"You said the poison was subtle; will it be long before the effect passes off?"
"No," replied the doctor; "the danger should be quite at an end before an hour is passed. Subtle? Horribly subtle and quick, dear. I have known poor creatures die in a quarter of an hour after being struck. Hist! I can hear Kenyon's steps in the garden. Go to the door and bring him in."
Mrs. Cameron went out softly, but returned with Phra.
"Is Mr. Kenyon coming?"
"He went down the river in his boat, Michael says, and will not be back till evening."
"Tut—tut—tut!" ejaculated the doctor.
"How is he?" whispered Phra.
"Bad; very bad," replied the doctor.
"Oh!" cried Phra, in agony. "But you are curing him, Doctor Cameron?"
"I am doing everything I possibly can, Phra."