while
we were once comrades in an adventure that was more dangerous than
this, but I'm not sure that I'd have been ready to go as far as you.
In a way, though, you were quite justified; the fellow no doubt set a
trap for us, but if he's to have a fair chance, we had better give him
something to eat. If he's as hungry as you are, he needs it."

He called Clarke, who had been busy examining Blake, to join them by
the fire. Weariness had deepened the lines on the doctor's face and
there were puffy pouches under his eyes. He was obviously exhausted
and scarcely able to move, but there was something malignant in his
look. He ate greedily without speaking, and then glanced up at the
others.

"Well," said Benson, "what's your opinion?"

"Your friend's state is dangerous, and he was right in his conclusions
about what was the matter with him. How he came to suffer from a
severe attack of malaria in this bracing climate I can't determine, and
after all it's not an important point. He can't live much longer at
his present temperature."

"And the remedy?"

"One of two is indicated, and the choice is difficult, because both are
risky."

"Then they're risky to you as well as to your patient," Harding grimly
reminded him.

Clarke made a contemptuous gesture which was not without a touch of
dignity. His manner was now severely professional.

"One course would be to put him into the coldest water we can find;
it's drastic treatment and sometimes effective, but there's a strong
probability of its killing him."

"You had better mention the other."

"The administration of a remedy of my own, which I'll admit few doctors
would venture to use. It's almost as dangerous as the first course,
and in case of success recovery is slower."

Harding pondered this for a moment or two. He distrusted the man and
believed he would feel no compunction about poisoning Blake, should he
consider it safe to do so, but he thought he had convinced him of the
contrary.

"I must leave you to decide, but if the result's unfortunate I'll hold
you responsible," he said.

"If you doubt my professional skill or good faith why do you put your
partner in my charge?"

"I've some confidence in your sense of self-interest," Harding
rejoined. "You'll serve the latter best by curing Blake."

After giving him a curious glance Clarke got up. "I'll try the
draught, and it had better be done now. There is no time to lose."

He moved towards Bl