"It is to make you sleep," said the Italian, with a grim smile.
He took up a glass and poured out the colorless fluid, which in reality was a death draught. Harkaway sat up and extended his hand for it, and having received it, raised the glass to his lips.
At this critical moment the door opened and the doctor who was attending him made his appearance.
"What's this?" he said. "No light? and what have you got in your hand? I am the doctor, don't you know me?"
"Medicine!" answered Jack, replying to the first question.
"Eh? I don't understand," said the doctor, with a puzzled air.
"Some stuff you sent me, I suppose."
Bambino bent over the bed.
"Drink," he whispered.
Jack was about to do so, but the doctor snatched the glass out of his hands.