It was evident that Herbert could not survive a third.
The night was frightful.
In his delirium Herbert uttered words which went to the hearts of his companions.
He struggled with the convicts, he called to Ayrton, he poured forth entreaties to that mysterious being,—that powerful unknown protector,—whose image was stamped upon his mind; then he again fell into a deep exhaustion which completely prostrated him.
Several times Gideon Spilett thought that the poor boy was dead.
The next day, the 8th of December, was but a succession of the fainting fits.
Herbert’s thin hands clutched the sheets.
They had administered further doses of pounded bark, but the reporter expected no result from it.
“If before tomorrow morning we have not given him a more energetic febrifuge,” said the reporter, “Herbert will be dead.”
Night arrived—the last night, it was too much to be feared, of the good, brave, intelligent boy, so far in advance of his years, and who was loved by all as their own child.
The only remedy which existed against this terrible malignant fever, the only specific which could overcome it, was not to be found in Lincoln Island.
During the night of the 8th of December, Herbert was seized by a more violent delirium.
His liver was fearfully congested, his brain affected, and already it was impossible for him to recognize any one.
Would he live until the next day, until that third attack which must infallibly carry him off?
It was not probable.
His strength was exhausted, and in the intervals of fever he lay as one dead.
Towards three o’clock in the morning Herbert uttered a piercing cry.
He seemed to be torn by a supreme convulsion.
Neb, who was near him, terrified, ran into the next room where his companions were watching.
Top, at that moment, barked in a strange manner.
All rushed in immediately and managed to restrain the dying boy, who was endeavoring to throw himself out of his bed, while Spilett, taking his arm, felt his pulse gradually quicken.
It was five in the morning.
The rays of the rising sun began to shine in at the windows of Granite House.
It promised to be a fine day, and this day was to be poor Herbert’s last!
A ray glanced on the table placed near the bed.
Suddenly Pencroft, uttering a cry, pointed to the table.
On it lay a little oblong box, of which the cover bore these words:—“SULPHATE OF QUININE.”
Chapter 11
Gideon Spilett took the box and opened it.
It contained nearly two hundred grains of a white powder, a few particles of which he carried to his lips.
The extreme bitterness of the substance precluded all doubt; it was certainly the precious extract of quinine, that pre-eminent antifebrile.
This powder must be administered to Herbert without delay.
How it came there might be discussed later.
“Some coffee!” said Spilett.
In a few moments Neb brought a cup of the warm infusion.
Gideon Spilett threw into it about eighteen grains of quinine, and they succeeded in making Herbert drink the mixture.
There was still time, for the third attack of the malignant fever had not yet shown itself.
How they longed to be able to add that it would not return!
Besides, it must be remarked, the hopes of all had now revived.
The mysterious influence had been again exerted, and in a critical moment, when they had despaired of it.
In a few hours Herbert was much calmer.
The colonists could now discuss this incident.
The intervention of the stranger was more evident than ever.
But how had he been able to penetrate during the night into Granite House?
It was inexplicable, and, in truth, the proceedings of the genius of the island were not less mysterious than was that genius himself.
During this day the sulphate of quinine was administered to Herbert every three hours.
The next day some improvement in Herbert’s condition was apparent.
Certainly, he was not out of danger, intermittent fevers being subject to frequent and dangerous relapses, but the most assiduous care was bestowed on him.
And besides, the specific was at hand; nor, doubtless, was he who had brought it far distant!
And the hearts of all were animated by returning hope.