Did I talk much when I was unconscious?
NATHANIEL
You talked almost continuously.
JONATHAN
Did I?... You said you'd tell me what I said--when I was strong enough....
I'm pretty strong now.
NATHANIEL
Do you know what I did?
JONATHAN
I don't know.
NATHANIEL (_showing ma.n.u.script_)
Can you guess?
JONATHAN (_Looks at ma.n.u.script_)
"Jonathan Builds a Fear." What does that mean?
NATHANIEL
When you were delirious I listened to what you said and then I made a story out of it.
JONATHAN
You mean this is all about me?
NATHANIEL
It's about a little hunchback who thought he was you.
JONATHAN
I know. I was always trying to make somebody know me, and finally I thought I jumped from the top of a hill and I seemed to be falling for years and years....
NATHANIEL
Those were terrible days, my boy, and do you know, we were afraid you wouldn't live.
JONATHAN
It was a terrible feeling.
NATHANIEL
I know, but all that's over now; and there's the whole story about the little hunchback you never were.
JONATHAN
[_Hank's whistle is heard. Jonathan rises very quickly and looks at Nathaniel._
NATHANIEL
He comes every now and then to ask about you and to get something to eat.
[_Hank whistles again._
HANK'S VOICE (_at back_)
Hi!
NATHANIEL
Come in, Hank.--
HANK
Is the old man here?
NATHANIEL
No.
HANK (_Enters through the gateway whistling_)
h.e.l.lo, boy.
JONATHAN
I'm well now. How are you?
HANK
I'm beginning to get cold, so I think I'll go south tomorrow and I thought I'd drop in to say good-bye.
NATHANIEL
I'll give you an overcoat, Hank.
HANK