human
Frank! rang out the familiar voice,
gpt
My God, Hume! you are ill.
human
No, he said in a hoarse voice,
gpt
I am not ill. I've been waiting --he paused and looked round--
human
Why did you come?
gpt
Frank, old friend, how can you ask me that?
human
For the gold, eh? Well, it is there, in three calabashes--the dust, the coarser, and the nuggets. You can take two: one for you, one for-- for her.
gpt
Damn the gold!
human
And so you have come?
gpt
Yes, said Webster hopelessly;
human
I have come. You don't seem glad to see me.
gpt
Yes, I am glad--why shouldn't I be? he added with a sudden flare.
human
I suppose you are hungry. I think there is something in my hut. Let us see.
gpt
Wait a minute, Frank. I have been looking forward to this meeting so long, and now you almost repulse me. What is it? have you anything on your mind?
human
No,
gpt
Is it, said Webster sternly,
human
You must have your share. It is yours; you cannot refuse it.
gpt
So it is that? said Webster quietly.
human
Ah, my poor friend, I can understand how in your loneliness you must have felt yourself neglected, and that your thoughts may have dwelt for compensation on the wealth you have earned; but, man, believe me, I care not if I never see it, still less possess it.
gpt
Neither do I,
human
Then what the devil is it?
gpt
Ah, continued Webster, while a sudden smile broke the cloud on his face,
human
Then, said Hume, meeting his friend's convincing glance,
gpt
No, my lad, said Webster gently;
human
Loves me! cried Hume with a wild laugh--
gpt
You require a wash, said Webster gravely,
human
Thank God!
gpt
Ay, thank God! said Hume solemnly;