"Where are his parents?"
"I do not know, nor whether he has any."
"But you must have had some previous knowledge of him," said the doctor, looking with curiosity at Grantham.
"Oh, yes. I met him by chance some months since, when he was in want of food, and we struck up an acquaintance. Is he in danger?"
"He may not live through the night." He put up his hand; Billy was coughing, and a little pink foam gathered about his lips, which the doctor wiped away. "Exposure and want have reduced him to this state. He has been suffering a long time, and his strength is completely wasted. Had he been attended to months ago, there would have been a chance for him. Listen!" Billy was coughing again, a faint, wasting cough, painful to hear. "I can do very little. I will send you a bottle of medicine, which may give him temporary relief; and I will come again about midnight, if you wish."
"I shall feel obliged to you. We shall be here all night. Should he have brandy after he has taken the gruel?"
"A few drops now and then will do him no harm. He needs all the strength you can put into him. Endeavor to get from him some information about his relatives, and go for them."
"Would it be best to take him to a hospital?"
"He should not be removed; he will not trouble you long."
"It is more a grief than a trouble."