The letter was in German, and was somewhat floridly worded; but its meaning was only too plain. Phil was no better—was in fact worse; that is to say, the prolonged insensibility was an unfavourable sign. But Dr. Schneeberger was not despondent. On the contrary, he still held to his original statement that he believed time and patience would effect a cure; but he strongly advocated a different method of treatment. He was, in fact, very anxious to send his patient away on a sea voyage, feeling confident that the change, the sea air and easy motion of the sailing vessel, would do him much good. A friend of his was just about to start on a cruising expedition in the Pacific, and had volunteered to take charge of ‘Herr Torwood.’ He was a medical man, a friend of Dr. Schneeberger, who was going himself for rest and change, and would be absent only four months. Four months might do wonders for the patient, and he was most anxious that the experiment should be tried. Both doctors were in its favour, and they only awaited Mr. Debenham’s consent. Tor read the letter thoughtfully, and looked at the case in all its bearings. Just once the doubt crossed his mind, whether it would not be better to bring Phil home as he was, tell the whole story, and let him await his recovery in his own house, and in his rightful position; but a little thought decided him against such a step. Were Phil brought home in that state, Mr. and Mrs. Belassis, as next of kin, would have great power; and their first step would doubtless be to prosecute Tor for his ‘felony and forgery.’ Matters had now gone too far for such a step to be practicable, and the game had not grown so desperate yet that Tor felt in any way obliged to throw it up. Indeed, since his late discoveries with regard to the rectitude of both Mr. and Mrs. Belassis, he had felt strengthened in his position, through the sense of having his enemies to a certain extent in his power. On mature consideration, Tor decided that it would be best to allow the experiment of the sea voyage. Should it succeed, as the doctors seemed convinced that it would, all would be well; and if not, no risk was run, so far as he could see, and matters would be in no worse state than they were now. Meantime, it might be rather a relief than otherwise to feel that Phil was safely away at sea, because Mrs. Belassis was certainly suspicious of something—of what, Tor did not know; and if by chance her prying eyes discovered Dr. Schneeberger’s address, and she took a fancy to visit him and see his patient, there was no knowing what unpleasant results might not ensue. This idea had struck Tor when he realized how his locks had been tampered with, and it was not a welcome thought. Mrs. Belassis was anything but a stupid woman; and once let her get a clue into her hands, she would pursue it relentlessly and sagaciously to the bitter end. Therefore, it might be no bad move to get Phil quickly and quietly out of her reach.