Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/38

Rh Fortune," he complained. "I expect more frankness, sir."

"My patient is my first consideration, sir."

"I desire that you will consider my anxieties. Well, sir, how is my brother?"

"You may give yourself every hope of his recovery, sir."

The Archduke looked round for a chair and was some time in finding one. "This is very good news," he said slowly, and slowly smiled. "Mon Dieu, doctor, it seems too good to be true! Last night you told me to fear the worst."

"Last night—was last night, sir," Reggie said. "This morning we begin to see our way. All the symptoms are good. I believe that in a few hours the patient will be able to speak."

"To speak? But the concussion? It was so dangerous. But this is bewildering, doctor."

"Most fortunate, sir. You might talk of the hand of Providence. Well, we shall see what we shall see. He may be able to tell you something of how it all happened. You'll pardon me, I'm anxious to prepare the injection." He dropped a tablet in the glass and poured in water. "Fact is, this ought to make all the difference. Wonderful things drugs, sir. A taste of strychnine—one of these little fellows—and a man has another try at living. Two or three of 'em—just specks, aren't they?—sudden death. Excuse me a moment. I must take a look at the patient."