Was this a friendly hand that knocked?
Was its owner bringing him the word that the end had come and that he would not be called upon to deny the great request?
He sprang to the door.
"Dr.Bates is below, sir," said the maid.

"He would like to see you before he goes." Braden's heart sank.

"I'll come at once, Katie." There were three doctors in the library.

Dr.Bates went straight to the point.
"Your grandfather, Braden, has a very short time to live.

He has just dismissed us.