The same patient, obsequious smile greeted Braden as he came up.
"He knows you are here, Mr.Braden.I sent in word by the nurse." "He is conscious ?" "Yes, sir.

That's the worst of it.

Always conscious, sir." "Then he can't be as near to death as you think, Wade.

He--" "That's a pity, sir," said Wade frankly.

"I was in hopes that it would soon be all over for him." "Am I to go in at once ?" "May I have a word or two with you first, sir ?" said Wade, lowering his voice to a whisper and sending an uneasy glance over his shoulder.