A knock came at the door--a sharp, imperative knock. It was repeated several times before either of them could summon the courage to call out. They were petrified with the dread of something that awaited them beyond the closed door. It was she who finally called out: “Come in!” Dr Hodder, coatless and bare-armed, came into the room. CHAPTER XXII The doctor blinked for a moment. The two were leaning forward with alarm in their eyes, their hands gripping the table. “Well, are we to send for an undertaker?” demanded Hodder irritably. Brood started forward. “Is--is he dead?” “Of course not, but he might as well be!” exclaimed the doctor. It was plain to be seen that he was very much out of patience. “You've called in another doctor and a priest, and now I hear that a Presbyterian parson is in the library. Hang it all, Brood, why don't you send for the coroner and undertaker and have done with it! I'm blessed if I------” Yvonne came swiftly to his side. “Is he conscious? Does he know?” “Hodder, is there any hope?” cried Brood. “I'll be honest with you, Jim. I don't believe there is. It went in here, above the heart, and it's lodged back here by the spine somewhere. We haven't located it yet, but we will. Had to let up on the ether for a while, you see. He opened his eyes a few minutes ago, Mrs Brood, and my assistant is certain that he whispered Lydia Desmond's name. Sounded that way to him, but, of course------” “There! You see, James?” she cried, whirling upon her husband. “I think you'd better step in and see him now, Jim,” said the doctor, suddenly becoming very gentle. “He may come to again, and it may be the last time he'll ever open his eyes. Yes, it's as bad as that.” “I'll go,” said Brood, his face ashen. “You must revive him for a few minutes, Hodder. There's something I've got to say to him. He must be able to hear and understand me. It is the most important thing in the------” He choked up suddenly. “You'll have to be careful, Jim. He's ready to collapse. Then it's all off.” “Nevertheless, Dr Hodder, my husband has something to say to his son that cannot be put off for an instant. I think it will mean a great deal to him in his fight for recovery. It will make life worth living for him.” Hodder stared for a second or two. “He'll need a lot of courage, and if anything can put it into him he'll make a better fight. If you get a chance, say it to him, Jim. If it's got anything to do with his mother, say it. He has moaned the word a dozen times------” “It has to do with his mother!” Brood cried out. “Come! I want you to hear it, too, Hodder.” “There isn't much time to lose, I'm afraid,” began Hodder, shaking his head. His gaze suddenly rested on Mrs Brood's face. She was very erect, and a smile such as he had never seen before was on her lips, a smile that puzzled and yet inspired him with a positive, undeniable feeling of encouragement.