"To me—she owes me nothing, man."
"You mistake. As you walk, doctor, don't you feel your left arm twinge some?"
"Hang it, yes; but what's that got to do with this Maltese woman with the lantern?"
"Softly—speak in whispers if you don't want to arouse the house. See, she turns and raises her forefinger warningly. Do you mean to say you don't remember her, John?"
"Her face is familiar, but—"
He hesitates, and faces the professor.
"I see, you've got it. You saved her child from the death fangs of the mad dog, and a kind Heaven has placed her in a position to return the favor, which she would do if the most terrible fate hung over her head."
"It seems incredible," mutters the doctor.
Nevertheless it is true; the one chance in ten thousand sometimes comes to pass.
Already has his afternoon's adventure borne fruit in more ways than one; first it restored him to his former place in the esteem of Lady Ruth, which his refusal to do her foolish errand had lost him, and now it works greater wonders, snatching him from the baleful power of the actress who, unable to rule, would ruin.