Still, Hiram paid not the slightest attention to this demonstration, but worked at his figures, more abstracted than ever. He knew it was merely a matter of time; the policeman would arrive in two or three minutes, and, as he hoped, would catch the doctor in the midst of his violent outburst of passion. On the other hand, our young hero soon discovered that he was to get no satisfaction from his antagonist, as he now considered him, by the course he was pursuing. He, too, began to count the moments--well aware that he had not much time to spare. He determined to change his tactics. 'After all,' he exclaimed, in a deliberate tone, 'I will not give you the chance for a case of assault and battery. I think better of the whole matter. Nature is slower, to be sure, but she will do the work better than I could. Do you know what an advantage I have over you? I am twenty-five, and you fifty-five. Money cannot buy back those thirty years. That's about all I have to say. 'Not quite, either,' he continued, still more deliberately. 'I am a medical man, accustomed to judge of a person's condition by observation. Do you want me to tell you what is the matter with you?' Dr. Ephraim Peters paused, as if for a reply. A natural instinct, which acts without our volition, took such sudden possession of Hiram, that he raised his eyes from his papers and turned them upon the questioner, as if expecting him to continue. 'I see the subject interests you,' said the doctor. 'Take my advice. Sit over your papers less, and exercise more--or you will be struck with paralysis within five years! Good-day.' He turned and quitted the apartment with a slow and dignified step. As he advanced a little way along the street, he encountered Holmes, still in search of a police officer. He had been at two or three places where one was always visible; but, as usual when wanted, none were to be found. 'Holmes,' said the doctor, addressing him as if he had known him all his life, 'hurry back to your employer; he wants you particularly.' Holmes sped off at the word, delighted to be relieved in his search; and Dr. Ephraim Peters went on his way. He was not mistaken as to the effect of the last attack. His chance shot struck Hiram amidships. The latter continued gazing on vacancy for a moment or two after the doctor had left the room. 'Paralysis--paralysis!' he muttered. 'That is what killed mother!' Hiram started up, and walked across the room. He pinched his arms and his legs, and both his cheeks. He fancied his left side had less sensibility than his right. "My brain _is_ overworked, that's a fact. Dr. Joslin has told me so frequently. I must ride every morning before breakfast; I ought not to have neglected it. Paralysis! how did he come to say paralysis?'--and he commenced pinching himself again." In the midst of these demonstrations, Holmes entered. Hiram turned on him angrily. He had forgotten about sending him for a police officer.