"No man can answer that question, Mrs. Thorpe. He may live a week, he may live six months. I give him no more than two."
"And if he were to consent to the operation that you once advised, what then?"
"That was a year ago. I would not advise an operation now. It is too late. In fact, I would be opposed to it. There are men in my profession who would take the chance, I've no doubt,—men who would risk all on the millionth part of a chance."
"You think he would die on the operating table?"
"Perhaps,—and perhaps not. That isn't the point. It would be useless, that's all."
"Then why isn't Braden's theory sound and humane?" she demanded sharply.
He frowned. "It is humane, Mrs. Thorpe," said he gravely, "but it isn't sound. I grant you that there is not one of us who would not rejoice in the death of a man in Mr. Thorpe's condition, but there is not one who would deliberately take his life."
"It is all so cruel, so horribly cruel," she said. "The savages in the heart of the jungle can give us lessons in humanity."
"I daresay," said he. "By the same reasoning, is it wise for us to receive lessons in savagery from them?"
Anne was silent for a time. She felt called upon to utter a defence for Braden but hesitated because she could not choose her words. At last she spoke. "I have known Braden Thorpe all my life, Dr. Bates. He is sincere on this question. I think you might grant him that distinction."