I looked about.
There was nothing more I could do here.
Only tell the people to fetch me if a call should come.
But I could not make up my mind to leave the telephone. It was like letting go of a life belt.
Then all at once I had it.
I took up the receiver again and asked for Koster's number.
He must be there.
It was simply not possible that he was not there.
And there it came, out of the tumult of the night, Koster's quiet voice.
And I myself became calm at once, and told him everything.
I was aware of his making notes.
"Right," said he. "I'll go at once and find him.
I'll ring again.
Don't worry, I'll find him."
Pat?
The world stood still.
The spell was broken.
I ran back.
"Well?" asked the doctor, "did you get him?"
"No," said I, "but I got Koster."
"Koster?
Never heard of him.
What did he say?
What's his treatment?"
"Treatment?
He isn't treating her.
He's looking for him."
"For whom?"
"Jaffe."
"God in heaven—who is this Koster, then?"
"Ach, so—pardon!
Koster is my friend.
He is looking for Professor Jaffe.
I couldn't get hold of him."
"That's a pity," said the doctor, turning again to Pat.
"He'll find him," said I. "If he isn't dead, he'll find him."
The doctor looked at me as if I were crazed, then gave a shrug.
The light of the lamp brooded in the room.
I asked if I could help.
The doctor shook his head.
I stared out of the window.
Pat choked.
I shut the window and took up my stand in the doorway. I kept an eye on the path.
All at once I heard a shout.
"Telephone!"
I swung round.
"Telephone!
Shall I go?"
The doctor jumped up.
"No, I'll go.