All these letters were duly signed Philip Debenham. The plunge was taken. CHAPTER III. DR. SCHNEEBERGER. Yes; the plunge was taken, the die was cast. Torrington Torwood had taken upon himself the personification of Philip Debenham, and by the time that he had posted with his invalid friend from the little village of Hornberg to the town of Freyburg, he had quite accustomed himself to his altered circumstances. On the outskirts of Freyburg lived a German physician, who had devoted much time to the study of the human brain, and who had attained to a considerable reputation in the eyes of his contemporaries. Tor’s German education had made him conversant with the names of most of the eminent men of the day, and very glad had he been to hear that Dr. Schneeberger was now living near Freyburg in comparative retirement, whilst he prosecuted his studies and gave up the bulk of his time to the production of a scientific work, which was to make his name and his fame all over Europe. Tor had attended some of the doctor’s lectures in past years, and knew him for as simple-minded and kind-hearted a little oddity as ever trod shoe-leather; and therefore, without any misgiving or hesitation, he drove the unconscious Phil straight to the doctor’s own modest abode. Dr. Schneeberger was at home, and Tor was admitted to his study, where the little spectacled, sharp-faced man was seated at his microscope, amid heaps of manuscripts and piles of books. The handsome young Englishman, in fluent German, made his apologies for his intrusion, which were readily accepted, after which Tor opened his case. He and his friend Mr. Torwood were travelling companions, and had been so for many years; but unfortunately his friend had been struck down by a severe sunstroke some days ago, and had remained unconscious ever since. Important business now summoned him, the speaker, to England—business which admitted of no delay; and as he had heard that Dr. Schneeberger occasionally admitted under his roof patients who were suffering from injury to the brain, he had taken the liberty of bringing Mr. Torwood to him, to request him, as a great favour, to receive him as a patient, and allow him to remain there until he had recovered, and could follow his friend to England. Dr. Schneeberger could name his own terms; whatever sum he fixed upon should be paid. The doctor rubbed his hands together, scratched his head, and in affable tones asked a few questions about Herr Torwood’s constitution and the occasion of the stroke. He seemed interested in what he heard, and when he understood that the patient was in a carriage at his own door, he jumped up and trotted off to have a look at him. Tor’s cause was won. Phil’s case interested the little doctor. The patient was carried up to a clean, bare, thoroughly German bedroom, and Dr. Schneeberger made a most careful examination of his condition.