human
You're a trump, Jord, Burns said weakly to him one morning. King had just finished a heart-warming report of certain messages brought from some of Burns's old chronic patients in the hospital wards, where it was evident the young man had gone on purpose to collect them.
gpt
Every time I look at you I think what an idiot I was ever to imagine you needed me to put backbone into you, last spring.
human
But I did--and you did it. And if you think I showed more backbone to go through a thing that hardly took it out of me at all than you to stand this devilish slow torture and weakness--well, it just shows you've lost your usual excellent judgment. See?
gpt
I see that you're one of the best friends a man ever had. There's only one other who could do as much to keep my head above water--and he isn't here.
human
Why isn't he? Who is he? demanded King eagerly.
gpt
Tell me and I'll get him.
human
No, no. He could do no more than is being done. I merely get to thinking of him and wishing I could see him. It's my old friend and chum of college days, John Leaver, of Baltimore.
gpt
The big surgeon I've heard you and Mrs. Burns speak of? Great heavens, he'd come in a minute if he knew!
human
I've no doubt he would, but I happen to know he's abroad just now.