Samuel looked at Don Juan's outstretched hands and shook his head. "No," he said. "It is potent. The margin of error is very small."

As much as he trusted himself to administer the quantity correctly, as little did he afford Don Juan such assumptions of competence. "Open your mouth," he said. Then he added, "That did not trouble you before. Does it now?" and there was a hint of sardonic delight in his eyes. Don Juan had, in fact, been very eager to follow any such orders; preceding his involuntary sobering.

Another flush of sensation ran down Samuel's body. Something like a shudder, but not strong enough to unsteady his hands.

They were ready to administer the drop as soon as the man acquiesced.

---