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130 tiny, almost imperceptible nod, as though to say: "All right, the two thousand holds good."

She nursed the patient assiduously for the next couple of days, and I had to seize the opportunity of a boat and fire-station drill, which I sent her up to watch and which took away all stewards and undesirables from the cabins and alleyways, to give another injection.

"This should be sufficient," I told myself as I threw the light cover over the collapsed patient. I wondered if I should get the money after all. I had a strong idea in my mind that I should.

She appeared on deck late that night, and, finding me alone, came to my side, and said: "I suppose I have to thank you for this?"

"Very possibly," I answered. And then suddenly I added: "Do you think that, as a friend, you could lend me a couple of hundred pounds in a day or two? I have a great necessity for it just now."

"I'll write you a cheque for a hundred and fifty to-night. Doctor, if you want it," was her answer. And then in a whisper: "How long?"

"I hope to see a change in about thirty-six hours," I replied.