"Then surely you cannot shorten it, either? Tell me this, sir: why would you poison a dog that's dying, so that its misery may be ended?"
"I will not argue about it. The cases are not parallel. Common humanity would, of course, put a period to the agony of any unconscious beast."
"But wouldn't free an immortal soul from its perishing dirt?"
"No. I am diminishing his pain enormously. I can do no more. Remember, Mr. Baskerville, that our Lord and Master healed the sick and restored the dead to life. He never shortened any man's days; He prolonged them."
"I'm answered," replied the elder. "Your conscience is—where it should be: on the side of the law. I'm answered; but I'm not convinced."
They parted, and Humphrey found the other's argument not strong enough to satisfy him. He wrestled with the problem for some time and ere long his impression grew into a conviction, his conviction ripened to a resolve.
In the afternoon of that day he returned to 'The White Thorn' and found Mrs. Lintern with his brother.
Eliza had gone out for a while. Nathan appeared to be half unconscious, but his mind clearly pursued some private train of thought.
Priscilla rose from her chair beside the bed and shook hands with Humphrey. Nathan spoke, but not to them.
"A mighty man of valour. His burning words melted the wax in a man's ears, I warn you.... Melted the wax in a man's ears.... Melted the wax.... Oh, Christ, help me! Isn't it time for the medicine yet?"