29
T
he
silky voice coaxed.
“Now, my boy, I want to help you. I’m sorry they treated you roughly, and I’ve taken it upon myself to make note of the proceeding that was going on when I came in here. You know that third-degree methods are never countenanced in this department.”
Tregan did not look at the face. It had been going on for eighteen hours. The coaxing, then the threat of force, then the force. The rubber hose had been applied expertly. That was the worst part of it. He could beat them at the mental game—but the physical pain racked him. He couldn’t stand that. But he wouldn’t let them know it.
“I’ve been through it all before,” he said, dully. “I know nothing about it and so I can’t say anything. You can beat me up till Christ comes and I couldn’t tell you any more if I want
