In the tiresome, pompous quarters of the doctor, with its bookcases draped in green, its white gypsum busts of Galenus, Hippocrates, and other old physicians, sat two dark-coated gentlemen. They were vis-à-vis, each in an office-chair, and deep in conversation. On the large writing-table lay several open books, and some shining white metal instruments for measuring and examining. "Sit down, my friend," said Professor Bommeldoos, in his loud voice and brusque manner. "We all know one another, do we not? We have already made an examination together." Johannes silently took a seat. "Let me explain to you, Johannes," said Dr. Cijfer, in more soft and moderate tones. "We--Professor Bommeldoos and I--have been charged by the judicial commission to make a medical investigation of the mental condition of your brother. He has committed a crime--not a heavy one, but yet not without significance, and one for which he ought to have been placed under arrest. Yet the clergyman thought him irresponsible, and summoned a physician from the asylum. Your brother simply would not reply to the latter. He was stubbornly silent." Johannes nodded. He knew it already. "That was the reason for his being temporarily secluded here. Now I have seen the patient myself once, but I am sorry to have to say that I can get no further than the other physician. When I interrogate him he looks at me in a very peculiar way, and remains silent." "I do not understand, Colleague," said Bommeldoos, "why you did not instantly diagnose this as a symptom of megalomania." "But, worthy Colleague," replied Dr. Cijfer, "he does talk with the nurses and his fellow patients, and he is obliging and ready to help. They all wish him well--yes, they are even singularly fond of him." "All of which comports very well with my diagnosis," said Bommeldoos. "Does he often have those whims, Johannes," asked Dr. Cijfer, "when he will not speak?" "He has no whims," said Johannes, stoutly. "Why, then, will he not reply?" "I think you would not answer me," returned Johannes, "if I were to ask you if you were mad." The two learned men exchanged smiles. "That is a somewhat different situation," said Bommeldoos, haughtily. "He was not questioned in such a blunt manner as that," explained Doctor Cijfer. "I asked about his extraction, his age, the health of his father and mother, about his own youth, and so forth--the usual memory promptings. Will you not give us some further information concerning him? Remember, it is of real importance to your brother." "Mijnheer," said Johannes, "I know as little as yourself about all that. And even if I knew more I would not tell you what he himself thought best not to tell." "Come, come, my boy," said the professor, "are you trying to make sport of us? Do you not know whence you came? Nothing of your parents, nor of your youth?"