he rain.

In the shelter of the verandah he stopped. "Wait here a moment!" he
said.

But Stella turned swiftly, detaining him. "No, no!" she said. "I am
coming with you. I would rather know at once."

He shrugged his shoulders without remonstrance, and stood back for her
to precede him. Later it seemed to her that it was the most merciful
thing he could have done. At the time she did not pause to thank him,
but went swiftly past, taking her way straight along the verandah to
Tommy's room.

The window was open, and a bar of light stretched therefrom like a fiery
sword into the streaming rain. Just for a second that gleaming shaft
daunted her. Something within her shrank affrighted. Then, aware of
Monck immediately behind her, she conquered her dread and entered. She
saw that the bar of light came from a hooded lamp which was turned
towards the window, leaving the bed in shadow. Over the latter a man was
bending. He straightened himself sharply at her approach, and she
recognized Major Ralston.

And then she had reached the bed, and all the love in her heart pulsed
forth in yearning tenderness as she stooped. "Tommy!" she said. "My
darling!"

He did not stir in answer. He lay like a figure carved in marble.
Suddenly the rays of the lamp were turned upon him, and she saw that his
face was livid. The eyes were closed and sunken. A terrible misgiving
stabbed her. Almost involuntarily she drew back.

In the same moment she felt Monck's hands upon her. He was unbuttoning
the overcoat in which she was wrapped. She stood motionless, feeling
cold, powerless, strangely dependent upon him.

As he stripped the coat back from her shoulders, he spoke, his voice
very measured and quiet, but kind also, even soothing.

"Don't give up!" he said. "We'll pull him through between us."

A queer little thrill went through her. Again she felt as if he had
imparted strength. She turned back to the bed.

Major Ralston was on the other side. Across that silent form he spoke to
her.

"See if you can get him to take this! I am afraid he's past it. But
try!"

She saw that he was holding a spoon, and she commanded herself and took
it from him. She wondered at the steadiness of her own hand as she put
it to the white, unconscious lips. They were rigidly closed, and for a
few moments she thought her task was hopeless. Then very slowly they
parted. She slipped the spoon between.

The silence in the room was deathly, the heat intense, h