Then he gave a quick turn of his head, as of one who listens, and leaping to his feet, he cried out to me, "It is not yet too late! Quick! Quick! Bring the brandy!" I flew downstairs and returned with it, taking care to smell and taste it, lest it, too, were drugged like the decanter of sherry which I found on the table.

The maids were still breathing, but more restlessly, and I fancied that the narcotic was wearing off.

I did not stay to make sure, but returned to Van Helsing.

He rubbed the brandy, as on another occasion, on her lips and gums and on her wrists and the palms of her hands.

He said to me, "I can do this, all that can be at the present.