"Three o'clock in the afternoon."
"And the date?"
Lancaster told him.
"How long have I been ill?"
"Twelve days."
"Good God! Twelve days! My God, what time I've lost!"
"There's a chance for you to play your part yet. The blizzard has postponed the big meeting for a week. The miners from the outlying camps couldn't travel."
"Thank God for that! I've a week in which to recover—and prepare. We must keep the change secret, as you said just now. Surprise is the first element of success."
"It is. No-one will know you've turned the corner."
"Has Antoine returned?"