"Monck, if I don't speak out to someone, I shall bust! Surely you don't mind my speaking out to you!" "Not if there's anything to be gained by it," said Monck.
He ignored the friendly, persuasive hand on his arm, but yet in some fashion Tommy knew that it was not unwelcome.

He kept it there as he made reply.
"There isn't.

Only, you know, old chap, it does a fellow good to unburden himself.

And I'm bothered to death about this business." "A bit late in the day, isn't it ?" suggested Monck.
"Oh yes, I know; too late to do anything.

But," Tommy spoke with force, "the nearer it gets, the worse I feel.