"I propose that we summon him into our presence, and inquire of him what he wishes us to do." The proposition was not received with acclamation. They probably felt that a certain amount of complication might be expected to ensue if such inquiries began to be addressed to prisoners. "I think I'll go my rounds," observed the doctor. "This matter scarcely concerns me. I wish you gentlemen well out of it." He reached out his hand to take his hat, which he had placed upon a chair. As he did so, the hat disappeared, and a small brown terrier dog appeared in its place. The dog barked viciously at the outstretched hand. The doctor started back just in time to escape its teeth. The dog disappeared--there was the hat again. The appearance was but momentary, but it was none the less suggestive on that account. The doctor seemed particularly affected. "We must have all been drinking, if we are taking to seeing things," he cried. "I think," suggested the chaplain, almost in a whisper, "that we had better inquire what it is he wishes us to do." There was silence. "We--we have all clear consciences. There--there is no reason why we should be afraid." "We're--we're not afraid," gasped the governor. "I--I don't think you are entitled to infer such a thing." The Major stammeringly supported him. "Of--of course we--we're not afraid. The--the idea is preposterously absurd." "Still," said the doctor, "a man doesn't care to have hanky-panky tricks played with his top hat." There was a pause--of considerable duration. It was again broken by the chaplain. "Don't you think, Mr. Paley, that we had better send for this man?" Apparently Mr. Paley did. "Murray," he said, "go and see that he is sent here." Mr. Murray went, not too willingly--still he went. CHAPTER IV. THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE OFFICIALS OF CANTERSTONE JAIL PRESENTED MR. MANKELL WITH A TESTIMONIAL.