The cavity left by the tumor was, of course, full of blood.

This was taken out with sponges, when at the lower part of the orifice a thin jet of blood was visible.

The surrounding parts had swollen, thus embedding the mouth of the artery so deeply that it could not be recovered without again using the knife.
What followed will be best understood if given in the doctor's own words in a relation of the circumstances made by him a few years afterward.
"As you will see," he said, "I was in the worst possible condition for an emergency like this.

I had used no stimulus since returning from Mr.
Carlton's though just going to order wine when the summons from Doctor Angier came.

If I had taken a glass or two, it would have been better, but the imperative nature of the summons disconcerted me.