“Doctor,” he said, “couldn’t I ask him one question?”
“My dear sir,” answered the physician pityingly, “you can do as you please; but the instant you or anyone else disobeys my orders I will give this case up and will not answer for the consequences.”
“Is it that bad?” asked the lawyer.
“It couldn’t be worse,” replied the doctor; “he only regained consciousness a few minutes ago. I succeeded in putting him into a light slumber. If he rests undisturbed for an hour I may save his life.”
Herbert slipped quietly out of the room while the two men were speaking.
“He is still sleeping,” he said to the doctor.
The doctor shot a sharp glance at the boy.
“I hope you didn’t attempt to speak to him,” rather sternly.
“Certainly not,” replied Herbert, flushing up at this reflection upon his good sense. Slowly, slowly, the minutes ticked by.
A few of the neighbors remained in the parlor. The doctor and Mrs. Harkins alone remained in the sick room. A half hour elapsed. It began to look as if the life might be saved.