In a House opposite the court-house, which stood at the corner of a street which has long since disappeared, were two men who were earnestly conversing.
"Doctor," said one of them, "you guarantee a success?"
"Have no fear; I have often made such experiments, and always with success. I haven't grown gray in the service of science for nothing. I know what I am speaking about."
"But the long time," said the other anxiously. "You know we can operate only at night, and forty hours are sometimes an eternity."
"Before I entered upon the plan I weighed everything carefully," said the physician earnestly, "otherwise I should not have taken the responsibility. Have confidence in me; what my knowledge and care can do will be done to bring everything to a good end."
The other man shook the physician's hand heartily.
"Thank you, faithful friend," he cordially said. "I wish I could stop the uneasy beating of my heart, but I suppose it is only natural that I am anxious."
"That's it exactly," replied the doctor; "and to quiet you I will stay here from now on until the decisive hour. Good-by, I must go. You know where I am to be found."
The doctor went, while the other man struck his face with his hands and softly murmured: