“Oh!” and there was unmistakable relief in Ned’s voice.
“How’s the professor?” asked Jerry.
“Just about the same.”
“Then there’s a chance,” murmured Dr. Wright. “Now to get busy!”
Ned and Andy were quickly told of the race to save a life—the race the final spurt of which was now to be made. The boys who had been at the cabin reported that nothing of moment had transpired since Bob and Jerry departed.
Preparations for the operation were on apace. I will not weary you with them, for such matters are never very pleasant. Instruments were boiled, to kill all germs. Bandages were laid in readiness. The nurses donned their uniforms, and the cabin was put in the best condition possible.
“You may come in and see him,” said Dr. Wright to Jerry and his chums, about nine o’clock that night. “We are about to start. He is conscious, and wants to see you.”
“Will it be all right?” asked Jerry.
“Oh, yes. He is more nearly rational than at any time since you brought him here.”
So they went in. The hapless professor was swathed in a sheet on the table. He looked very pale and thin in the light of candles and lamps, but his eyes now had the look of consciousness.