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|---|---|---|---|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You had better stay a little longer, I said to the inspector."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here is another man coming who may be able to give you some more details of the Pirate. He has seen him, and as he has been a longer resident here than myself, he may be able to tell you more about the people round than I can."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A motorist?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, named Mannering, I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is the man I told you about, whom I consider to be my rival, you know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shouldn't let him drive me into any more adventures like last night's, Mr. Sutgrove, he advised."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you were ten years older--my age, you know--you wouldn't need the warning, A bout of rheumatic fever would be small consolation for the loss of the lady."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Glad to see you home again, Sutgrove, he said heartily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not the only one either. Miss Maitland asked me to call, for after seeing you in such bad company this morning---- Hullo! I beg your pardon, I thought you were alone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Inspector Forrest will assure you that I have only been unfortunate enough to have been the object of our local constabulary's misplaced zeal. They took me for our mutual friend the Motor Pirate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did they though? What an almighty spoof! said Mannering."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "First time I ever heard of a man being run in for robbing himself on the high-road. Beats Gilbert!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Sutgrove did not see the point of the joke at first,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't suppose I should have relished such a mistake myself. Anyway, he continued, turning to me,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So do I, I remarked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And for the additional reason that I have a sort of presentiment that when his capture is brought about, I am going to have a hand in it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you say to that, Inspector? he answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you going to leave the job to amateurs?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I never said 'no' to the offer of assistance in running down a criminal,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have sworn, I remarked obstinately,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You had better be prepared, answered Mannering."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should judge him to be a bit of a fighter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Next time I meet him, I'll take all risks to come to close quarters,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You haven't a car to do a hundred miles an hour, have you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My plan is a simple one. I merely propose to go out for night rides until he finds me,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had some thoughts of amusing myself in the same way, he answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, judging from your experience this morning, the only thing likely to happen is being arrested on suspicion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll take my chance of that, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But before discussing the matter, perhaps you could tell Inspector Forrest whether there's any spot in this neighbourhood likely to serve as a hiding-place for the Pirate's car?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's the old coach-house at the bottom of the paddock next to my cottage. It has a door opening on to the main road. There would be room, too, in my stables, if I had not fitted them up as workshops for my tyre experiments."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Stop rotting, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry I can't suggest a likely spot,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "About that suggestion of yours--taking night rides on the chance of being held up----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wish I had a good fast car at my disposal, he continued earnestly;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you can make use of it, I will see that the best car money can buy is placed at your disposal,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll see what my chief says, he replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When can I see you again?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall be leaving here at eight and returning well--between ten and eleven."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Expect me about midnight,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is there any one else?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What right have you to ask?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No right, I only ask it of your mercy,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No one,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Evie always had her own way from the cradle, he declared,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have told me there is no one else. Is there any hope for me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come and ask me when--when you have caught the Motor Pirate,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's no need to ask if you are still as keen on this job as you were this afternoon,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Keener than ever,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then I hope between us we may be successful in running our man to ground."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you heard anything further?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing of the slightest value. A number of people have been through our hands, but of the Pirate--not a sign."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps we shall get a clue in the morning,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At present, he declared,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you suggest?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall stay and thoroughly explore this district until I hear something further,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am thinking of going into town in the morning, to see if a more powerful car than the one I possess at present is to be obtained, I told him later."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am hoping to get one capable of doing fifty or even sixty miles an hour at a pinch, so as to be prepared for emergencies. Meanwhile, if you like to make this house your headquarters, I shall be delighted to put you up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you really mean that, Mr. Sutgrove?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course I do,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you know anything of Persian poetry, Mr. Sutgrove?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am never out of doors on a spring evening, he continued,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's this way, he replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "On one of my jobs--a show job, attendance on a distinguished visitor, don't you know--I was thrown a great deal into the company of a Persian gentleman, and we did our best to learn something of each other's languages. He taught me out of Hafiz, and I picked up just enough to make me wish for more. Listen to this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Isn't that musical? he continued."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seems to me to have the real poetry of the spring evening in it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even at the Yard, he explained,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I doubt whether they would put it down to my credit."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't think, he remarked, as he sipped his coffee after our early dinner,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought you were of opinion that our friend will be tempted to make his reappearance to-night?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am, he answered;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Motor Pirate seen near Towcester going in the direction of Daventry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How far is Towcester?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Roughly, I should say forty miles,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We ought to manage it within the hour, then, he remarked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come along."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Pirate!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not a bit of it,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hullo! Are you asleep, sir?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My God!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A piece more of the Motor Pirate's work, I fancy, he said slowly;"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One of your lamps here, Sutgrove, if you can manage it."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One cartridge discharged, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Surely it cannot be a case of suicide?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is the fate awaiting those who venture to resist the Motor Pirate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That would seem to settle the question as to whether this is a case of suicide or not,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "H'm! At all events the inquest will, he replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm afraid in any case this ends our pursuit for the night, he continued."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I must ask you to run on to the nearest town for assistance. Have you any idea of our whereabouts?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right; cut along then. Revolver handy?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait one moment, he called as I was starting;"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here is where the Pirate's motor stopped,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing much to be got out of that. Judging from my measurements, our friend might be driving a Daimler."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hallo, Forrest!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Forrest! Forrest!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps Mr. Forrest has found a clue, and thought he would waste no time in following it up."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Motor Pirate has been back again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You must have scared him away the first time, and on his return to complete the job he found the inspector here, and----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If he has returned, I don't see what he can have done with Forrest,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Heaven knows! the man replied, involuntarily lowering his voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I--I begin to believe that this Motor Pirate is--is the Devil."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nonsense, man!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look here, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I--I would much rather you--you didn't leave me, stammered the sergeant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's bad enough for there to be only the two of us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come, pull yourself together, I replied roughly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's nothing to be afraid of."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think I can stand being left here alone,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very well; you had better come along with me then,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was a bit overcome just now, sir. You won't mention it before my men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Certainly not, I answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was only one degree better myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's enough to make any one feel creepy,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Death was instantaneous, he said, as he stepped down from the car."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The bullet appears to have passed straight along the longitudinal sinus, and, as near as I can tell, he must have been dead about an hour."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You would like to make a more extensive examination, I suppose, doctor?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If a suitable place were available,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seen nothing of Inspector Forrest, I suppose?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You were going to dine at Mr. Winter's to-night, sir, with Mr. Forrest,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shall be unable to go, Wilson,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They haven't found Mr. Forrest, then, sir?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. I'm afraid we shall never see him alive again,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dear me! Not so bad as that, I hope, sir,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not half so bad as that, Wilson,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Forrest! Forrest! I cried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come along in, man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, if I may?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you may! I answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why--what the----!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Forrest? Is it indeed you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't ask you to recognize me until I have had a bath and a shave, he replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But when I have sacrificed to Hygeia, I expect to be presentable enough to dine with Mr. Winter to-night. I've been wondering all day whether I should manage to get here in time. Meanwhile, the least spot of whisky----"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you give me a dose like that, I shall certainly be unable to accompany you,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where have you been? What has happened to you? Why did you disappear? How----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So that's why you gave me all that whisky. You wanted to make me talk, eh?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And that, declared Forrest,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I absolutely refuse to do; for, with the exception of sixpenny worth of rum and a crust of bread and cheese, nothing has passed my lips since dinner last night."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then you will be glad to hear that the Winters are punctual people,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose, he said, as we reached our destination,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I may count upon you not referring to the plight in which I returned to your place? I should not care for it to get abroad that the Pirate had got the better of me on the first occasion of our meeting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then you have seen him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seen him! Forrest ejaculated in reply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seen him! After dinner you shall have a full, true and particular account of all that's happened. Until then--well, assume you know everything but are not at liberty to divulge anything."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If, for instance, he remarked,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How's that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I heard they are sending off a particularly valuable collection of stones by registered parcel post to-morrow,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seems a silly thing to do,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know about that, was the reply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Their theory is that the chances of robbery are infinitely less than by any other method of forwarding. They have followed the practice for years, and hitherto have never made a loss. You see, no one knows anything about it except the principal, who takes the packet to the post office. He registers it at St. Martin's, and the packet is immediately placed amongst a number of parcels of all sorts, shapes and sizes; and the chance of a casual thief selecting that particular parcel, even if he had the chance, are at least a hundred to one, while it is well known that the postal employee who steals always lets the registered letter severely alone."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "WHEN you left me, Forrest began,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought I would pass the time until your return in making a still more detailed inspection of the ground than we had already made. I found I had no lights. In order to get over the difficulty, I went to the car in which the dead man was seated and examined the lamps. They were in good working order, and I could see that their extinction had not been due to any mischance. Why they should have been put out and the machinery of the car left running puzzled me. I could only conclude that the Pirate, after shooting his victim, had approached the car to plunder him, but had been scared away by the sound of our approach. He must have turned out the lights and have just had time to draw the car across the road to make a trap for us, before making his own escape. This impression of mine was confirmed later. I took one of the lamps from its socket, lit it, and looked again at the dead body. I am almost certain he had not been disturbed since the fated bullet struck him. His coat was closely buttoned. His rug was wrapped tightly round him. There were papers in his coat pocket, and I could feel through the coat that his watch and chain were still upon him. When thinking that the Pirate could not be far off, I regretted I had not accompanied you; but remembering you were well armed, I reckoned that if you did meet the gentleman, you were quite capable of giving a good account of yourself--and of him."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I did not make a very close examination, continued Forrest,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the most startling thing was to come. Holding me tightly he leaned over towards me and said, 'Not this time, Inspector Forrest. You may think you have the Motor Pirate, but I can assure you that you were never more mistaken in your life.' Astonishment is not the name for my feelings at hearing him address me by my name. I had caught a glimpse of him before I dropped the lamp, but he was so swathed in his leather coat and disguised by his mask, that I should never be able to identify him. But I seemed to recognize something familiar in the intonation of his voice, yet even that was so muffled that I cannot be certain I have ever heard it before. However, I did not allow my astonishment to prevent me taking action. I threw myself suddenly backwards, hoping the weight of my body would upset his balance and drag him from his car to the ground, where we should have been on more equal terms. The jerk moved him about as much as if he had been built into his car. 'No, you don't, Inspector,' he said, with an infernal chuckle; and, so saying, he leaned over and, catching me by the coat, lifted me off my feet and swung me up on to the car before him. I'm not a light weight, as you can guess--I turn the scale at something nearer twelve stone than eleven--but he handled me as if I were a baby. I struggled of course, but my right arm was powerless, and he could master me with ease."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose it was during the struggle that you lost the two buttons from your overcoat which you left behind you?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I made no reply. What would have been the use? But I do wish my right arm had been of some use, for I think in my anger I might have stood some chance of turning the tables on him. I quietly tried to rub the feeling back into it, but he did not afford me a chance of doing so for long. He produced a length of rope from somewhere or other, and, before I gathered what he was doing, he had twisted it round me and bound my arms tightly to my sides. I was absolutely powerless, and I gnashed my teeth with rage at the helpless state in which I found myself. There was I, a detective inspector with a reputation at the Yard second to none, trussed like a fowl, and lying on the slippery surface of the Pirate car I had come out to capture."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not exactly a pleasant position,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With that he set his car in motion, and, judging by the way the wind stung me, the pace was something terrific. At first I attempted to pay some attention to the direction we took. But I soon gave up the idea. My position on the car was not one from which I could observe anything with any degree of comfort. With my arms bound, I sprawled out upon the smooth, curved bonnet of the confounded car, only held on by a cord which I expected to break and send me flying into the next world every time we touched a stone, or crossed a rut. My heart was in my mouth for the next hour or so, but afterwards I think I grew careless or callous. He had pulled the cord round my arms pretty tightly; that numbed me all over, and the exposure to the air did the rest. I fell into a dreamy condition. I only know that never for a moment were we still. There was always the drone of the wheels in my ears, and whenever I made a struggle and opened my eyes, all I could see was the blacker streak in the blackness caused by the hedges flying past. Heaven only knows how far and where we went. It seemed an eternity until it ended. But by then I was very near unconsciousness. I have a sort of impression the car did stop. I fancy that I saw the Pirate's mask bent closely over me while he examined me, that I heard him say, 'I don't think, Mr. Inspector, your attentions will trouble me much more.' I do remember distinctly being lifted in his powerful hands. I felt him swing me once, twice, thrice; then I felt myself flying in the air, and the next moment my senses came back to me with a rush, for I plumped into several feet of water."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The curious thing to my mind is that he did not knock me on the head at first, said Forrest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can only explain it by the conclusion that our friend the Motor Pirate is a madman. But, if so, I undoubtedly owe my life to the means he took to finish it. The sudden immersion brought me to myself much more rapidly than any other process could have done. In detaching me from the car he must have loosened the knot of the rope binding my arms; possibly the water made it slip further before it became saturated. I felt the rope give, and got one arm free by the time I came to the surface. I floundered into shallow water, and paused. By this time there was just a glimmer of light on the eastern horizon from the dawn, and I could see the bank was only a yard or two distant. Somehow or another I managed to scramble out, bringing half the bed of the river, or pond, whichever it was I had been pitched into, with me. When I was on firm ground I collapsed. I did not remain long on the ground, though. I knew very well that if I wanted to escape a severe illness, the only thing to do was to keep moving until my circulation was restored. So I got going. It was hard work at first. My limbs were so cramped and stiff that I was compelled to stop and groan after crawling every six paces. But the stiffness wore off gradually. I went ahead until I struck a village, and found out in what part of the country I was."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why didn't you go to the police-station?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's how it happened I was so late in my arrival, he remarked;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good night! I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The story of my adventures will very well keep until to-morrow."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "First, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I must get into St. Albans, and see whether there is any fresh information to hand. If possible, I should like to run over to Shefford, for I want to look at the place where I had my ducking, and recover the piece of cord with which that almighty scoundrel secured me. Then there's the inquest at Towcester at twelve, and sometime to-day I must put in an appearance at head-quarters to hand in my report. Perhaps I had better train from Towcester for that. It will be making too great demands on your time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nonsense! I replied;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can run you up to town very nearly as quickly as you could manage the journey by rail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope you won't have to return alone, he remarked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am hoping to be able to inflict myself upon you for a few more days; but it is on the cards I may be taken off the job since I have met with so little success."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope not,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should be sorry, too, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am more convinced than ever that our friend is living within a twenty-mile radius of this house."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What grounds have you for thinking so?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The very slightest at present, he declared frankly;"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That confirms my opinion, Forrest declared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Peterborough report gives the time of his appearance as about 2.50. The sun rises at five, and it is beginning to be light an hour earlier. It must have been about four when he dropped me into the water at Shefford. Hitherto he has not been seen by daylight at all. Clearly he must have delayed getting rid of me until he thought it was dangerous to carry me about any longer. He may even have been close to his own home, though he would probably select a spot twenty or thirty miles away at least."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seems likely,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Certain of it, said Forrest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now we will get along to Shefford."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is the spot,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thought I could not be mistaken,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just an ordinary piece of half-inch cord, he remarked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's not of much value as a clue, but as a piece of evidence--I have known a man's life hang upon a slighter thread before now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where next?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Towcester,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anything you can do to assist Inspector Forrest will be greatly appreciated, he declared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course, it is not our usual plan to make use of outside assistance, but we are not so bound up in red tape as to refuse such aid as that you offer."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fact is, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You still hold to the theory that he is mad?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cannot explain his treatment of me in any other way,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, what's the next move? I asked, when we had returned to our car."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose we may as well go for a prowl to-night, on the off-chance of finding him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We might try a new district, answered Forrest,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You may have noticed that he breaks fresh ground every time he reappears."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where shall it be then?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Supposing yourself to be in his place, and the desire to attract notoriety a stronger motive than mere plunder. What should you do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I fancy I should hold up the Brighton Mail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As likely a feat as any for him to attempt,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A most excellent suggestion,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really we are out on a fool's errand, he remarked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We are just as likely to meet him on one road as another. Yet I have a presentiment that we shall hear something further about him to-night. If we do meet him, remember one thing. One of us must get in the first shot, and it must not miss."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't wait for me to shoot, then,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We may as well make a night of it,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "More work of the Motor Pirate,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then, continued the man,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The telegraph is our only chance, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Drive like hell back to Crawley."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't you think it particularly strange, I remarked,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A perfectly natural thing for him to do, replied the detective."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He would guess that, if there were any valuables, they would almost certainly have been registered, and he could scarcely hope to go over the whole contents of the van."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Admitted, I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still, does it not strike you as curious that he should have selected the night when a valuable parcel of diamonds was there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It almost seems as if he was possessed of the same information as we were,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "According to your argument, he answered,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There remains Mannering and the diamond merchant, I said thoughtfully,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We had seen from the papers that he had, in fact, been referring to his own firm when he had described to us the advantages of the parcel post as a means of transmitting valuables."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He may have other friends beside Winter to whom he has mentioned the matter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's Mr. Mannering still to be accounted for, remarked Forrest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No harm can be done by inquiring if he was away from home that evening. What sort of establishment does he keep?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Merely a couple of maids,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In that case there should be no trouble in ascertaining whether he was out or not, he replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll see about it in the morning."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pull up at the side of the road, he cried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The car must not be damaged."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't stand on ceremony, advised my companion;"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No luck,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hush!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I fancy one of us must have got him, said Forrest, in an excited tone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let us get on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope you are right, I answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For he has certainly managed to wing me."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really, said Forrest, as he looked closely into my face. He must have seen that I was not joking, for he jumped out of the car and came back with one of the lamps in his hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Merely the arm, I fancy,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only through the muscle, he remarked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A fortnight will see the wound completely healed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure that is all?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've got much the same sort of feeling here,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your bleeding powers would do credit to a bullock, he commented, as he cut away my shirt:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just a nasty furrow, he remarked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pretty painful, I suppose. The bullet glanced off, turned by that leather coat of yours, I presume. Lucky for you; as it is, you will be all right in the fortnight."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now take my seat, he said, as he buttoned my coat round me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think I have had enough experience of motoring to ensure my taking you in safety to the nearest surgeon. It's infernally bad luck, though, he continued."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I would swear one of us must have hit our friend, and if we were only in a position to follow him up, we should be pretty certain to effect a capture."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You've bound me up pretty tightly?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are right enough until we find a doctor,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In that case, I said,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "According to his usual custom, he is obviously avoiding the towns, he argued;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our only chance is at St. Albans,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That you, Sutgrove? Never more pleased to meet with a friend in my life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seen anything of the Pirate?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Merely had the pleasure of exchanging shots with him ten minutes ago, was the astounding answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unfortunately he appears to have got the better of the exchange, for he has managed to put a bullet in my shoulder."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have had a similar experience, and Mr. Sutgrove is the victim, answered Forrest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So I am afraid I cannot offer much assistance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I can get to St. Albans all right, he replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's only the left, and I managed to get a handkerchief round it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you will let us pass, I said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will run on to St Albans and see that assistance is sent to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I didn't notice I was taking all the road,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I must try another line of country,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What line do you propose?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The only thing I can think of, he replied,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What! run away now, and let your friend Mannering have a clear field? I wouldn't if I were you, he remarked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Besides, I can manage this sort of work better by myself."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, she replied frankly, in answer to my remarks on the subject,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do feel gay this morning. I feel as if a load had been removed from my shoulders."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Surely you can have no troubles,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing which ought to be a trouble. Nothing tangible and yet---- Oh, Mr. Sutgrove, do you--have you ever experienced a presentiment of something dreadful happening? No; that is not exactly what I mean. I don't know how to explain myself without----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Men are so stupid, or I would tell you all about it. You would never understand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We men may be stupid both individually and collectively, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I can answer for one man being sympathetic to anything you like to say to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am so afraid you will think me silly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miss Maitland--Evie----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hush! She stopped me with an adorable smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know you haven't caught the Motor Pirate, yet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Poor boy! she said mockingly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is unkind of me to remind you of your vow, when you have already done your best to fulfil it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not quite my best, yet,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anyhow I think you have done quite enough to warrant my taking you into my confidence."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This scene is so delightfully restful. I love the cool green lights and the cool grey shadows of the woodlands in early summer,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But about this presentiment of yours----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is hardly a presentiment; in fact, I don't know what to call it, she replied. Then she turned and faced me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now listen. There's an acquaintance of mine, whom I know very well and used to like a great deal. Yes, I think I am right in saying used to like. Well, for some undefined reason, my liking has change to something very like fear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For what reason?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "None, she replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Absolutely there is no reason whatever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A case of Dr. Fell, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, avoid your Dr. Fell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is exactly what I am unable to do, she answered, and I could see she was speaking truly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This fear has grown up in some degree, I think, from a subtle sort of consciousness that the person in question has it in his power to exert a curious influence over me. I seem to be drawn against my will into an attitude towards him which is not only against my judgment, but also against my inclination."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Him? I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Him? Is it Mannering?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, what made you think of him? Does he affect you in the same way?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Far from it,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A month ago, I should have laughed at the idea myself, she replied,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She shuddered slightly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now you know why I feel so gay this morning. The fact is, when on awakening this morning I realized that I should be absolutely free from his presence for two whole days, I hardly knew how to contain myself for joy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Surely you must have some grounds for fearing him, something in his manner----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Yet I have thought--but it is nothing. When we have been alone together he has sat once or twice staring at me. I try to speak to him, but he sits and stares and stares, with his eyes so bright and all the time so sombre--so penetrating that I feel that he sees quite through me. Just like one does in those unpleasant dreams where one's clothes have somehow disappeared. To-day, and now, it seems very silly, yet I am certain I shall feel exactly the same the next time I meet him. Then when he sees how confused I am he gives a sort of a laugh, an unpleasant kind of a chuckle without any merriment in it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's a d----d cad!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I--I don't know, she answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't seem to mind at the time. It is just as if I were in a dream, for I am so fascinated in watching him that I have no thoughts left for myself. It is when he has gone that the thought seems unpleasant. Then I always think I will never see him again, but the next time he calls I feel bound to do so. There, now I have confided in you, don't tell me I am a weak hysterical girl or I really don't know what will happen to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know you are neither weak nor hysterical,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You will help me, won't you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The only way I see of helping you, I said deliberately,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you know, Jim, she said an hour later, when we came out of the wood into the meadow,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You could not answer for me, darling, I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I should not have done so if I----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Had not found the temptation to do so irresistible,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see, she remarked,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Besides, you are now no longer afraid?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No; I am no longer afraid of him. I am quite sure of that,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anyhow, I continued,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You must not do that, she remarked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A quarrel with him would make both of us look ridiculous. Everybody would conclude that you were jealous; and I--I should not like to imagine any one thinking that I gave you cause."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My own darling!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are a lucky fellow, Sutgrove, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had cherished a faint hope that your luck might be mine, and now the only consolation I have is that the best man always wins."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I trust your new tie will not put an end to the old friendships, Miss Maitland?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why should it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They often do,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not if the old friendships are the real thing,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No; not if they are the real thing, he repeated slowly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hope you will find mine to be the real thing."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have been far too busy to even look at the papers, he explained,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No such luck, I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This time he seems to have disappeared for good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see I shall have to take up your job, and devote my energies to the task of his capture, he said laughingly. And, turning to Evie, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I presume you will not allow Sutgrove to take any risks of that sort now, Miss Maitland?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am quite sure if any one can capture the Pirate, Jim can."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have no intention of giving up the pursuit just at present,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't think I should trouble myself about any Motor Pirate if I were in your position, he replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I fancy if I were engaged to be married to the best girl in the world, the first thing I should do would be to eliminate every risk from my life, instead of looking about for fresh ones. Besides, it seems scarcely fair on the girl, does it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Surely that depends on what the girl thinks, doesn't it? asked Evie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A good many girls haven't much admiration for the man who would act as you suggest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, well! returned Mannering."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see now where Sutgrove has succeeded. The prize always goes to the adventurous."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You must not be angry with him, she said, as soon as we were alone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He does not know you as I do; and besides I think he--he must be disappointed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's not the slightest doubt about that, I answered emphatically."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is badly hit, and he takes it pretty well considering. I know I shouldn't have taken my gruel so coolly. In fact, that is just what I don't like about him. One never knows what is going on behind that handsome mask of his."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Handsome, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you call him handsome?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. I should say he was one of the handsomest men of my acquaintance. How could you ever bestow a single glance or thought upon me when----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You dear, foolish old boy, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is only one face in the whole wide world which I think is really handsome, and I have thought so from the first time I caught sight of it."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jim, she said, looking up into my face with eyes which glowed in the faint light like stars,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shall not feel sure of you until I am with you always. I want to be near you to look after you. Every moment you are absent from my side, I am imagining all sorts of horrible things happening to you. And it is worse to bear, because, it seems to me, that I am the cause of it all."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hullo! said the Colonel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who's that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I trust you will excuse this unceremonious call of mine, Colonel Maitland, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I was desirous of seeing Mr. Sutgrove immediately, and I guessed I should find him here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll excuse you, if you will come to the smoking-room and drink Mr. Sutgrove's health in a whisky-and-seltzer,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think I can spare the time,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nonsense, man! You must drink the health of my future son-in-law!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Most certainly, remarked Forrest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can find time for that, even though---- He paused, and then said, with quiet incisiveness,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even though the Motor Pirate is upon the road again!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't fear for you a scrap, Jim. At least not much, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know you won't do anything foolish, for my sake."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nor for my own."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And do you know, she continued,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have a queer sort of impression that when the Pirate is captured, this horrible depression which has been hanging over me will disappear altogether."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then captured he must be without delay,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Though I don't see how Mannering will be affected thereby."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am not so sure about that,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You surely cannot think that Mannering is in any way connected with the Motor Pirate?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know, she remarked dreamily;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know. But I should not be surprised. I really could believe anything about him."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am delighted to be able to congratulate you,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am the luckiest man in the world,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are, returned the detective, emphatically."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All the same, I should not have been sorry if Miss Maitland had stuck to her intention of refusing to listen to you until after the capture of the Pirate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For purely selfish reasons, he replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I take it you will not be so keen on the chase. Men in your position don't take risks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Put your fist in that, I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What I have promised, I stick to; and, to tell the truth, I was never keener on anything in my life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's good news for me,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Curious, he muttered, when I had finished."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is very curious that the fellow should have produced such an impression on Miss Maitland. By the way, he was not at the Colonel's to-night."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder---- he began. He never finished the sentence, nor did he speak again until he reached my door. There he paused, and said lightly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I should like to discover whether the disappointed lover is at home to-night. Are you prepared for a little amateur burglary, Sutgrove?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ready for anything,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seems a little absurd to suspect Mannering, he remarked meditatively."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yet there are times when a woman's intuition is a better guide than a man's ratiocination."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You didn't get any clue in Amsterdam, then?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no. Nothing at all in Holland."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If Mannering were the Pirate, and had tried to dispose of his plunder there, you would in all probability have caught him; but he would scarcely have chosen to go abroad at the same time as yourself,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "By Jove! he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then it was indeed he whom I saw in Vienna."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In Vienna?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When did he leave England?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The very day you left,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come, this is getting interesting, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tonight we will most certainly let the Pirate do his worst on the roads. We will look for a clue to the mystery of his identity nearer home. He looked at his watch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's a little too early to pay our call, so if you don't mind, I will come in and we can discuss the matter at leisure."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now we can talk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought you only intended to go to Amsterdam,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was my intention, he replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But before giving you the results of my inquiries--it won't take long, by the way--I should like to ask you one or two questions, if I may?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fire away,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you mention to any one where I had gone?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not to a soul. At least certainly not at the time, though I have probably mentioned the matter to Miss Maitland since."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, you young lovers!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She would not speak of the matter, I know. I gave out to every one else that you had been recalled to London."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anyway, it would not have mattered if she had, as Mannering left on the same day as myself. Where did he say he was going?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He said he was bound for Paris on business connected with some patents he was applying for. He told us he would be absent for two or three days; and as a matter of fact, he was away for ten."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That would about fit in, remarked the detective, after a moment's thought."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But of that you shall judge for yourself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I carried out my original intention, and the night after I left you I caught the 8.30 at Liverpool Street. The next morning I was in Amsterdam. I stayed there three days, until I was quite convinced that no such parcel of diamonds as had been stolen had been offered for sale to any of the Dutch dealers. I could not have failed to hear of it if any such attempt had been made. While there I had the good fortune to make the acquaintance of a Russian agent, whose work I fancy must have been largely political. Ivan Stroviloff his name was, and he had acquaintances in most European capitals. I discussed the matter with him. He thought that an attempt to dispose of the stones was much more likely to be made in Vienna or St. Petersburg than anywhere else except Paris. I was aware of our agents in Paris having been fully informed, and I knew it was not worth my while to go there; but beyond notifying the Austrian police, I doubted whether any steps had been taken in regard to Vienna, so I determined to proceed to the Austrian capital. Stroviloff proved a very decent fellow, rather an exception to the general run, for I don't take to those Russian agents as a rule; and as I was able to give him a few hints and some introductions over here--he was going on to London--he gave me in return letters to some of his colleagues in Vienna and Petersburg, thinking they would probably be of more use to me than application through the usual official channels. Well, I went on to Vienna. I won't weary you with a history of my fruitless inquiries, it would take far too much time. Anyhow, I did find eventually that a parcel of diamonds had been disposed of there, and, as Stroviloff had predicted, I obtained the information through one of the Russian agents and not through the Viennese police. I will say that I do not see how the latter could have helped me, for the purchaser was the representative of a Petersburg house who happened to be in Vienna for the purpose of attending the sale of the Princess Novikoff's jewels--you probably saw all about it in the papers."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As soon as I obtained these particulars, I started once more for the Dutch city without wasting much time. Needless to say, I was too late to catch my man. The office in the De Jordaan I found to be a room which had been taken for a week or two, and then vacated, by a person whom I easily identified as the fair-haired German. The draft had been exchanged for a draft on the banker's London agents by the same man. I came on to London immediately, but Hoffman, or whatever his name may be, was a week ahead of me. I traced him to the London bank where he had cashed his draft. He did it in the coolest manner imaginable. He left it one day saying that he required gold, and that if they would get the amount ready--it was over £4000--he would call for it the next day. He actually allowed two days to elapse before doing so. Then he came in a cab with a handbag and took away the gold. That at present is as far as I have got. I only learned the last of these particulars this afternoon, and of course I went at once to the Yard to make my report and to arrange for the circulation of the description of the fair-haired German throughout the country. Then I came on to you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now you know as much about the case as I do, he remarked,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't see how you can connect him in any way with Hoffman,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I omitted to tell you one thing, he observed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could not see the hair of the man in Vienna whose face seemed familiar to me. But one thing I did remark. The man with Mannering's face wore a fair moustache."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Mannering's is dark, I argued."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was dark when he went away and dark when he returned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In these days of scientific progress nothing is easier than for the intelligent leopard to change his spots. Ask the brunette when fashion decrees that fair hair is to be worn, and ask again of the blonde how she manages when the exigencies demand raven tresses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's only one thing more, I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When did you hear that the Motor Pirate was at work again?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At St. Albans. I called at the police office on my way here. He was seen about ten o'clock this side of Peterborough and going north."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It will be rather a sell if Mannering is at home,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He will not be at home,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We will try one of those French windows,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mannering is not at home, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If he had gone to bed, these would not be here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope he will not return while we are about,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would be a little awkward for him, said Forrest, calmly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should be compelled to arrest him in self-defence, and I am not prepared to do so at present."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We are on the right track,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We must try his bedroom,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What about the servants?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If they are not asleep, they will merely imagine that it is their master going to bed,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As we haven't a burglar's outfit, we shall have to wait until we have a search warrant,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's a clever devil,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Peroxide of Hydrogen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fair hair is accounted for, commented Forrest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And as for the dye which would restore his locks to their natural colour, I presume he has it under lock and key."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's not enough at present against him to warrant his arrest,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then why not have a look round his workshops,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Haven't I ever mentioned them to you? Haven't you ever heard that Mannering spends all his spare time in experimental motor construction?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I have heard it mentioned, but until this moment I have always thought it was chaff,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good heavens!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should have been inside that shop a couple of months ago, he continued,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just at the back of the house and abutting on the side of the road, I explained."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The old coach-house and stables. Then as the thought occurred to me, I continued,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why I heard him tell you of his work himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's precisely the reason why I paid no attention to it, said my companion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can you take me to the place?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have only a short time at our disposal, whispered Forrest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The darkness is lifting, and our friend will soon be returning."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I cannot arrest a man on the evidence of a few grains of tobacco dust, and an empty phial, declared Forrest, savagely, as he shook the tightly locked door."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Listen!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Forrest, I cried, turning to my companion,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He may keep his fast car elsewhere,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would be difficult to bring the guilt home to him if we failed to discover the car,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hullo, Sutgrove! he shouted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're about betimes. Been on the same job as myself?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's that, Mr. Mannering?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Looking for an opportunity to pay back this little debt,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Any luck?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not a scrap, was the ready reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see I'm a bit handicapped with this old car, for unless the fellow happens to take the same road as myself, there's precious little chance of my picking him up. Still, if you do not soon succeed in catching him, I think I shall have a good try myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose by that you know who he is,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not the slightest idea on the subject, he responded promptly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am merely hoping that in a few days I shall be in possession of a new motor from which even the Pirate will be unable to escape."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fact, he continued."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My experiments have proved successful at last. In a week I shall have delivered to me the new motor I have designed, and then the Pirate had better look out. Good night."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It beats me,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Surely you do not still harbour any suspicion concerning him?"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wish he had not seen us, my companion then remarked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He will be bound to tumble to the conclusion that we suspect him, and will be on his guard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then you do still suspect him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I had one scrap of direct evidence, replied the detective, emphatically,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I would have him under arrest within half an hour. Only one little scrap, he almost groaned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, as it is, my reputation would not survive if I made a mistake."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, you don't imagine that he would go so far as to shoot himself just to avert suspicion,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good Lord! What a fool I am! What--a--blind--dunderheaded--jackass!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's the matter now? I inquired smiling, for the detective was groping in his pockets."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you lost anything?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here have I been wasting weeks on the continent, while with this I might have settled the matter once and for all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I needed but to compare this with the bullet the surgeon extracted from Mannering's shoulder. This is the one which killed the poor fellow near Towcester. If Mannering's bullet is identical with this, I should have nothing more to say; but, he continued meaningly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Steady, old man, I remarked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can hardly knock up a hardworked medical man at 3.30 a.m. just to ask him a question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Upon my word, I had entirely forgotten what the time was. No, you are quite right. There is no need for such excessive hurry. Mannering is safe enough for the present."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At least, for the next eighteen hours, I observed, after glancing at my watch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meanwhile, your room has been kept ready for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A little sleep will not come amiss, he answered, yawning;"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's been the beauty of destruction in the sunrise, he remarked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We shall have a storm before nightfall."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The surgeon out?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, he answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But he was not much use though. Mannering kept the bullet. He wanted to retain it, so he said, as a memento of his adventure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perfectly natural,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perfectly, returned Forrest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The unfortunate result is, that his doing so prevents me from dismissing the possibility of his being the Pirate from my mind. And I ought to be doing something. Last night the rascal seems to have been everywhere. Apparently he was actuated with a desire to destroy everything which stood in his path. One would judge him to have become absolutely reckless. Instead of avoiding the towns, he courted observation by passing through them. This morning at the police office, I heard particulars of at least half a dozen cases of unoffending people being ruthlessly ridden down, and Heaven only knows how many more there may be of which the details are not yet to hand. The sheer devilry of his progress is simply amazing. What it comes to is this, Sutgrove. If I can't get hold of him within the next week I may as well resign the force at once. If I don't resign I shall be dismissed, and quite deservedly."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's the next move?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am going to town to see if I can identify the purchaser of this bottle, he replied, holding up the phial he had taken from the bag in Mannering's house the night before;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then I can be of no assistance to you, to-day?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "None whatever beyond remaining here and keeping an eye upon our friend. I shall ask for another man to-day to assist in shadowing him, but until his arrival I should be glad for some one to keep me acquainted with his movements. If, as I presume you will, you go over to Colonel Maitland's, you cannot help seeing whether he leaves his house."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By Jove! I muttered,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hullo, Colonel! I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where's Evie?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Isn't she in the drawing-room? She was there twenty minutes ago,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She is not there now, I have just come through,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then I fancy she will be in all probability in her bedroom with her head under the sheets,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At all events I will send one of the maids to see,"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank goodness this will clear the air, he explained, as a reason for his satisfaction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was so hot that I could take no lunch but a mayonnaise, iced strawberries, and a glass of hock. Don't you think the air is cooler already? I begin to feel quite an appetite for dinner. My only fear is that, if the thunder has not turned everything sour, it will have frightened my cook out of her senses, and there will be nothing to appease my appetite."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, Evie, dear heart! What is the matter?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I knew you would come--I knew you would come!"
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait till you are married, my boy, he remarked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There will come times when you will be grateful for these feminine headaches."
}
]
|
26657 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Jim, no! You mustn't do that,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, darling, what ails you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing--nothing. Oh! don't ask me,"
}
]
|
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