Colonel Jeffery bent his head close down to Tobias's ear, and in a clear correct voice spoke to him.
"Tobias, I have come to say something very important to you. It is something which I hope will do you good to hear. Do you comprehend me, Tobias?"
The sufferer uttered a faint groan, as he tossed one of his arms uneasily about upon the coverlet.
"You quite understand me, Tobias? Only say that you do so, and I shall be satisfied to go on, and say to you what I have to say."
"Todd, Todd!" gasped Tobias. "Oh, God! coming—he is coming."
"You hear," said the surgeon. "That is what his imagination runs upon. That is proof conclusive."
"It is, poor boy," said the colonel. "But I wish I could get him to say that he fully comprehends my words."
"Never mind that. I would recommend that you make the communication to him at once, and abruptly. It will, in all likelihood, thus have more effect than if you dilute it by any great note of preparation before it reaches his ears."
The Colonel nodded his acquiescence; and then, once more inclining his mouth to Tobias's ear, he said, in clear and moderately loud accents—
"Sweeney Todd is dead!"