Collins had sunk into that state of complete despondency wherein even the primal instinct of self-preservation is weakened to the point of extinction.

Britz had applied the much-abused and publicly misunderstood third degree in a manner shrewdly calculated to shatter the resisting qualities of the victim's will.

By alternately tyrannizing over and cajoling the prisoner--for Collins virtually was a prisoner--he had finally produced in him a condition of mind that invariably leads to confession.
"Well, Collins!" Britz smiled encouragingly.

"Only one man can save you--that's yourself.

You know as well as I how quickly the others would sacrifice you to save themselves.