So the finger of the duellist trembles on the trigger of his gun before he receives the signal to fire--a suspense more terrible than the actual face of death.
"A narcotic ?" she pleaded.

"Something to give him just one moment of full relaxation ?" "I can't do it," said Byrne.

"If his heart were a shade stronger, I should.

But as it is, the only thing that sustains him is the force of his will-power.

Do you want me to unnerve the very strength which keeps him alive ?" She shuddered.
"Do you mean that if he sleeps it will be--death ?" "I have told you before," said the doctor, "that there are phases of this case which I do not understand.