More Portmanteau Plays Part 75

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