“Yes, he is the son of the bearer of the telescope. Father and son, they have more than spanned the century. But now his light burns dim.”
The doctor’s next remark was surprising. “You, I think,” he said, “have something to gain by his death. And yet,” he added at once, “I am going to ask you to go on a mission which may add some months, perhaps years to his life. Knowing you, having studied you, I know that you will do your best though failure might bring you a million.”
“A human life,” said Johnny quietly. “What is a million dollars to that?”
“Nothing. You are quite right,” said the doctor.
He rose to stand before the boy and point away toward a distant valley. “At the point of that valley is a humble village. There, for many years, I have had my home. In my home is a small laboratory. In it is the greater part of my medicine. One of those medicines may save this man’s life.
“If it were merely a matter of bringing it, I should send a native. Unfortunately it must first be distilled. It is, at the present moment, in a small distillery in one corner of the room. You have only to light the alcohol lamp and wait until the distilling process has been accomplished.”
“But the place?” said Johnny, eagerly.
“I will send a guide with you. He knows every foot of the way. And remember,” he added, “I am not sending you because I am unwilling myself to endure the hardship of the journey. For reasons I cannot at this time explain, I wish to remain beside the man who is fighting for his life.”
“I am ready to go,” said Johnny.
“Your breakfast is here,” said the doctor. “When it is finished your guide will be ready.”