Page:The Death-Doctor.djvu/293

Rh pretended to agree that such treatment might be beneficial, I added:

"The relief can only be temporary, and if you were to ask me candidly, Mr. Farnell, I should say that you have not been in the best of hands. This exercise and golf, and such like can do you no good. You are not strong enough for it."

"Don't you think so?" he asked, looking at me in alarm.

"No, I don't."

"Examine my heart. Dr. d'Escombe. I wish you would—and tell me your candid opinion."

Unfortunately, I had not my stethoscope with me, but I promised that I would make a professional visit next morning, if he wished it.

He was eager and anxious. Smiling within myself I saw that I had landed another fish into my net.

Well, the outcome of my visit next day was to alarm him slightly, and at the same time promise him a complete cure.

"If you carry out my treatment you'll be a new man in six months," I assured him. "You're run down. You've not been treated as you should have been. I don't like your heart at all. But we can soon have it right aeain. No exercise, remember. Don't walk