nothing that one man can say to another at such a time

I returned to my cell and lay on my bed. I do not know how long I stayed there, but I did not emerge for dinner. Some of the men looked in, but I said nothing. Finally, Walter came in to me and knelt beside my bed, and I handed him the telegram. He said nothing, but only held my hand. I do not know how long he remained with me. There is nothing that one man can say to another at such a time.

Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela. Back Bay Books. 1995. p.447