"I'm answered," replied the elder. "Your conscience is--where it should be: on the side of the law. I'm answered; but I'm not convinced." They parted, and Humphrey found the other's argument not strong enough to satisfy him. He wrestled with the problem for some time and ere long his impression grew into a conviction, his conviction ripened to a resolve. In the afternoon of that day he returned to 'The White Thorn' and found Mrs. Lintern with his brother. Eliza had gone out for a while. Nathan appeared to be half unconscious, but his mind clearly pursued some private train of thought. Priscilla rose from her chair beside the bed and shook hands with Humphrey. Nathan spoke, but not to them. "A mighty man of valour. His burning words melted the wax in a man's ears, I warn you.... Melted the wax in a man's ears.... Melted the wax.... Oh, Christ, help me! Isn't it time for the medicine yet?" He stared at the bottle. It was placed on a bracket in his sight. "What did the doctor say to-day?" asked Humphrey. "Said it was wonderful--the strength. There's nothing to stop him living three or four days yet." "D'you want him to?" "My God, no! I'd--I'd do all a woman could do to end it." Humphrey regarded her searchingly. "Will he come to his consciousness again?" "I asked the doctor the same question. He said he might, but it was doubtful." The sick man groaned. Agony had long stamped its impress on his face. "When is he to have the medicine?" "When Miss Gollop comes back," she said. "There's an hour yet. The Lord knows what an hour is to me, watching. What must it be to him?" "Why, it may be a lifetime to him--a whole lifetime of torment yet before he's gone," admitted Humphrey. "I pray to God day and night to take him. If I could only bear it for him!" Mr. Baskerville knelt beside his brother, spoke loudly, squeezed the sufferer's hand and tried to rouse him. "My physic, Eliza, for your humanity, Eliza--the clock's struck--I heard it--I swear--oh, my merciful Maker, why can't I have it?" He writhed in slow suffocation. "I'll give him his medicine," said Humphrey. "This shan't go on." "She'll make trouble if you do." "I hope not, and it's no great matter if she does." He crossed the room, examined the bottle, took it to the light and poured out rather more than a double dose. He crossed the room with it, heaved a long breath, steadied himself and then put his arm round his brother and lifted him. "Here you are, Nat. You'll sleep awhile after this. 'Twill soon ease you." Nathan Baskerville seized the glass like one perishing of thirst, and drank eagerly. He continued to talk a little afterwards, but was swiftly easier. Presently the drug silenced him and he lay still. Humphrey looked at his watch.