When Mary was brought home by her brother, sick and suffering, Dick had advised Ross to call in Dr. Bilks, and he was attending her professionally at the time of Eugene’s return, though his visits were now made only two or three times a week. It was quite proper that Mary’s physician should know all her story, and Dick had unreservedly confided in him, though the narrative included the relations of Eugene, as well as those of Eliot Buckstone. It is more than probable that the anxious friend depended much upon the doctor for assistance in healing Hungerford’s wounds, as well as Mary’s. “Ah, Ross, is that you?” said the doctor, familiarly, as he recognized the caller. “Yes, sir; I want you to go over to the island with me right off. Mary is very bad,” replied Ross, hurriedly. “What’s the matter with her?” “She’s nervous; she got frightened. Be as quick as you can, if you please, doctor.” “Well, this is rather hard on me. I have just come in from a bad case over beyond the Point. I’ve hardly slept a wink for three nights. But of course I will go, Ross.” “That’s right; but be as quick as you can.” Dr. Bilks put on his overcoat, and took the small trunk in which he carried his medicines and instruments. Locking the door of the office, he joined Ross, who had already gone into the street. “I’ll carry your trunk, doctor.” “Thank you, Ross. You said your sister was frightened--had a shock,” said Dr. Bilks, as he drew on his gloves. “What frightened her?” “I may as well tell you all about it, doctor,” replied Ross, quickening his pace. “You will find it out to-morrow.” “Has anything happened on the island?” “Yes, sir; something has happened there; and I suppose no one knows any more about it than I do. That Buckstone has been down there.” “Indeed?” “Yes, sir; you know whom I mean--the man who pretended to be Mary’s husband; who wronged and deceived her.” “Yes. I understand. I have heard the whole story. You say he has been down there.” “He has; but he never will go away from there!” “What do you mean, Ross?” demanded Dr. Bilks, stopping short in the street. “Don’t you understand me? But come along. We must be in a hurry.” “You don’t mean to say you have--you have put him out of the way?” “That is just what I mean to say.” “Killed him?” gasped the doctor. “I struck him on the head with a club, and then threw him overboard,” answered Ross, in excited tones. “I gave the villain what he deserved.” They walked along in silence for a moment, for the doctor seemed to be paralyzed by the murderer’s confession. And yet there was something so commonplace and formal in his expressions of horror and regret, that even Ross was surprised at the coolness with which he received the intelligence. “This is bad business, Ross,” continued the doctor. “Why did you tell me of it? I am your friend, and I would not injure you for all the world.” “I did what was right.” “Do you think it is right to kill a man.” “I think it was right to kill him.”