“I thought as much,” said Cousin Thompson, who, while he played with the bottle, watched North narrowly.

“But,” added the doctor impressively, “I should make my will first, if I were you.”

“Why?”

“Because to-morrow morning you would be past the power of doing so.”

“Oh, I say, old fellow, is it so bad as that? Make my will, eh? Physician, heal thyself! Why, you haven’t made yours.”

“No,” said North quietly; “I have not made mine. Good night, I am going to my room.”

“One moment—shall I see you to-morrow?”

“No.”

“Well, the next day, then?”

“Doubtful,” said North hurriedly, and he walked brusquely by his cousin to hurry to the staircase, and up to his own room.