Elizabeth and Mr. Granger sprang to their feet, crying, “What, what?”
“Sit still, sir,” said the doctor, waving them back. Then addressing his helper, and speaking in a constrained voice: “I thought I saw the right eyelid quiver, Williams. Pass the battery.”
“So did I,” answered Williams as he obeyed.
“Full power,” said the doctor again. “It is kill or cure now.”
The shock was applied for some seconds without result. Then suddenly a long shudder ran up the limbs, and a hand stirred. Next moment the eyes were opened, and with pain and agony Beatrice drew a first breath of returning life. Ten minutes more and she had passed through the gates of Death back to this warm and living world.
“Let me die,” she gasped faintly. “I cannot bear it. Oh, let me die!”
“Hush,” said the doctor; “you will be better presently.”
Ten minutes more passed, when the doctor saw by her eyes that Beatrice wished to say something. He bent his head till it nearly touched her lips.
“Dr. Chambers,” she whispered, “was he drowned?”
“No, he is safe; he has been brought round.”