It was hard for Ben to restrain himself, so impressed was he by the outrage of which he was the victim. It would have been a relief to attack the doctor, and seek deliverance by forcible means, but a glance at the well-knit frame of M. Bourdon, and the certainty of his being able to summon assistance, deterred him and led him to control his rash impulse. One thing he could do, and that was to ascertain, if possible, Major Grafton's motive in subjecting him to imprisonment. "What proof have you that I am insane?" he asked, more calmly. "Your appearance." "You have not had time to examine me." "The doctors are able to judge from very slight examination," said M. Bourdon, smiling. "Did Major Grafton tell you I was insane?" asked Ben. "You mean the gentleman who came here with you?" "Yes." "He has assured me of it." "What did he say? How did he tell you I had shown signs of insanity?" "He said you had tried to drown yourself in the lake, and, being foiled in that, had made an attempt to poison him. Surely this is enough to warrant his sending you to me." "Did he utter these infamous falsehoods?" demanded Ben, startled. "Of course you pronounce them falsehoods, my young friend, and doubtless you believe what you say. I am quite sure you have no recollection of what you did. This is one of your sane periods. At this moment you are as sane as I am." "You admit that?" said Ben, in surprise. "Certainly, for it is true. Your insanity is fitful--paroxysmal. Half an hour hence you may stand in need of a strait-jacket. If you were always as clear in mind as at present there would be no need of detaining you. I would open my door and say, 'Go, my young friend. You do not need my care.' Unfortunately, we do not know how long this mood may last." The doctor spoke smoothly and plausibly, and it was hard for Ben to tell whether he was really in earnest or not. He regarded M. Bourdon intently, and thought he detected a slight mocking smile, which excited his doubt and distrust anew. To appeal to such a man seemed well-nigh hopeless, but there was nothing else to do. "Are you the doctor?" he asked. "Yes; I am Dr. Bourdon," was the reply. "And you are at the head of this establishment?" continued Ben. "I have that honor, my young friend," answered Bourdon. "Then I wish to tell you that Major Grafton has deceived you. He has an object to serve in having me locked up here." "Doubtless," answered the doctor, with an amused smile, taking a pinch of snuff. "He is afraid I would reveal a secret which would strip him of his income," continued Ben. "And that secret is----?" said the doctor, not without curiosity. Ben answered this question as briefly and clearly as he could. The doctor listened with real interest, and it might have been satisfactory to Ben had he known that his story was believed. M. Bourdon was a shrewd man of the world, and it struck him that this knowledge might enable him to demand more extortionate terms of Major Grafton.