Doctor Fraser cleared his throat.
"It is my duty," he said slowly.
Then he passed one hand quickly across his forehead as though striving to remove a weight from his mind.
"For God's sake, don't let it come to that, Mr. Hendrie," he cried. "I am an ordinary practitioner. This is a desperate case for a specialist. If you offered me a fee of one hundred thousand dollars I'd gladly refuse it. Surely you can get Hinkling here in time."
Suddenly Hendrie's fist lifted and crashed down upon the table.
"Yes, by God, yes!" he cried.
Then he sat quite still. A moment later he ran his fingers through his hair, and they remained there while he spoke very quietly.
"I'd pay you half a million," he said, in a low, deep voice, "if I thought you could do this—successfully. As it is I wouldn't offer you ten cents. I'm sorry—Doc—but——"
He rose from the table and walked heavily out of the room.
Phyllis followed his example. As she passed the doctor she paused.