noon
Dr. Potts , however , stood by his big patient , wondering what should cause him to start in such terror at every step upon the stair without , and striving to bring sleep to eyes that had not closed the livelong night nor all the balmy , beautiful day . Once he asked if Doyle wished him to send for his wife , and was startled at the vehemence of the reply , `` For God 's sake , no ! '' and , shuddering , Doyle had hidden his face and turned away . Potts got him to eat something towards noon , and Doyle begged for more drink , but was refused . He was sober , yet shattered , when Mr. Drake suddenly appeared just about stable-call and bade him repair at once to the presence of the commanding officer . Then Potts _ had _ to give him a drink , or he would never have got there . With the aid of a servant he was dressed , and , accompanied by the doctor , reached the office .