worse during the few hours that I had been with him. Those
hectic spots were more pronounced, the eyes shone more brightly
out of darker hollows, and a cold sweat glimmered upon his brow.
He still retained, however, the jaunty gallantry of his speech.
To the last gasp he would always be the master.

"You will tell him exactly how you have left me," said he. "You
will convey the very impression which is in your own mind--a
dying man--a dying and delirious man. Indeed, I cannot think why
the whole bed of the ocean is not one solid mass of oysters, so
prolific the creatures seem. Ah, I am wondering! Strange how
the brain controls the brain! What was I saying, Watson?"

"My directions for Mr. Culverton Smith."

"Ah, yes, I remember. My life depends upon it. Plead with him,
Watson. There is no good feeling between us. His nephew,
Watson--I had suspicions of foul play and I allowed him to see
it. The boy died horribly. He has a grudge against me. You
will soften him, Watson. Beg him, pray him, get him here by any
means. He can save me--only he!"

"I will bring him in a cab, if I have to carry him down to it."

"You will do nothing of the sort. You will persuade him to come.
And then you will return in front of him. Make any excuse so as
not to come with him. Don't forget, Watson. You won't fail me.
You never did fail me. No doubt there are natural enemies which
limit the increase of the creatures. You and I, Watson, we have
done our part. Shall the world, then, be overrun by oysters?