While he knows that the other is just to trying mock him, Crane is fairly used to ignoring taunts. But the actual words, whether his scene partner means them or not, have a greater affect on him than he expected.

But was friendship really worth the price of trying to rewrite the laws of nature?

After what feels like a long time, he finally says, "...let me see Victor's notes." It's not a real answer, but it will give him more time to think.