“There! You see, James?” she cried, whirling upon her husband.
“I think you'd better step in and see him now, Jim,” said the doctor, suddenly becoming very gentle. “He may come to again, and it may be the last time he'll ever open his eyes. Yes, it's as bad as that.”
“I'll go,” said Brood, his face ashen. “You must revive him for a few minutes, Hodder. There's something I've got to say to him. He must be able to hear and understand me. It is the most important thing in the———” He choked up suddenly.
“You'll have to be careful, Jim. He's ready to collapse. Then it's all off.”
“Nevertheless, Dr Hodder, my husband has something to say to his son that cannot be put off for an instant. I think it will mean a great deal to him in his fight for recovery. It will make life worth living for him.”
Hodder stared for a second or two.
“He'll need a lot of courage, and if anything can put it into him he'll make a better fight. If you get a chance, say it to him, Jim. If it's got anything to do with his mother, say it. He has moaned the word a dozen times———”
“It has to do with his mother!” Brood cried out. “Come! I want you to hear it, too, Hodder.”
“There isn't much time to lose, I'm afraid,” began Hodder, shaking his head. His gaze suddenly rested on Mrs Brood's face. She was very erect, and a smile such as he had never seen before was on her lips, a smile that puzzled and yet inspired him with a positive, undeniable feeling of encouragement.
“He is not going to die, Dr Hodder,” she said quietly. Something went through his body that warmed it curiously. He felt a thrill, as one who is seized by a great, overpowering excitement.