"I see no reason why he should. I don't think your uncle thought he would die."
"Where have they taken him?"
"To the hotel. Now, Clemency dear, you [pg 188] must put all this out of your mind and go to bed."
Clemency obeyed like a child. She kissed James, took a candle, and went upstairs.
James went into his own room, but he did not undress or go to bed. Instead, he sat at the window facing the street and stared into the darkness, watching for Doctor Gordon's return. He sat there for nearly two hours, then he heard wheels, and saw the dark mass of the team and wagon lumber into sight. He ran through the house, and was in the drive with a lantern when the team entered. "Have you been waiting for us, Elliot?" called Doctor Gordon's tired voice.
"Yes, I thought I would."
"I stayed until I was sure he was comfortable," said Gordon. He clambered over the wheel of the wagon like an old man. When he was in the office with James, and the lamp was lit, he sank into a chair, and looked at the younger man with an expression almost of despair.
"He is not going to die of it?" asked James hesitatingly.
"No," cried Gordon, "he shall not!" He looked up with sudden, fierce resolution and alertness. "Why should he die?" he demanded. [pg 189] "He is far from being old or feeble. His vitals are not touched. Why on earth should you think he would die?"
"I see no reason," James replied hastily, "only—"