“Oh, poor dear!” cried Mrs Brade, in deep concern. “Let me go and ask my doctor to—”
“No,” cried Stratton so fiercely that the woman started and turned pale.
“Go and do as I said,” whispered Guest; and after a while the refreshments were brought, partaken of, and, in spite of his friend’s protests, Guest insisted upon passing the night in an easy-chair, dropping off to sleep occasionally, to dream that Stratton was threatening to destroy his life, and waking to find him in his easy-chair thrust back to the side of the fireplace between him and the panelled door.
Chapter Twenty Four.
Two Nights of Watching.
“Thank goodness!” said Guest to himself, as he moved slightly and saw that his companion appeared to be sleeping heavily; but as he rose Stratton followed his example, looking very pale, but more like himself.
“Morning; how are you?” said Guest.
“Better—much better.”