Jones and a nurse, and we will
pull you through, sure."
"You will try, for sure, but I reckon the call has come for me to cash
in me checks. When that little devil Frost hit me right and left in me
chest last night, I could see me finish; and I heard the banshee in me
sleep, and that means much to a Sligo man."
"Not to this Sligo man, I hope," said I, though I knew that we were in
deep waters.
The wise man and the nurse came out on the 10.30 train, the nurse
bringing comfort and aid, but the physician neither. After thoroughly
examining the patient, he simply confirmed our fears.
"Serious disease to overcome, and only scant vital forces; no reasonable
ground for hope."
Sir Tom gave me a smile as I entered the room after parting from the
specialist.
"I've discounted the verdict," said he, "and the foreman needn't draw
such a long face. I've had my fling, like a true Irishman, and I'm ready
to pay the bill. I won't have to come back for anything, Williams;
there's nothing due me; but I must look sharp for William and the old
girl in the kitchen,--faithful souls,--for they will be strangers in a
strange land.
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