somewhat difficult.

"In your absence," Kennaston answered, "Mr. Jukesbury, who it

appears knows something of medicine, has subjected Mr. Woods to an

examination. It--it would be unkind to deceive you----"

"Come to the point, sir," the Colonel interrupted him. "What--do

you--mean?"

"I mean," said Felix Kennaston, sadly, "that--he is afraid--Mr. Woods

will never recover consciousness."

Colonel Hugonin stared at him. The skin of his flabby, wrinkled old

throat was working convulsively.