Then I thought I caught sight of another man—a policeman in uniform!
A few moments passed when suddenly the doctor pressed a glass to my lips.
“Come. Take this,” he persuaded. “It will put you to sleep again, and you’ll awake a new man.”
That strange cold pressure on my lips recalled the Thing which had gripped me in the darkness, and I shut my mouth resolutely. But he spoke so kindly, declaring that it would do me good, that inert and almost helpless as I was, I obeyed him. The draught tasted of cloves, but was terribly bitter.
“Water!” I gasped, and immediately he held some to my fevered lips. I took a great gulp with avidity. Then I felt drowsy, and again lapsed into unconsciousness.
When once more I opened my eyes my senses seemed quite normal. I could see clearly, and I could think and reason.
I found Thelma and old Feng again bending over me, gazing very earnestly into my face.
“Where am I,” I asked eagerly. “What has happened?”
“Surely you know what has happened,” replied Thelma, “why did you attempt such a thing?”
“Attempt what?” I demanded.