lumbered heavily on, and placed it to his lips. For an instant he
seemed conscious of the wish of the physician, and with an effort the
mixture was swallowed. Then he lay as still and motionless as before.

Returning the vials and the vessel to their places, Dr. Orfila closed
the casket and gave it to the Nubian. He then gazed long and anxiously
at the torpid slumberer, standing at the bedside and watching that
marble face.

At length the clock struck eleven. Dr. Orfila started and hastily
glanced at his repeater; then, turning to the Nubian, who had carried
away the casket, and, having noiselessly returned, stood silently beside
him, he said:

"Ali, in one hour your master will be in high fever; in two hours he
will, probably, be delirious. He will then sleep soundly, and toward
morning will wake, I hope, in his right mind, but terribly exhausted and
profusely perspiring. At daylight I shall be here. You must not leave
him for a single instant as you value his life."

The Nubian clasped his hands above his head and bent his forehead almost
to the floor.

"If you think necessary, however, Ali, send for me before morning."

The physician gave one more look at his patient, pressed his fingers on
his pulse, placed his palm on his forehead, and then, taking his hat and
cane, left the chamber.

CHAPTER XV.

THE UNKNOWN NURSE.

When the rumor that M. Dantes had been taken seriously ill was first
circulated throughout Paris, it caused excitement in every quarter of
the city, filling the Communists and workmen with dismay and greatly
elating their opponents.

In the midst of the excitement a strange lady, very plainly attired,
but whose language and bearing gave unmistakable evidence of refinement
and aristocratic associations, made her appearance one morning at the
office of Dr. Orfila and humbly asked permission to nurse his
distinguished patient. The physician, somewhat surprised at such a
request from such a woman, immediately grew suspicious and demanded an
explanation, when the lady informed him that she had known the sick man
in his youth and was still deeply interested in his welfare. She refused
to give her name, but solemnly assured the doctor that, should he grant
her petition, M. Dantes on his recovery would be ready to thank him on
bended knees.

Convinced at length that no harm was intended, the physician gave his
permission and the unknown lady was duly installed as nurse. She
discharged he