“What is it?” inquired Mr. Lister.
“You know what you told me about those pains in your inside?” said the cook, without looking at him.
Jem groaned and felt his side.
“And what you said about its being a relief to die,” continued the other, “only you was afraid to commit suicide?”
“Well?” said Mr. Lister.
“It used to worry me,” continued the cook, earnestly. “I used to say to myself, 'Poor old Jem,' I ses, 'why should 'e suffer like this when he wants to die? It seemed 'ard.'”
“It is 'ard,” said Mr. Lister, “but what about it?”
The other made no reply, but looking at him for the first time, surveyed him with a troubled expression.
“What about it?” repeated Mr. Lister, with some emphasis.
“You did say you wanted to die, didn't you?” said the cook. “Now suppose suppose——”