I looked at my companions, one after another, and saw from their flushed faces and damp brows that they were enduring equal torture.

There was a nervous suspense over us all, as though overhead some dread bell would peal out powerfully when we should least expect it.
At last there came a time when it was evident that the patient was sinking fast.

He might die at any moment.

I looked up at the Professor and caught his eyes fixed on mine.

His face was sternly set as he spoke, "There is no time to lose.