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"'What!' said he; 'go to the hospital, and expose myself to the sneers of all the nurses and doctors—never!'
"'But,' said his friend, 'should inflammation set in'
"'It would be all up with me?'
"'I am afraid so.'
"'And is it likely that the inflammation will take place?'
"'Alas! more than likely.'
"'And if it does?'
"Dr. Charles looked serious, but gave no answer.
"'It might be fatal?'
"'Yes.'
"'Well, I'll think it over. Anyhow, I must go home—that is, to my lodgings, to put some things to rights.'
"In fact, he was accompanied home, and there he begged to be left alone for half an hour.
"As soon as he was by himself, he locked the door of the room, took a revolver and shot himself. The cause of the suicide remained a mystery to everybody except ourselves.
