"This is too dreadful," said the latter, huskily; "too dreadful! But are you sure, my man--are you sure?" "Yes, sir, sure enough!" replied Jerry, with a hoarse sob. "The miller saw him just before." "A terrible business--a terrible business! I thought we were beginning to see daylight again; but--poor weak rash boy!--this is ten times worse!" "Yes, sir--a hundred times!" said Jerry, with a groan; and master and man gazed in each other's eyes for some time in silence, till Mr Draycott gave a start. "I am so stunned and helpless with this trouble upon trouble," he cried huskily, "that I can hardly think--I can hardly believe it true. Tell me what you have done. You gave notice to the police, of course?" "The police, sir?" said Jerry, with a vacant look. "No; I never thought of that!" "And you have not given the alarm--sent people down the river in boats?" Jerry shook his head in a weary, helpless way. "Quick, then; do something, man!" cried Mr Draycott, wildly. "Run to the station and tell the inspector; they will take steps at once." "I--I thought you would want to hush it up, sir." "Hush it up, man!" cried the tutor, angrily. "You are crazy!" "Yes, sir, pretty nigh," said Jerry, pitifully. "My head feels as if it won't go; and I don't know what I'm saying half my time." "I beg your pardon, Brigley," cried the tutor. "I spoke too hastily. I quite understand your feelings; but steps must be taken instantly. The truth must be known--the cruel truth!" he added, with a groan. "Yes; what is it?" There was a tap at the chamber door, and Jerry went to open it. "Please tell master that the London doctor has come in from the hotel and wants to see him directly." "Ah, yes," said the tutor, who had heard every word; "I thought he would come early. Go on to the station, Brigley; tell them poor Sir Richard must be found. I'll go down to see the doctor." Each departed upon his mission, and half an hour after the London surgeon took his departure, confirming his colleague's opinion that a great change for the better had taken place in Mark Frayne. "Youth, my dear sir--youth! He has rallied wonderfully, and I feel that we may hope." "But you will stop for the day?" said Mr Draycott, anxiously. "There is not the slightest need, my dear sir. My colleague yonder will, unless something very unforeseen happens, pull him through." "But if anything unforeseen does happen?" said Mr Draycott, nervously. "Then telegraph to me, and I will come down at once. But I don't think you need fear, Mr Draycott, and I congratulate you upon the happy turn things have taken. Good-morning. I shall hurry off to catch an early train." "Congratulate me upon the happy turn things have taken!" groaned the tutor, wiping his moist face. "Poor boy! poor boy! I ought to have seen him again. It was more than the high-spirited lad could bear." "Yes, sir; that's it." "You back, Brigley? Was I thinking aloud?" "Yes, sir; and I heard every word."