“Need we keep you any longer, doctor? It is getting very late and you have a long way to go.”

I looked doubtfully at the patient. I was loath to leave him, distrusting these people as I did. But I had my work to do on the morrow, with, perhaps, a night call or two in the interval, and the endurance even of a general practitioner has its limits.

“I think I heard the carriage some time ago,” Mrs. Schallibaum added.

I rose hesitatingly and looked at my watch. It had turned half-past eleven.

“You understand,” I said in a low voice, “that the danger is not over? If he is left now he will fall asleep, and in all human probability will never wake. You clearly understand that?”

“Yes, quite clearly. I promise you he shall not be allowed to fall asleep again.”