Strona 377 z 490

If it is discovered, I am lost; and it is sure to be discovered

unless you help me."

"I have no desire to help you. You forget that. I am simply

indifferent to the whole thing. It has nothing to do with me."

"Alan, I entreat you. Think of the position I am in. Just before

you came I almost fainted with terror. You may know terror

yourself some day. No! don't think of that. Look at the matter

purely from the scientific point of view. You don't inquire where

the dead things on which you experiment come from. Don't inquire

now. I have told you too much as it is. But I beg of you to do

this. We were friends once, Alan."

"Don't speak about those days, Dorian-they are dead."

"The dead linger sometimes. The man upstairs will not go away. He

is sitting at the table with bowed head and outstretched arms.

Alan! Alan! If you don't come to my assistance, I am ruined. Why,

they will hang me, Alan! Don't you understand? They will hang me

for what I have done."