For the first hour of our return journey, he did not speak a word. He was evidently in deep thought, and his face was as rigid as marble. Then, suddenly, he began to ask questions, questions which at first seemed meaningless. He asked me to describe the scenery around Bolivick, and then he questioned me concerning Sir Thomas Bolivick's household, after which he asked me to give him details concerning every member of the family. 'Have you made up your mind concerning the case?' I asked presently. 'How can I tell until I have examined the man?' 'But you heard what I have told you?' 'And you have told me nothing.' 'It seems to me I have told you a great deal, and I tell you this, McClure,--if it is within human skill to save him, you must.' 'Aren't I taking this long, beastly midnight journey,' he replied, like a man in anger, 'do you think I am doing this for fun? I say, tell me more about this Edgecumbe; it is necessary that I should have full particulars.' After I had described our meeting, and our experiences in France, he again sat for some time perfectly silent. He took no notice of what I said to him, and did not even reply to direct questions. But that he was thinking deeply I did not doubt. 'That's South Petherwin church,' I said, as the car dashed through the village; 'it's only a mile or two now.' 'That Dr. Merril seems a sensible chap. You say you asked him to admit no one into the room but Sir Thomas and Lady Bolivick. Why?' 'I hardly know,' I replied. 'I think I acted on impulse.' 'A very good thing, sometimes.' And after that he did not speak another word till we reached the house. When I entered Edgecumbe's room I found him still alive, but weaker. I noticed that a kind of froth had gathered around his mouth, and that his eyes had a stony stare. He was still unconscious, and had not uttered a coherent sentence since I had left. 'Will every one kindly leave the room except Dr. Merril?' And Colonel McClure looked towards Sir Thomas and Lady Bolivick as he spoke. 'Do you wish me to go too, Colonel?' I said. 'I think my words were plain enough,' and he spoke like a man in a temper. 'I suppose every one has gone to bed,' I remarked to Sir Thomas. 'No, Lorna is still up. She is a silly girl,--of course she can do no good.' 'And Captain Springfield?' 'He left about midnight. He asked to be allowed to see the patient, but Merril wouldn't let him go into the room. I thought he behaved to the captain like a clown.' 'In what way?' 'Well, Springfield's a clever fellow, and has seen many curious cases of illness while he has been in the East. He said that Edgecumbe's condition reminded him of the illness of an orderly he once had, and wanted to tell Merril about him. But doctors are all the same, they all claim to be autocrats in a sick-room. My word, Luscombe, you must have had a weary night. My advice to you is to go to bed immediately.' 'Not until I have heard McClure's report.'