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How as a child I was stolen by the gypsies, and why at the age of thirty-two, I
find myself in my lonely Essex cottage, how …

Gypsies: nomads
Gerrard says that finally, he has a person who is concerned about him and
wants to know about his past. He adds that he would tell him about his life,
how as a child he was stolen by a group of nomads and why at the age of
thirty two years was he living all alone at this small cottage in Essex. By
saying this, he developed an air of suspense around him.

INTRUDER : Keep it to yourself, and just answer my questions. You live here
alone? Well, do you?

The intruder was not intrigued by Gerrard‟s words. He wanted answers to his
set of questions and did not want to hear to what Gerrard had to say. He
asked if Gerrard lived there alone.

GERRARD : I‟m sorry. I thought you were telling me, not asking me. A
question of inflection; your voice is unfamiliar.

Inflection: a change in the modulation of voice

Gerrard says that the way in which the intruder spoke, made him feel that he
was telling him that he lived alone rather than asking him if he did live alone.
He added that the intruder‟s voice was not familiar to imply that he wanted to
know about him.

INTRUDER : (with emphasis) Do you live here alone?

The intruder repeated his question with emphasis and asked Gerrard if he
lived there alone.
GERRARD : And if I don‟t answer?

Gerrard asked what would the intruder do if he did not answer his question.

INTRUDER : You‟ve got enough sense not to want to get hurt.

The intruder warned Gerrard that if he did not want any harm, then he should
obey his orders.
GERRARD : I think good sense is shown more in the ability to avoid pain than
in the mere desire to do so. What do you think, Mr— er —

Gerrard spoke intelligently and replied that his good sense reflected in his
ability to avoid pain than the mere desire to avoid it. He asked the intruder
about his opinion and addressed him as “Mr - er -” to indicate that he wanted
to know his name.

INTRUDER : Never mind my name. I like yours better, Mr Gerrard. What are
your Christian names?