George Sylvester Viereck

“ In your heart you don't want me to desert a friend, and, besides, leave the best part of my artistic life in Reginald's clutch.”
“Why should you expose yourself to God knows what danger for a friend who is ready to betray you?”
“You forget friendship is a gift. If it exacts payment in any form, it is no longer either friendship or a gift. And you yourself have assured me that I have nothing to fear from Reginald. ”

“ Reginald probably had encircled Jack's soul with his demoniacal influence and singled him out for another victim. That must never be. It was his turn to save now. He would warn his friend of the danger that threatened him, even if his words should be spoken into the wind. For Reginald, with an ingenuity almost satanic, had already suggested that the delusion of former days had developed into a monomania, and any attempt on his part to warn Jack would only seem to confirm this theory. ”

“ She had quite forgotten Jack. Women are invariably selfish for those they love. “You must warn him,” she replied.
“He would laugh at me. However, I must speak to Reginald.”
“It is of no avail to speak to him. At least, you must not do so before you have obtained the manuscript. It would unnecessarily jeopardise our plans.”
“And after?”
“After, perhaps. But you must not expose yourself to any danger.”
“No, dear,” he said, and kissed her; “what danger is there, provided I keep my wits about me? He steals upon men only in their sleep and in the dark.” ”