"We shall be governed in that matter entirely by circumstances," replied Dr. Jones. "I do not know what we may find there, and so cannot say exactly what we may have to do. But I shall consider the trip a partial failure if I do not leave this stately shaft, exactly to the quarter of an inch, standing at the North Pole, with that aluminum flag flying at its peak, there to float till time shall be no more." "Well, Doctor, I am a thoroughbred British subject, and can't help wishing that it was the Union Jack that you were going to leave there; but you deserve all the honor of the occasion, and I am glad to bid you Godspeed," said Barton heartily. "Thank you," replied Dr. Jones, "now let us go down and see further about your wife's case. I must be off to-morrow morning, bright and early." The Doctor and Barton repaired to the sick chamber. After nearly an hour they left the house, walked down to the river bank, and talked long and earnestly concerning the treatment of Mrs. Barton. "I will tell you just what I am doing for your wife, and the grounds I have for hope. I think, under the circumstances, that an expose of the rationale of my treatment is due you, for two reasons, first, because I desire to give you a reason for the hope that is within me, and so make you as happy and comfortable as possible by filling you up with a lively faith; secondly, because I delight in instructing intelligent people in what I conceive to be the only rational and scientific system of medicine known to man. "In this pocket-case book, you will observe that I have taken Mrs. Barton's symptoms very carefully and minutely: "1. A fearful and apprehensive state of mind. She cannot tolerate being left alone. "2. Intolerable thirst for cold water. Drinks often, and but a sip or two at a time. "3. The pains are very sharp, lancinating, and burning. "4. She is always worse at night, from twelve o'clock until two or three, A.M. The pains then are intolerable, and burning like red-hot iron, so that you are obliged to hold her in your arms to prevent her doing herself injury. "5. Great restlessness. "6. Skin yellow, or straw-colored, dry and wrinkled. "7. Very emaciated and weak.