human
Mr. Alison, said Walter in a voice thrilled by the deepest emotion,
gpt
Be on your guard with your confidences, Lieutenant Fernow! he said roughly.
human
You came within a hair's-breadth of being deceived.
gpt
You have rescued me, rescued me at the peril of your own life. The French fusileers might have discovered you, and seized you. From the manner in which we met two hours ago, I had not expected this. I relied upon your honor, not upon your help! You must not now repel my thanks; in spite of all that lies between us, they come from my full heart, and you will also--
human
Be silent! interrupted Alison with savage fury,
gpt
I wish no thanks; you owe thanks to me least of all!
human
repeated Alison, with annihilating scorn.
gpt
Well, I cannot dissemble, and before you extol me as your magnanimous preserver, you shall know the truth. I stood there not to protect you, but to kill you! Do not recoil from me in this way, Lieutenant Fernow! I was in bloody earnest; my revolver was loaded for you; one step more, and I should have shot yon down. You must thank that attack; that saved you, that alone. When I saw six men falling upon one,--then I took your part.