"Where what little reason left to him will be wrecked," something seemed to say within Mary; and she held on more tightly to North's hand. "There, madam," said the doctor; "I have explained this to you, but I will also add, so that there may be no further unpleasantry, that all these steps have been taken after proper advice, and in strict legal manner. Now, be kind enough to let my men assist the patient to rise, and let us get this sad matter settled as quickly as we can." Mary wavered, and the doctor saw it. "Jones," he said, "you go and get the carriage round here. It will be much the shortest way." "Dr North is a very old and dear friend of ours," said Mary, recovering herself, and speaking with dignity; "and I cannot stand by, in my brother's absence, and see what seems to me to be an outrage committed." "Ah, your brother is away," said the doctor. "It is a pity, for gentlemen are better to deal with than ladies in a case like this. There, my dear madam, pray accept my assurances that everything is right, and that Dr North will be taken the greatest care of, and restored to you soon perfectly sane and well. Pray be good enough to stand aside." "No," cried Mary firmly; "he shall not go." "Just say the word, miss," whispered Joe Chegg. "Jones!" shouted the doctor; "come back!" The second keeper, who was nearly through the orchard, came back, and it was a case of three to one; but Joe Chegg was not intimidated. "Look here," he said. "Miss Salis says he isn't to go, and you're trespassing here. Hi! you Dally Watlock!" he shouted, as he caught sight of the little maid coming down the orchard; "you let loose that there dog." Dally hesitated while, in response to a word from the doctor, the keepers advanced; and they would have succeeded in their task--Joe Chegg's brave efforts being doomed to failure by the baffling movements of the well-dressed doctor, whom he hesitated to strike--but succour arrived in the person of Salis, who came running down the orchard, red-faced and excited. The odds were so reduced that a fresh parley ensued, the doctor giving his explanations now once more in answer to the indignant questions of Salis: "How dare you insult my sister?" followed by another, "How dare you insult my friend?" "Law or no law, sir," cried Salis, at last, "Dr North is on my premises, where, so to speak, he has taken sanctuary. You are acting at the wish of Mr Thompson?" The doctor bowed. "Then fetch Mr Thompson here." "Really, sir--" began the doctor. "That will do, sir," cried Salis. "You have heard my decision. If the law forces me to give up my friend, I may be compelled; but I will not give him up to you and these men now. Chegg, see these persons off the Rectory grounds." There was no help for it. A struggle would have resulted in the raising of the village, and, shrugging his shoulders, the doctor beat an ignominious retreat with his men.