"Absurd!" said Chester, angrily, and as he spoke he saw that two of the gentlemen present moved to the door by which he had entered. "I insist upon going at once." "You cannot, sir." "Stand aside, sir, and let me pass!" cried Chester, sternly, as his opponent moved between him and the door. "Jem, for pity's sake"--whispered the lady. "Doctor, I beg, I pray you to stay." "It is impossible, madam, now. Let me pass, sir." There was a fierce motion made towards the patient, but Chester did not heed it. He saw that the other occupants of the room were closing him in, in answer to a gesture made by the gentleman in front. The spirit within him was roused now, and in his resentment he stepped fiercely forward with extended hand, when his opponent thrust his hand into his breast with a menacing gesture. Quick as thought, Chester stepped back and caught up the revolver he had seen lying upon the table. There was a faint cry, and two white hands were laid upon his breast. "Stand aside, Marion!" and there was a click from the lock of another pistol. "Doctor! for his sake!--pray!" Chester turned from her sharply, as if to avoid her eyes. Then flashed his own upon the man who barred his way. "Is this the rehearsal of some drama, sir?" he said scoffingly. "I refuse all part in it. Now have the goodness to let me pass, for pass I will." He threw the pistol he held upon the carpet, and once more advanced toward the door, braving the weapon pointed at his head. "Bah!" he cried; "do you think to frighten me with that theatrical nonsense?" "Keep back, sir, or I fire." At that moment a white hand pressed the electric button by the side of the heavy mantelpiece, the room was suddenly darkened, and a sharp crack and rattling sound announced the locking of the door and withdrawing of the key. "Then there has been foul play," muttered Chester. "Into what trap have I fallen here?" CHAPTER THREE. TWO HUNDRED GUINEAS. Chester took a couple of steps to his right, for there was a faint sound in the pitchy darkness which he interpreted to mean the advance of an enemy. Then in the perturbation of spirit and nervousness of the moment, he moved a step or two cautiously in what he believed to be the direction of the other door, and stopped short, half-dazed by the feeling of confusion which comes upon one in a dense fog. "Who did that?" said the voice he recognised. "You, Marion, of course. Here, you go to your room." There was no reply. "Do you hear me? It is no time for fooling now." "Yes, I hear you, but I will not leave his side. You cowards! do you want to kill me too?" "Hold your tongue. Di--Paddy--all of you, get hold of the mad fool before worse comes of it."