think that I am going to stand here and see you die without
either helping you myself or bringing anyone else to help you,
then you have mistaken your man."

"You mean well, Watson," said the sick man with something between
a sob and a groan. "Shall I demonstrate your own ignorance?
What do you know, pray, of Tapanuli fever? What do you know of
the black Formosa corruption?"

"I have never heard of either."

"There are many problems of disease, many strange pathological
possibilities, in the East, Watson." He paused after each
sentence to collect his failing strength. "I have learned so
much during some recent researches which have a medico-criminal
aspect. It was in the course of them that I contracted this
complaint. You can do nothing."

"Possibly not. But I happen to know that Dr. Ainstree, the
greatest living authority upon tropical disease, is now in
London. All remonstrance is useless, Holmes, I am going this
instant to fetch him." I turned resolutely to the door.

Never have I had such a shock! In an instant, with a tiger-
spring, the dying man had intercepted me. I heard the sharp snap
of a twisted key. The next moment he had staggered back to his
bed, exhausted and panting after his one tremendous outflame of
energy.

"You won't take the key from be by force, Watson, I've got you,