Everything is ready."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll follow, Peter stated grimly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "On my word of honor, Kahn Meng interrupted him with emotion,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am a friend. Won't that suffice until the morning? If I were an enemy, if I were on his side----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I realize that, Peter stopped him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very well. I'll wait. My other question is this: Why does that beast search the world for beautiful women--and consign them to the mines?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do not know, said Kahn Meng finally."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is hideous. I have seen them. That will be stopped!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can add nothing to what has been said, Kahn Meng went on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have much to attend to now. We are starting immediately. At present will you trust me as I trust you?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Two hundred men will accompany us. The others will remain here in case an attack is made on our rear. There may be trouble. Of course, I could go, unharmed, into Len Yang by the mountain road; but as soon as I entered I would be helpless--a prisoner forever. He knows I am returning. He is expecting me. But he does not know that half his garrison are loyal to me. The yellow-whiskered one will not be glad to see me,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There should be no trouble, no confusion--a bloodless revolution, he added with a nervous, elated laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will occupy the place--you will follow. Wait ten minutes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A tunnel, fairly straight, leads from here directly to the black door. Have your revolver in readiness. My men may not make a clean job. The mine guards carry clubs. Each of my coolies has a rifle."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Peter Moore! he rasped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The most daring foreigner who has yet visited my city! Peter the Brazen, with a reputation of breaking the hearts of beautiful women! You are late. I have been waiting upon this visit for two years!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What have you done with her?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! Would you like to gaze upon that which can never be yours?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "May I see her--once--before I die?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The young woman is here--safe. If you will answer my questions, I may permit you to gaze upon her just once before you die! Perhaps I may be so lenient as to allow you to die together. Does not that appeal to you? he demanded, as if anxious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You--who are so thirsty for the gold of romance?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am granting your wish. You may gaze upon her before you die. I, too, will gaze, for I prize her highly, as you know."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Harken to me, Peter the foolish. Within these green walls daily are inscribed the names of men and women who must die. Your name has been spoken, yet never once has it been written. When it is written----"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can it interest you? Nine men are doomed. Within two weeks from this hour a mandarin will die by the knife, an ambassador at the court of Peking will expire by poison, an indiscreet Javanese merchant----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Those whose names are written must inevitably die. If the name of Peter Moore had but once appeared on the green silk--I could have forgotten you--and rested. But I was restrained by a most curious impulse."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have perplexed, almost fascinated me. Tell me first, what was your power over Romola Borria?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Romola Borria was proof against love. No man was created for her to love. Yet that snowy heart melted, that precious coldness vanished, when she met--Peter Moore!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can all but read your thoughts, he went on, lidding his green eyes a number of times."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are saying what my victims invariably say when I grant them these rare audiences before they die. Over and over you are repeating--'Beast! Beast! Beast!' Is that not true?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is absolutely true!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Peter Moore, to gaze at you is like gazing into a crystal. In you I witness that supreme quality which was denied me in my youth. I can have anything in the world but that supreme, that sublime quality. I can buy anything in the world but that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not yet! Not yet! There is time!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yet there is a chance that I may reconsider; that I may permit you to continue to live--perhaps in the mines. But certainly, Peter the foolish, you must not yield to that present impulse. Of course, you are armed. But do not move! Two feet behind you stands an excellent shot with a pistol aimed at your backbone. Men with cracked spines do not live long!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What was I about to say? Ah, yes! If I could purchase from you that quality--if I could, I say, anything in my kingdom would be yours--everything! It is the one thing I have been denied. Holy wheel! It is strange, this way I am talking! I have rarely had such an interested audience. Most of my captives at this stage are cringing, are kissing my feet."
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yet she stole only my gold which was convenient, and went out into the starlit night with the Singhalese trader, to share the romance of the blinding desert--the Singhalese trader, a man of no caste at all! Love? That was my love!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I could not have love, I could at least have hate! I have hated more passionately than any man has ever loved!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What have you to say now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was only wondering, said Peter, as if suddenly tired,"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what has become of your prudence? You who defied me, who escaped me--undone by a woman! She is why you are here. Because you are such a fool you shall die. I might have relented. I thought you were proof against love. Is any one? Is any one proof against it but me? Ah----"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Peter! she moaned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I was so afraid! She lowered her voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is to become of us?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We who are about to die----"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So this is love? he cackled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is the young woman to whom you have thrown your life away--after most splendid resistance--you, Peter the Brazen! Do you still love her? He pointed a crooked forefinger at Eileen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell me, would you desert him, in this first flush of your maiden love, for a handsomer man--and steal his gold, after he laid the earth at your feet? Would you do that?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then you will not speak of death. You will struggle and you will grow old long before your time, as the others have done, hoping that vain hope of again meeting. And I shall grant your wish! Years from now, when youth and the divine passion of youth have flown--when only the bitter dregs of that rapturous love remain--then you shall be reunited."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "O Buddha! How long have I waited for such an opportunity? How long? How long? Is it twenty years--or forty--or a thousand--since that night in the bazaar at Mangalore?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you grateful to me, you two? You should be! It was I who brought you together--I, the cruelest man in all Asia! It must have been a divine night, that night on the great river, Peter Moore, when she came into your arms. Love blazed in your hearts that night; and this gray-eyed witch said, with downcast eyes: 'I like you, Peter Moore!' What difference what she said? Any words would have dripped as much with love!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You shall not have that! he shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You shall not have love! What I have done, I shall undo! You shall live apart. Love has been refused me; love is refused all who come within my reach! That is my decision. Nor shall you have death. One of you to the quarry--the other to the mines. I shall be generous. You may make your choice. And _that_ is my decision!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The others are coming; their fate will be yours--you lovers!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you armed?"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have failed! I am sorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You recognize your companion of last night? The man with a legion of a thousand loyal men at his back?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is my son. He is my son by my faithful wife! Do you understand that, Peter Moore?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your son? And he will carry on your work?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Precisely that! You have expressed it neatly, Peter Moore. The Gray Dragon will carry on the work of the Gray Dragon!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Old Sweetheart!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are safe? Where are we? What happened to that scoundrel, Kahn Meng? Why did they bring you here? Did they harm you? Who hit----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, yes--yes!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you rested? I never saw any one so completely burned out. Such fury! Gracious, what a man! But why, Peter, did you attack poor Kahn Meng? He's the best friend you have in the world!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Gray Dragon!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From now on our work is to assume a world-wide importance. Word came over the wireless late last night that Germany has finally started the long-expected European war. Kahn Meng believes every nation will be drawn into it. So there is another menace for you to help stamp out--the Dragon of Europe. Kahn Meng says these mines, and the copper and iron mines, nearer the coast, can help--wonderfully!"
}
]
|
28780 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By the Way column. I remember distinctly there was only one amusing paragraph therein, and I was about to throw the paper aside, with the customary lament as to the decadence of British humour, when my attention was arrested by a paragraph at the bottom of the next column. The heading was"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Strange Highway Robbery."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our Plymouth correspondent reports a novel highway robbery on the road between Tavistock and Plymouth. Two gentlemen who had been for a run on their motor to Tavistock, left the latter town about eight o'clock last night. Their journey was uneventful until they reached Roborough, where they were suddenly overtaken by a motor-car occupied by a man, who presented a pistol at their heads, and ordered them to stop. Thinking that the stranger merely intended to scare them, and that the summons was only an ill-advised piece of pleasantry, they paid no attention to the demand; whereupon the driver of the strange car, with a well-directed shot, so damaged the machinery of their vehicle that they were compelled to obey. Their attacker then demanded all the money and articles of value they had in their possession under threat of completely wrecking their car, and after securing his booty the highwayman decamped. In consequence of the damage to their motor, it was not until late at night that they reached Plymouth, and were enabled to give particulars of the occurrence to the police. From their description of the stranger's vehicle, identification should not be difficult. It is a long, low, boat-shaped car of remarkable speed, and from the little noise it creates is probably driven by an electric motor. As to the personal appearance of the driver, the gentlemen who were robbed could form no opinion, for he wore the usual leather coat affected by tourists, and his head was completely enveloped in a hood."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A Motor Pirate,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A MOTOR PIRATE"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A VEILED STRANGER ON A MYSTERIOUS MOTOR FLIES"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Bradshaw declares that he had never enjoyed a run more than he did on this occasion. A brisk wind was blowing behind them, they found there was more downhill than up, the road was absolutely clear, and they were able to take the declines at a pace which took the sting out of the ascents."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As regards the appearance of his assailant, Mr. Bradshaw can give few particulars, save that he was clad in a large leather motoring coat, and his face completely hidden by a mask. The car can, on the contrary, be easily identified. It is boat-shaped, running to a sharp, cutting edge both in front and behind. The body is not raised more than eighteen inches from the ground. The wheels are either within the body, or so sheathed that they are completely hidden. It has apparently seating accommodation for two persons, the seat being placed immediately in the centre of the car. Mr. Bradshaw is quite convinced that petrol is not the motive force used for its propulsion, and as he cannot imagine that an electric motor of any kind was employed; the rapidity of motion, the perfection of the steering, the absence of noise and vibration, are so remarkable that he is utterly at a loss as to what build of car was driven by the stranger."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "he remarked,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have never before seen any one so completely enthralled in a newspaper in my life. I've been standing watching you for nearly a minute."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's the latest from Mr. Justice Jeune's division? When you come to my years of discretion you will be more interested in the _menu_."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was not the inanities of the divorce court, Colonel, I remarked;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Being a rational being, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I prefer my stories with my cigar. One should come to dinner with a calm mind."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By the way, Sutgrove, he said,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can scarcely imagine that any newspaper would dare hoax its readers to such an extent,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They are capable of anything--anything, replied the Colonel, vigorously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have known them on more than one occasion to attack even my department."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That of course is scandalous, I replied warmly;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Umph!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At the same time, said Winter,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the robbery?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A passing tramp may have thought the opportunity too good to be neglected."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At all events, I persisted,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Certainly the coincidence is remarkable, answered Winter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But do not forget that the two occurrences took place at least a hundred and thirty miles apart within less than three hours of one another. I will swear that no motor yet built would cover those roads inside three hours. I know them. No, Sutgrove. The moral seems to me to be that it is unwise for a motorman to look upon the wine when it is red, if he wants to get anywhere afterwards."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My young friend, he observed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You need not fear, replied Winter, laughing,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am merely a passenger, but you drive, he remarked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think, Sutgrove, under the circumstances, I will be responsible for the remainder of this bottle. It is endowed with certain qualities which particularly recommend themselves to me. It would be a sad thing if an accident were to befall us on our journey. In times of stress such as these one never knows when the War Office may not require the services of a capable man."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Colonel, what do you say to a music hall?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My boy, he replied, as he patted me on the back,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sleep far more comfortably in my bed."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My dear boy, he continued,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have never known you until this moment. You are greater than Columbus. Any one might discover a new continent, but in these days it needs exceptional qualities of enterprise and endurance to discover a fresh restaurant. I am content. Let us go home."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's not much of this,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hullo! I said to Winter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's another chap coming on behind us. Without lights, too!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pooh! replied Winter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've passed nothing on the road, and at the pace we've been travelling there's not another car owned in this district we should not have left miles behind us, even if it had started at the same time as ourselves. You must have mistaken some of the shadows from the trees. How much of that port did you drink?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm right, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is another car, and by jove! It's coming up hand over fist."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? shouted Winter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If the stranger can catch us now I shall believe it's the Motor Pirate himself,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's the Motor Pirate himself,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Motor Pirate be d----d!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I must trouble you gentlemen to stop that car."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I really must trouble you to obey my wishes, he replied, with ironic courtesy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Otherwise I shall be compelled to do some damage to that car of yours, a proceeding I always try to avoid if possible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do what you please,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you do not pull up within thirty seconds your fate will be upon your own heads,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm going to stop,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you want?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm glad to find you have had the wisdom to do as I desired you, said the Motor Pirate; for it was indeed he with whom we were now face to face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It would have deeply grieved me to wreck so good a car as that you have there. A Daimler, I believe?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, d----n your compliments! What is it you want?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Merely any articles of jewellery and any money you may happen to have about you,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do not wish to proceed to extremities, and, as I gather from your speech that I am dealing with gentlemen --really Winter's language had fully warranted the sarcasm--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come, gentlemen! Make up your minds. Your money or your--car!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's his turn now, I whispered to Winter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It may be ours presently."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come, come, gentlemen! said the stranger again;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "D----n you! I suppose we must,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Each of you will dismount in turn and lay the contents of your pockets before me here. He indicated a level shelf, which formed apparently part of the casing of one of the wheels."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I must insist upon seeing the linings of your pockets; and I need hardly warn you that it will be extremely undesirable for you to make any movement liable to misconstruction. This toy --he lifted his pistol--"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If the other gentleman will make haste, I shall be the sooner able to relieve you of my unwelcome society,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What the deuce can we do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hullo, Colonel!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's the matter? inquired the Pirate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Does your friend refuse to acknowledge the compact?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm afraid he can hardly be said to be a party to it, I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He has dined, and now he sleeps."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, you will awaken him less roughly than I shall,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Any one who knows Colonel Maitland is aware that he is exceedingly annoyed if awakened from his after-dinner nap,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Colonel Maitland? Colonel Maitland the gourmet?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have met him on one occasion, and, as some slight return for a very excellent dinner which he ordered, and for which--doubtless by an oversight--he left me to pay, I will not trouble you to awaken him on this occasion. I wish you good evening, gentlemen."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sutgrove, old fellow, would you mind punching me? I'm not quite sure whether it is the Colonel who is asleep or myself. I feel as if I have just awakened from dreaming of the story those newspapers printed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's not much of a dream, I remarked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I little thought that we were to have the good fortune of so early an introduction to the Motor Pirate, however. The Colonel will be quite cross to think that his bottle of port prevented the renewal of an old acquaintance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hadn't we better be getting on to St. Albans, and giving information to the police?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "H--m--m! he answered meditatively."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think perhaps we had better not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the first place it is after dinner,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What of that? We dined wisely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One of us knows nothing about it. Winter jerked his thumb in the direction of the slumbering warrior."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We could hardly explain the reason why the Colonel slept so soundly through the adventure. The explanation could hardly please him, would it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Besides, continued Winter,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think perhaps we had best keep the matter to ourselves. I have no desire to provide another sensation for the evening papers to-morrow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At any rate I'm not going to sit down quietly under my loss if you are,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's another matter altogether, replied Winter, as he set our car in motion once more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I did not say that I was going to grin and bear it either."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you propose?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is a question we will discuss over a whisky and soda, when we have deposited the Colonel safely at home;"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just want to see in which direction the fellow went,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If it's another pirate, he won't get much plunder,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's no pirate, replied Winter, as a couple of lights came into view."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cannot you recognize the rattle of Mannering's old car? I should know it anywhere. He will be able to tell us if any one has passed him on the road."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That you, Mannering?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hullo, Winter! Got a puncture? Can I be of any assistance?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Met any one? said Mannering;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should think I have. Met the most wonderful motor I've ever seen, about a couple of miles back. 'Pon my soul, I'm not sure even now whether it was not a big night bird, for it just swooped by me with about as much noise as a humming-top might make. It must have been travelling eighty miles an hour at least. Reckless sort of devil the driver must be too. He hadn't a single light. I suppose his lamps must have been put out by the rapidity with which he was travelling. Never had such a scare in my life. I'd like to meet the Johnny. I'd welcome an opportunity of telling him what I thought of his conduct."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So should I, replied Winter, grimly;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, what has he been doing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's too long a story to tell you now, said Winter, as he climbed back into his seat;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here we are, Colonel,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eh! What--what? he replied, as he awakened with a start."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When are we going to start?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Start? Why we've brought you safely home to your own threshold,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "he answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just shut my eyes to keep the dust out of 'em, and---- You will come in for a peg, of course,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pooh!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll call to-morrow, and get a considered opinion upon my Soho house of entertainment,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Glad to see you, he replied, as he grasped my hand and shook it warmly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But of one thing you may rest assured. So long as that bin of port holds out, your house of entertainment may count upon me as a regular customer whenever I dine in town."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Opium isn't in it, commented Winter in a low voice, as he set the car in motion and wheeled out of the drive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How he could have slept so soundly through it all absolutely beats me."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "NOW, Jim, dip your beak into that, and let me see if it will not restore to your classic features their customary repose."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's a most extraordinary story, he remarked, when the narrative was concluded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are quite sure neither of you touched any of that port?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wine may rob a man of his wits, he replied,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The numbers of the notes should enable you to trace the thief,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fact is, I am such a careless beggar. I always carry notes about with me, replenishing my case when necessary; and really I have nothing to tell me whether those notes I had in my possession were the last batch I had from the bank, or odd ones left over from previous consignments. They may have been in my case for months."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Both Winter and I could identify our watches,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, replied Mannering,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What was the extent of your loss?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ten in gold, thirty in notes, and say thirty for my watch. My loss is comparatively light."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know the numbers of your notes, I suppose?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I replied,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not quite so casual as Winter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's some clue for the police to work upon, then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It might prove to be so, only Winter thinks we show up so badly in the whole affair that he won't hear of my giving information."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fact is, said Winter,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maitland slept soundly through the whole affair, and it wouldn't be sporting to give him away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I see----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What puzzles me, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your loss doesn't seem to trouble you much, anyhow,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I would willingly give a hundred times as much for a duplicate of that motor. I should be pretty sure to get my money back once I put it on the market."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If there's all that value in it, why should the owner go in for highway robbery?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's just what I fail to understand, said Winter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From what I could see of it, our friend the Motor Pirate is possessed of an ideal car, graceful in shape, making no noise, running with a minimum of vibration and a maximum of speed. Why, there's a fortune in it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course it is quite impossible that the motive power can be electricity?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quite out of the question. Any one who has the slightest knowledge of motoring would know it to be impossible, even if the Pirate had devised a storage battery which would knock Edison's latest invention into a cocked hat. But supposing he had achieved the feat, remember that, according to the newspaper reports, he was at Plymouth yesterday at dusk, near Salisbury at eleven the same evening, and holding us up on the confines of St. Albans to night. He would be bound to get his batteries recharged somewhere and, with a car of such remarkable shape, how is he to do so without exciting remark? No; electricity is quite out or the question. I should be glad to think that the car was an electric one. His capture would only be a matter of a few hours."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hope, for all our sakes, his motor is an electric one, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At all events it should not be difficult to track a car of so singular a shape. If it were built on the same lines as yours or mine, for instance, the owner might go anywhere without attracting attention."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anyhow, I broke in,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I almost feel inclined to follow your example. I have nearly forgotten how to use a pistol since I have resided in this law-ridden land."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Surely you won't expose your experimental car to the chance of being rammed by the Motor Pirate,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You fellows, he had explained to us one day,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should not at all mind exposing my car to any risk if I could get the opportunity to examine the Motor Pirate's car. If the truth must be told, from what I have seen of his car, and what you have told me, I am rather inclined to think that whoever designed it has forestalled me in an idea which I had thought quite my own. I have long been working to produce a car which would run at least a hundred miles an hour without noise or perceptible vibration."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couldn't you get it completed in a week? interrupted Winter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We might have a most exciting chase after our friend."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've been absolutely floored on one detail, and if that fellow has solved the problem----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had no idea that you had anything so important on the stocks,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nor would you have done so until you saw the perfect machine on the road, if it had not been for my chagrin at seeing that car to-night. Of course I can count upon you both to say nothing of the matter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On condition that you do not refer to our adventure again,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Agreed,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We shall not be long without rain. If the Pirate is still abroad he will leave tracks,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have always thought I cared nothing for speed, he remarked,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not being Motor Pirates, however, the next best thing is, I suppose, to go to bed and dream that we are."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One--two--, the car passed me,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Five more cars held up by the Motor Pirate."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was lucky for him he did not meet us, hey, Sutgrove? said the Colonel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You, Winter, and myself, would soon settle a Motor Pirate, wouldn't we?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder though we saw nothing of him, continued Maitland;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He seems to have been everywhere,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He has the ubiquity of a De Wet,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hope I shall have a chance of meeting him sometime,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Heavens! What a fire-eater you are, Sutgrove. One might almost take you for a sub in a cavalry regiment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think that is very unkind of you. You spoke of the Motor Pirate as if you owed him a grudge. I think we all ought to be supremely thankful to him for having made the wettest day we have had this year pass quite pleasantly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then we'll drink long life and prosperity to him the next time we have a bottle of that same port your father approved so highly last night. Then I turned to the Colonel, and made a clumsy attempt to turn the subject of conversation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is your verdict upon my restaurant equally favourable to-day, sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have nothing to regret. As for the port with which we finished, it seems to me the sort of stuff dreams are made of. Do you know that the glass I drank--was it one glass or two?--gave me the most vivid dream I have enjoyed since my childhood?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed! Let's hear it, Colonel,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do tell us, said his daughter, as she rose from her seat, and put her arms coaxingly round her father's neck."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do tell us like a real, good, kind, old-fashioned parent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sutgrove and Mannering don't want to hear about an old fellow's silly dreams, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Besides, it was all about the Motor Pirate, and I can see that Sutgrove for one is quite sick of the subject."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sutgrove had just looked back to see if I was comfortable, when he saw another car on the road behind us. We had not long passed through Radlett. You know the straight stretch of road just past the new Dutch barn on the left----"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You dear, delightful old fibber! she remarked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't believe you dreamed that at all. You couldn't. Then she wheeled round on me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now tell me, Mr. Sutgrove, didn't that dream of father's really happen to you last night?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The cream of the joke, he explained, when he recovered his powers of speech,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should think it was their own reputations they were thinking about, said his daughter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To submit so tamely to one man is not a very heroic proceeding."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought they were very sensible, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even a cripple with a gun is better than six sound Tommies unarmed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sensible--yes, she replied scornfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But there are times when one prefers a little less sense, and a little more--shall we say action. I am sure you would not have obeyed so tamely?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really, Miss Maitland, he replied,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, a man should always know what to do! she answered petulantly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Has any one ever tried to hold you up?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, yes, he answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once when I was out in the west of the States, some of the regulation bands tried the game on a train in which I was travelling. But then, you see, the conductor in the railway-car in which I happened to be seated had a six-shooter. So had I. The other passengers got as near the floor as they possibly could when the shooting began. I was in pretty good practice in those days, don't you know, so the other chaps didn't get much of a look in. We took the four they left behind them when they bolted on to the next station with us. Three of them were buried there, if I remember aright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There, said Miss Maitland, with an unmistakable look of admiration in her eyes;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I knew you were different."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But then I was armed. If I had not been, I should have been on the floor with the other passengers."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Take another sup, sir, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's nothing like maraschino and gin when one is a bit overwrought. I've known many a gentleman in my part of the country who would take nothing else, after a hard day to hounds, to brace him up for those long ten miles home."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm afraid I am more knocked up than I thought. Can you manage a hot bath and a bed for me to-night?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll see what the missus'll say."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "said"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, Wilson,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now then, get up out of that! said the voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "None of your shamming! We are not to be put off that way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What the deuce----!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you want?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know well enough, replied the sergeant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You make haste and dress yourself and come along with us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What in the name of good fortune for?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're not going to kid us, my good feller, he answered. Adding facetiously,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If we puts a name to it and calls it piracy on the 'igh road, I wonder what you'll 'ave to say to it, remembering, of course, that anything you do say will be taken down and used in evidence against you."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ee ain't no pirut, he declared with unconcealed disdain, as he spat into the gutter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anybody can see he's only a toff."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How comes it, Mr. Sutgrove, that living at St. Albans you should choose to spend the night at a little inn at King's Langley?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose I am at liberty to sleep where I like?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perfectly so, replied the stranger."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You will have no difficulty, I presume, in proving your identity?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not the slightest, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In fact I have already wired to a friend of mine--Mr. Winter, of Hailscombe, St. Albans--to come here for the purpose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know Mr. Winter very well,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's no go, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is not our man. Again he turned to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am Inspector Forrest of Scotland Yard, detailed for special duty in connection with this Motor Pirate affair. Unfortunately I did not reach Watford until after arrangements had been made to bring you here, or---- I hope you will not take it amiss if we detain you until Mr. Winter's arrival."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come, come, Mr. Sutgrove! he said then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You must not bear any malice. Surely you must admit that appearances were not altogether in your favour, and he detailed to me the information which had led to my arrest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see, he said in conclusion,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fact is, our friend, who has just left us, has been too precipitate. You can make things exceedingly unpleasant for him if you like; but frankly, is it worth while? Think it over a little, bearing in mind that if we are to get hold of the Motor Pirate, we must take the chance of capturing the wrong man, since there is no description of him obtainable. You will not be the only one, I'll swear."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What have you been up to now, Sutgrove? he remarked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not emulating the deeds of the Motor Pirate?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The police have somehow arrived at the conclusion that I am that distinguished person himself,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "THE telegraph, said Inspector Forrest, sententiously"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unless you want to send a message from Regent Street to the City, I remarked;"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We shall beat him with the telegraph, said he."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Clearly he has one retreat where he can put up his car in safety. Probably he has more than one. It is not impossible for him to have several. There might even be a number of Motor Pirates, members of the same gang, but selecting different parts of the country upon which to prey. The telegraph will soon settle these points for us. When next he makes his appearance we shall be able to keep watch upon him, to note, if not the exact spot, at least in what part of the country he makes his appearance. Even if it should be found impossible to arrest him in his progress, he is bound to leave some traces behind him which will enable us to get upon his track."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He does not seem to have left many behind him at present,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said the inspector thoughtfully, as he rose and examined the map spread out upon the table."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yet there are certainly grounds for believing that he has gone to earth somewhere in this neighbourhood. The Hertfordshire police may have been nearer the mark than you thought when they arrested you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't mean to say that you still suspect me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not for one instant, he answered promptly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The meaning I meant to convey was that, quite unknown to you, the Motor Pirate may very well be your near neighbour. I suppose there is no one residing near whom you would consider a likely object of suspicion?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At all events, my belief is strong enough to keep me in this district until I hear something further,"
}
]
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.