human
That? I'd forgotten all about it. You've taken your time in obeying me.
gpt
This marnin', an' not sooner, I heard what you telled her when you catched Phoebe alone.
human
Ah! now I understand the delay. Say what you've got to say, please, and then get out of my sight.
gpt
I want no terms; I wouldn't make terms with you for a sure plaace in heaven. Tell me what you be gwaine to do against me. I've a right to knaw.
human
I can't tell you.
gpt
You mean as you won't tell me?
human
I mean I can't--not yet. After speaking to your wife I forgot all about it. It doesn't interest me.
gpt
Be you gwaine to give me up?
human
Probably I shall--as a matter of duty. I'm a bit of a soldier myself. It's such a dirty coward's trick to desert. Yes, I think I shall make an example of you.
gpt
You want to wake the devil in me--I see that. But you won't. I'm aulder an' wiser now. So you 'm to give me up? I knawed it wi'out axin'.
human
And that doesn't wake you?
gpt
No. Seein' why I deserted an' mindin' your share in drivin' me.
human
I tell you I shall suit myself, not you. When you will like it least, be sure of that. I needn't pretend what I don't feel. I hate the sight of you still, and the closer you come the more I hate you. It rolls years off me to see your damned brown face so near and hear your voice in my ear,--years and years; and I'm glad it does. You've ruined my life, and I'll ruin yours yet.
gpt
At least that's what I said to myself when first I heard this little bit of news--that I'd ruin you; now I'm not sure.
human
At least I'll thank you to make up your mind. 'T is turn an' turn about. You be uppermost just this minute. As to ruining me, that's as may be.
gpt
Well, I shall decide presently. I suppose you won't run away. And it 's no great matter if you do, for a fool can't hide himself under his folly.
human
I sha'n't run. I want to get through with this and have it behind me.
gpt
You're in a hurry now.
human
It 's just an' right. I knaw that. An' ban't no gert odds who 's informer. But I want to have it behind me--an' you in front. Do 'e see? This out o' hand, then it 's my turn again. Keepin' me waitin' 'pon such a point be tu small an' womanish for a fight between men. 'T is your turn to hit, Jan Grimbal, an' theer 's no guard 'gainst the stroke, so if you're a man, hit an' have done with it.
gpt
Ah! you don't like the thought of waiting!
human
No, I do not. I haven't got your snake's patience. Let me have what I've got to have, an' suffer it, an' make an' end of it.
gpt
You're in a hurry for a dish that won't be pleasant eating, I assure you.
human
It's just an' right I tell 'e; an' I knaw it is, though all these years cover it. Your paart 's differ'nt. I lay you 'm in a worse hell than me, even now.
gpt
A moralist! How d' you like the thought of a damned good flogging--fifty lashes laid on hot and strong?
human
Doan't you wish you had the job? Thrashing of a man wi' his legs an' hands tied would just suit your sort of courage.
gpt
As to that, they won't flog you really; and I fancy I could thrash you still without any help. Your memory 's short. Never mind. Get you gone now; and never speak to me again as long as you live, or I shall probably hit you across the mouth with my riding-whip. As to giving you up, you're in my hands and must wait my time for that.
human
Must I, by God? Hark to a fule talkin'! Why should I wait your pleasure, an' me wi' a tongue in my head? You've jawed long enough. Now you can listen. I'll give _myself_ up, so theer! I'll tell the truth, an' what drove me to desert, an' what you be anyway--as goes ridin' out wi' the yeomanry so braave in black an' silver with your sword drawed! That'll spoil your market for pluck an' valour, anyways. An' when I've done all court-martial gives me, I'll come back!