"And, John, you go right over there and lie
down. I'm going to take you home at once!"
"I've got a better scheme," said John, setting his determined jaws. The
sweat was pouring down his cheeks. "It may be a week--but there's just a
chance it--may be a little worse than that! So I've got a room in a
hospital! See? Be better all round!" He swayed forward.
"Johnny!" Roger caught him just in time, and the boy lay senseless in his
arms.
* * * * *
At home, a few hours later, Allan came with another physician down from
John's small bedroom. He saw his colleague to the door and then came in to
Roger.
"I'm afraid Johnny has come to the end."
For a moment Roger stared at him.
"Has, eh," he answered huskily. "You're absolutely sure he has? There's
nothing--nothing on earth we can do?"
"Nothing more than we're doing now."
"He has fooled you fellows before, you know--"
"Not this time."
"How long will it be?"
"Days or hours--I don't know."
"He mustn't suffer!"
"I'll see to that." Roger rose and walked the floor.
"It was the last month did it, of course--"
"Yes--"
"I blame myself for that."
"I wouldn't," said Allan gently. "You've done a good deal for Johnny Geer."
"He has done a good deal for this family! Can Deborah see him?"
"I wish she could."
"Better stretch a point for her, hadn't you? She's been a kind of a mother
to John.
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