often let slip chance comments which shed some light on the proceedings. I

was not certain how much the old servant knew, but he had surely learned

considerable, being a constant companion to both Andrews and myself.

With the passage of time, a slow but consistent feeling began creeping

into my disabled body; and at the reviving symptoms Andrews took a

fanatical interest in my case. He still seemed more coldly analytical than

sympathetic toward me, taking my pulse and heart-beat with more than usual

zeal. Occasionally, in his fevered examinations, I saw his hands tremble

slightly - an uncommon sight with so skilled a surgeon - but he seemed

oblivious of my scrutiny. I was never allowed even a momentary glimpse of

my full body, but with the feeble return of the sense of touch, I was

aware of a bulk and heaviness which at first seemed awkward and

unfamiliar.

Gradually I regained the use of my hands and arms; and with the passing of

the paralysis came a new and terrible sensation of physical estrangement.

My limbs had difficulty in following the commands of my mind, and every

movement was jerky and uncertain. So clumsy were my hands, that I had to

become accustomed to them all over again. This must, I thought, be due to

my disease and the advance of the contagion in my system. Being unaware of

how the early symptoms affected the victim (my brother's being a more

advanced case), I had no means of judging; and since Andrews shunned the

subject, I deemed it better to remain silent.

One day I asked Andrews - I no longer considered him a friend - if I might