Page:The Death-Doctor.djvu/315

Rh We smoked on for an hour, and when I rose to leave I promised I would send him over the ointment that same evening by district messenger.

This I did, and as you may surmise, dear boy, when I mixed the ointment I emptied into it the whole of the little tubeful of that culture which I had so carefully incubated.

Next night we dined together in the grill-room at the Carlton, and as I sat opposite him I inquired after the little sore upon his lip.

"Oh, it's very much better." he declared.

"I used what you sent me last night, and again this morning. It is rapidly healing."

I expressed pleasure, but somehow that tiny sore fascinated me, as, ever and anon, I looked into the face of the doomed man. We went to the Gaiety together and sat in the stalls, watching a musical comedy. But, by Jove! I was hardly at my ease.

The trick had been done. I had only now to await results.

Next evening I visited old Mr. Farnell, and almost his first question when we were alone was:

"Well, what has happened?"

"Nothing," I said. "Nothing at least to