Tales of Terror and Mystery
The Case of Lady Sannox
Itonlyremainsformetogiveyoumythanksforhavingcome,andtocallinsomeothersurgeonbeforeitistoolate."
DouglasStonehesitated.Torefundthathundredpoundswasnopleasantmatter.Butofcourseifheleftthecasehemustreturnthemoney.AndiftheTurkwererightandthewomandied,hispositionbeforeacoronermightbeanembarrassingone.
"Youhavehadpersonalexperienceofthispoison?"heasked.
"Ihave."
"Andyouassuremethatanoperationisneedful."
"IswearitbyallthatIholdsacred."
"Thedisfigurementwillbefrightful."
"Icanunderstandthatthemouthwillnotbeaprettyonetokiss."
DouglasStoneturnedfiercelyupontheman.Thespeechwasabrutalone.ButtheTurkhashisownfashionoftalkandofthought,andtherewasnotimeforwrangling.DouglasStonedrewabistouryfromhiscase,openeditandfeltthekeenstraightedgewithhisforefinger.Thenheheldthelampclosertothebed.Twodarkeyesweregazingupathimthroughtheslitintheyashmak.Theywerealliris,andthepupilwashardlytobeseen.
"Youhavegivenheraveryheavydoseofopium."
"Yes,shehashadagooddose."
Heglancedagainatthedarkeyeswhichlookedstraightathisown.Theyweredullandlustreless,but,evenashegazed,alittleshiftingsparklecameintothem,andthelipsquivered.
"Sheisnotabsolutelyunconscious,"saidhe.
"Woulditnotbewelltousetheknifewhileitwillbepainless?"
Thesamethoughthadcrossedthesurgeon’smind.Hegraspedthewoundedlipwithhisforceps,andwithtwoswiftcutshetookoutabroadV-shapedpiece.
