“You are in earnest, doctor?” “I am.” “Do you think they are poison?” “Of course they are not poison.” “Why do you object?” Dr. Lynch, fearful that Dick would put his terrible threat into execution, entered into a long disquisition on the practice of medicine, and the quality and effects of various drugs, evidently for the purpose of detaining him. Dick listened patiently, and to the surprise of the medical gentleman, he did not begin to exhibit any of the effects of the poison. “Have a cigar, doctor? These are of the right sort,” said Dick, producing his cigar-case. “Excuse me. I must go and visit a patient now.” “And I will go up and cure Julia’s headache.” “No. If you insist upon doing that, I shall go up to Pine Hill, and prevent her from taking them.” “You are unreasonable, doctor.” “I have not analyzed the globules yet.” “When will you do so?” “To-night, when I return. Give me the vial, Mr. Birch.” “I will give you part of them.” “Give me the whole.” “No; I want part of them.” Dick defended his system for an hour longer, without being troubled even with the stomach-ache, very much to the surprise and disgust of his host. “Mr. Birch, you will excuse me now; for, really, I must visit my patient.” “Very well. I will remain till you return.” “But I must lock my office.” “O, no; I will keep office for you till you get back.” “Really, Mr. Birch, it is after nine o’clock.” “No matter for that.” “I was up last night, and must retire as soon as I return.” “Do you really wish to get rid of me?” “Certainly not.” “I think you do.” “By no means.” “Are you afraid I shall die of the poison?” “What poison?” “The globules.” “Are they poison?” “Don’t you think they are?” “How should I know?” “You ought to know. I see you object to having me die on your hands.” “Do you intend to die?” “Not if I can help it.” “What do you mean by poison?” The doctor was ghastly pale. His hands trembled. “Nothing,” replied Dick. “You spoke of poison,” stammered the doctor. “Of course the globules are poison. Why did you object to Julia’s taking them if they are not.” “You ought to know best.” “I do know best, doctor. They are not poison. You need not be alarmed about me. I shall not die in your office.” “I am not alarmed about you.” “Yes, you are.” “Why should I be?” “Because you think I have taken poison; but I have not.” “You are a little wild to-night, Mr. Birch.” “Dr. Lynch, I came down here for the purpose of expressing my mind very freely to you, and for the purpose of delivering a message with which I was charged by Mr. Hungerford.” “I am happy to hear anything you may have to say on your own account, or Mr. Hungerford’s,” answered the doctor, gasping for breath as he spoke.