"With information from Harry West. He had run the whole conspiracy down. It seems--"
"Names--did he give names?"
"Yes--unbelievable names."
Lichtenstein's eyes narrowed with excitement.
In the next room there arose suddenly the sound of many feet shuffling, as if men were carrying a heavy weight, and presently the smell of ether began to come to them through the key-hole. And they heard groans, and a dull, passionless voice that spoke words of blasphemy and obscenity.
XLVII
It was rare in Dr. Ferris's experience to see a man, after an operation, come so quickly to his senses. It was to be accounted for by perfect health and a powerful mind. The patient lay on his side, because of the wound on the back of his head, and into his eyes, glazed and ether-blind, there came suddenly light and understanding, and memory. Memory brought the sweat to his forehead in great beads.
"Is it over?" he asked quickly. "Have you done the trick?"
"It couldn't be done."