"This engine—have you nothing to care for in life but that?"
"Nothing,—nothing but that and what it will gain me."
There was a pause.
"If it fails?"
The dark blood dyed the man's face and throat; he choked, waited a moment before he spoke.
"It would not hurt me. No. I'm nearly tired out, Sir. I hardly look for success."
"Will you try again?"
"No, I'll not try again."
He had drawn away and stood by the window, his face hidden by the curtain. The Doctor was baffled.
"You have yourself lost faith in your invention?"