orm of a Frenchman. May the divil fly away wid him! I'm not
sayin' but Carroll there is quick with his tongue, and betimes with his
hands, too--the high spirit that he has! but sure, it's a tinder heart
he carries inside av him if they'd lave him be."

Meantime the doctor had been proceeding with his examination.

"He has lain a week like this, eh?"

"Yes, a week, with never a move till him, and niver a look out av his
lovely eyes."

"But he takes his nourishment, does he?"

"Yes, once in a while a cup of milk with a wee drap av whisky intill
it, doctor."

The doctor nodded.

"Won't hurt him. Not too much, mind. A teaspoonful in a large cup."

The doctor stood for some moments after he had finished his
examination, looking down upon the little white face, so wasted, so
beautiful. Then he shook has head sorrowfully.

"Ah, doctor, darlin'!" burst out Mrs. Carroll. "Don't say the wurrd!
Don't say the wurrd!"

At this Carroll lifted his head and enquired briefly, "Will he get
better, doctor?"

"He has a chance. He has a slight chance."

And with a look at Shock he left the room. After speaking a few words
of comfort and hope to the mother Shock followed the doctor from the
house.

"It is a case for trephining, I fear," said the doctor. "A clear case.
It is the only chance he has, and it ought to be done at once."

"You mean to-day?" asked Shock.

"Yes, to-day. But--" The doctor hesitated. "I am not ready."

"I could get your instruments and anything else you might order," said
Shock eagerly.

"No, it is not that," said the doctor. "The truth is, I have not the
nerve. Nice confession to make, isn't it? Look at that hand."

He held out his hand as he spoke, and Shock saw that not only the hand,
but the whole arm, indeed the whole gaunt frame of the doctor, was all
in a tremble. Shock's experience in the city wards made him realise
something of the shame and humiliation of the moment to the doctor. He
hastened to turn his attention in a happier direction.

"You have performed this operation before?"

"Yes, frequently in the old country, once or twice here. I have seen
some practice, sir," said the doctor, straightening himself up. "But
there it is," holding out again his shaking hand.

"Well," said Shock, "we must wait till--till everything is ready."

"Yes," said the doctor. "Not before three days would I dare to touch a
knife. In three days, sir, I shall return, bringing all the appliances
necess