human
In the name of God give me some water. I burn within. Oh! that one should live and yet endure such agony!
gpt
You shall have water--later, a warder answered.
human
Only, approach not on peril of your life. Presently, a jar of water for you shall be carried to a spot near here. Then the speaker asked huskily, and in a voice which trembled with fear,
gpt
Is it the pest? Down there--in the city?
human
It is the pest, the man replied, his awful white eyes gleaming sickeningly.
gpt
They die in hundreds daily. Whole families--whole streets of families--are dead. All mine are gone--my wife and seven children. I, too, am stricken after nursing, burying them. I cannot live. In pity's sake, put that jar of water where I can reach it ere--ere they come forth!
human
They come forth? the guards of the cordon exclaimed all together.
gpt
Ere who come forth?
human
Many who are still left alive. All are fleeing who can leave the city. It is a vast tomb. Hundreds lie dead in the streets--poisoning, infecting the air. Also, the dogs--they, too, are stricken, through tearing them. The rooks, likewise, who have swooped down upon the bodies. God help me! The water! The water The water! Ere they come.