PIKE
Oh, I don't mind their not asking me.
[With an assumption of cheerfulness.]
Fact is, these friends of hers are trying to get me to do something I can't do—
VASILI
You need not tell me that, my friend. I have both eyes and ears; I understand.
PIKE
[troubled, coming near him]
I wish you understood the rest, because it ain't easy for me to tell you. Doc, I'm afraid I've got you into a pretty bad hole.
VASILI