"J^ot a sound!" growled the doctor. "Not a moan;
but ni break his spirit yet! I'll break him, or I'll
know the reason why ! " And he ground what teeth he
had, and wiped his wrinkled forehead with the red silk
handkerchief.
" Bravo ! " cried Mr. Strachan.
Dr. Sullivan looked up sharply, but took this expression
of enthusiasm to himself, as a tribute to that indomitable
and ferocious will which was his pride.
" You know me, Strachan," said he. " What I say I
mean ; and if you'd backed me up just now, and stopped
outside, you'd know why I say it. Not — one — solitary
— groan ! But I'll break him yet ; upon my soul I believe



THE COUET-HOUSB 235

I could have done it with this cane ! The fool of a fellow
didn't half lay on. He said he'd give it him all the
harder for that nice thing on his forehead, but it's my
opinion — "

The sergeant rushed into the room.
" He's gone, sir ! He's gone ! "

The doctor whipped a leather case from his pocket,
and went out hurriedly. In five minutes he was back.
His colleague was sitting like a yellow ghost.
