You will be all the better for a soothing draught." "I want no draughts," Ned said.

"Why should I?
I am as right as ninepence." "Very well.

We will see," the doctor said.

"Now I must be going my rounds." As soon as he had gone Ned began pacing up and down the room, as he had done the whole of the past night without intermission.

Gradually, however, the powerful narcotic began to take effect.