He had the appearance
of a man who has been in touch with strange things.
"Some hot water," said he--"boiling, if possible. Don't ask me any
questions, there's a good fellow!"
I had already aroused some of the servants, telling them that the nurse
had been taken ill, and I was able to bring what he had asked for in a
few minutes. But when I returned with it and tried the handle of the
door, I found it locked. Rust opened it after I had knocked twice, and
took the can from me.
"Go away, there's a good fellow," he begged. "I will come to you as soon
as I can--as soon as there is anything to tell."
I obeyed him without demur. I went into my study, ordered some tea, and
tried to read. It must have been an hour before the door was opened, and
Rust appeared.
"Courage," he said, "I have some extraordinary news for you."
"I am quite prepared for it," I answered calmly.
"He is alive!"
I nodded.
"I judged as much."
"More than that! I believe he will recover!"
There was a short silence. I had never seen Rust so agitated.
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