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us all to the door. We watched him, fascinated, though I think we all knew
in our hearts that it was too late, and that nothing could be done now. I
could see by the expression on his face that he himself had little hope.
Finally he abandoned his task, shaking his head gravely. At that moment,
we heard footsteps outside, and Dr. Wilkins, Mrs. Inglethorp's own doctor, a
portly, fussy little man, came bustling in.
In a few words Dr. Bauerstein explained how he had happened to be passing
the lodge gates as the car came out, and had run up to the house as fast as
he could, whilst the car went on to fetch Dr. Wilkins. With a faint gesture of
the hand, he indicated the figure on the bed.
"
Ve--ry sad. Ve--ry sad," murmured Dr. Wilkins. "Poor dear lady. Always did
far too much--far too much--against my advice. I warned her. Her heart was
far from strong. 'Take it easy,' I said to her, 'Take--it--easy'. But no--her zeal
for good works was too great. Nature rebelled. Na--ture--re--belled."
Dr. Bauerstein, I noticed, was watching the local doctor narrowly. He still
kept his eyes fixed on him as he spoke.
"
The convulsions were of a peculiar violence, Dr. Wilkins. I am sorry you
were not here in time to witness them. They were quite--tetanic in
character."
"Ah!" said Dr. Wilkins wisely.
"I should like to speak to you in private," said Dr. Bauerstein. He turned to
John. "You do not object?"
"Certainly not."
We all trooped out into the corridor, leaving the two doctors alone, and I
heard the key turned in the lock behind us.
We went slowly down the stairs. I was violently excited. I have a certain
talent for deduction, and Dr. Bauerstein's manner had started a flock of wild
surmises in my mind. Mary Cavendish laid her hand upon my arm.
"
What is it? Why did Dr. Bauerstein seem so--peculiar?"
I looked at her.
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