Frank sat by the bedside till the doctor came and gave the sick man something that put him to sleep.
When the physician heard Frank’s story, he shook his head, saying:
“I am afraid he is done for. There is every indication that his reason is shattered. If he has another violent spell, you will be forced to have him taken to a place where he can be properly cared for.”
“As long as there is a ray of hope, doctor, he shall remain here, and I will care for him myself.”
That night Frank slept in a room near at hand, with the door standing open, so that he could hear the nurse if she called. At intervals he awoke and listened. Midnight passed, morning approached. Frank was sleeping in the gray light of dawn when the nurse awoke him and said:
“He is awake now and a great change has come over him. He is asking for you.”
CHAPTER VII.
PHANTOM FINGERS.
Frank rose immediately, a feeling of sickening dread stabbing him to the heart.
When he entered the professor’s chamber, the sick man lay with his face turned toward the door. Near the bed a lamp burned faintly, although the pale light of morning sifted in at the windows.