Everything, she had been told, depended upon the sick man sleeping, and now he was very quiet.

Then she raised her head and glanced at him.

He had not moved at all, and his face was tranquil, but the hot fingers still clung to her hand.

It was borne in upon her that she could in verity draw him back from the darkness he was slipping into, and with a great fear and compassion she held the hot fingers fast.

There was no longer any snapping in the stove.