I had already aroused some of the servants, telling them that the nurse had been taken ill, and I was able to bring what he had asked for in a few minutes. But when I returned with it and tried the handle of the door, I found it locked. Rust opened it after I had knocked twice, and took the can from me.
"Go away, there's a good fellow," he begged. "I will come to you as soon as I can—as soon as there is anything to tell."
I obeyed him without demur. I went into my study, ordered some tea, and tried to read. It must have been an hour before the door was opened, and Rust appeared.
"Courage," he said, "I have some extraordinary news for you."
"I am quite prepared for it," I answered calmly.
"He is alive!"
I nodded.
"I judged as much."
"More than that! I believe he will recover!"
There was a short silence. I had never seen Rust so agitated.