“I’ll go round and wake up the man to put the horse in.” “No, I’ll do that myself; it’ll take me half the time.” He methodically laced his boots. “Bertha is in no immediate danger. But I must have a consultation. I still hope we shall bring her through it.” “By Jove,” said Edward, “I didn’t know it was so bad as that.” “You need not get alarmed yet--the great thing is for you to keep calm and bring Spocref along as quickly as possible. It’s not hopeless yet.” Edward, with all his wits about him, was soon ready and with equal rapidity set to harnessing the horse; he carefully lit the lamps, as the proverb, _more haste, less speed_, passed through his mind. In two minutes he was on the main road, and whipped up the horse. He went with a quick, steady trot through the silent night. Dr. Ramsay, returning to the sick-room, thought what a splendid object was a man who could be relied upon to do anything, who never lost his head nor got excited. His admiration for Edward was growing by leaps and bounds. Chapter XVII Edward Craddock was a strong man, also unimaginative. Driving through the night to Tercanbury he did not give way to distressing thoughts, but easily kept his anxiety within proper bounds, and gave his whole attention to conducting the horse; he kept his eyes on the road in front of him, and the beast stepped out with swift, regular stride, rapidly passing the milestones. Edward rang Dr. Spocref up and gave him the note he carried. The doctor presently came down, an undersized man with a squeaky voice and a gesticulative manner. He looked upon Edward with suspicion. “I suppose you’re the husband?” he said, as they clattered down the street. “Would you like me to drive? I dare say you’re rather upset.” “No--and don’t want to be,” answered Edward, with a laugh. He looked down a little upon people who lived in towns, and never trusted a man who was less than six feet high and burly in proportion! “I’m rather nervous of anxious husbands who drive me at a breakneck pace in the middle of the night,” said the doctor. “The ditches have an almost irresistible attraction for them.” “Well, I’m not nervous, doctor, so it doesn’t matter twopence if you are.” When they reached the open country, Edward set the horse going at its fastest; he was somewhat amused at the doctor’s desire to drive--absurd little man! “Are you holding on tight?” he asked, with good-natured scorn. “I see you can drive,” said the doctor. “It is not the first time I’ve had reins in my hands,” replied Edward, modestly. “Here we are!” He showed the specialist to the bedroom, and asked whether Dr. Ramsay required him further. “No, I don’t want you just now; but you’d better stay up to be ready, if anything happens.... I’m afraid Bertha is very bad indeed--you must be prepared for everything.”