human
We can fill the well by plugging the arch in the outer chamber, he suggested.
gpt
Then the water will pour down the shaft and wash the body away.
human
Yes, sir, assented Masin.
gpt
That is a good idea. Shall I go down and kill him now, sir?
human
Not yet, Malipieri answered, knocking the ash from his cigar.
gpt
We have not finished smoking, and there is no hurry. Besides, it occurs to me that if we drive anything into the hole when the water runs out, we shall not be able to get the plug away afterwards. Then we ourselves could never get here again.
human
Perhaps the fellow is asleep, he observed pleasantly at last.
gpt
So much the better, he will wake in Paradise!
human
It is of no use to run any risks, said Malipieri.
gpt
If we go down to kill him he may kill one of us first, especially if he has a revolver. There is no hurry, I tell you. Do you happen to know how long it takes to starve a man to death?
human
Without water, a man cannot live a week, sir. That is the best idea you have had yet.
gpt
Yes. We will wall him up in the vault. That is easy enough. Those boards that are over the shaft will do to make a little frame, and the stones are all here, just as we got them out. We can fasten up the frame with ends of rope.
human
We have no mortar, sir.
gpt
Mud will do as well for such a small job, answered Malipieri.
human
We can easily make enough. Give me your iron, in case he tries to get out, and go and get the boards and the rope.
gpt
In a week we can come and take him out, he remarked in a matter-of-fact way.
human
By that time he will be dead, and we can have his grave ready.
gpt
Yes, said Malipieri.
human
We may as well do it at once and go to bed. It is of no use to sit up all night talking about the fellow's body. Go and get the rope and the boards.