human
That guy, he proceeded,
gpt
he threw a glance at Laurence,
human
We haven't given it a chance yet,
gpt
Seventeen days, grunted Van Diest.
human
And no progress--nothing. This was not an ordinary man.
gpt
Am I to see him today?
human
Seems to please you.
gpt
No, it doesn't. I'll go up if you want me to--only----
human
Get on with it.
gpt
I can't help thinking it's a mistake. Can't help thinking that somehow that minute I spend with him every day strengthens rather than breaks him down.
human
Guess you're right--it would me,
gpt
I take leave to doubt that, said Laurence.
human
I'm positively sure that if a man is feeling the pinch all day long and everybody he comes in contact with is definitely against him, a momentary glimpse of someone who is seemingly sympathetic is far more likely to weaken his resolve than strengthen it. It makes him relax and even though you relax only a trifle it's the very deuce to get a grip on yourself again. You can see it when chaps are training--that extra cigarette--the whiskey and soda that isn't allowed plays the devil with their constitution. I know when I was at----
gpt
What is it?
human
Nothing, she replied.
gpt
Nothing. Then to everyone's amazement burst out:
human
What a mean rotter you are, though.
gpt
Here----
human
I honestly believe you enjoy all this beastliness.
gpt
Enjoy? My dear girl, do be sensible. Damn it, no one enjoys having to put on the screw. It's a case of necessity.
human
Yes, yes, I suppose it is, she acquiesced hurriedly in an effort to regain her composure.
gpt
Only it seemed to me--but never mind.
human
Come on, dear. What's the trouble?
gpt
I wouldn't mind, she returned,
human
Hm! said Van Diest.
gpt
I think it was a goot idea that you don't go to see this young man any more.
human
That's nonsense, she replied hotly.
gpt
I'll see him. Besides he's used to my coming and if I didn't turn up he----
human
Disappointed,
gpt
Exactly, said Laurence.
human
Perhaps it 'ud be a good idea to vary the programme for a day or two. Use the siren a bit more freely at night and cut down his water supply. If he isn't ready to talk in another forty-eight hours I'll be surprised.
gpt
Had a word with him yet?
human
Not this morning.
gpt
Then you and Van try a few sweet speeches.
human
It was a bad business all this, he said.
gpt
You come with us--no?
human
I'll be right along in just a minute.