human
Yes, he said at last,
gpt
Jarette aimed too straight, Dale, old fellow, it has all been a mistake. I was a weak, conceited fool, and thought every one was against me, when it was all my fault. I know it now. Any fellow can make himself liked if he only tries--no, without trying, if he'll only go straight and act like a man. But somehow I couldn't. I got jealous of you, and wild because people made so much of you. And I said you hated me, and did all you could to make things worse, but it wasn't true, Dale, old fellow. It was all my fault.
human
Yes, yes; but that's all over, old chap, I said huskily.
gpt
You'll get well, and do your bit of punishment, and make a fresh start.
human
Yes, I shall make a fresh start--somewhere else.
gpt
Walters!
human
Yes, somewhere else, he repeated.
gpt
It was all wrong; and just when I was at my worst, that wretch, who had been watching me and reading it all, came to me, and, as if he were some evil spirit, kept on day after day, laughing and jeering at me, till he regularly worked round me like the snake he is, and flattered, and planned, and talked of the future, till in my weak, vain folly I drank it all in. For I was weak, and he was strong; and at last, though I didn't know it then, I was his slave, Dale, and ready to do every bit of villainy he wished. But there, I need not tell you any more. I only want you, knowing all you do, to go to my poor old father and mother and tell them everything--how it all happened. It will be better than for them only to know it from the papers. They will understand then how it was I went wrong so quickly, right to the bitter end.
human
No, I cried;
gpt
Oh no. I'm glad Jarette aimed so straight, Dale. It was the kindest thing he could do. It's all over now. Can't you see it's best?
human
No, I said more firmly.
gpt
It would be best for you to get well, and prove in the future as a man, that you have repented your weakness as a boy.
human
Yes, perhaps, he said, after a long pause;
gpt
Don't leave me, Dale, he whispered.
human
You'll promise all this, won't you?
gpt
If it is necessary, I said;