He sprang at the man, seized him round the waist, dragged him to the
ground, and seated himself upon him. "Now tie his hands," he said
complacently, as he balanced himself upon the writhing figure.



CHAPTER VI.


A RECTORIAL ELECTION.

It took some little time before his son, who was half-choked with
laughter, could explain to the energetic doctor that the gentleman upon
whom he was perched was not a dangerous lunatic, but, on the contrary, a
very harmless and innocent member of society. When at last it was made
clear to him, the doctor released his prisoner and was profuse in his
apologies.

"This is my father, Garraway," said Dimsdale. "I hardly expected him so
early."

"I must offer you a thousand apologies, sir. The fact is that I am
rather short-sighted, and had no time to put my glasses on. It seemed
to me to be a most dangerous scuffle."

"Don't mention it, sir," said Garraway, with great good humour.

"And you, Tom, you rogue, is this the way you spend your mornings?
I expected to find you deep in your books. I told your landlady that I
hardly liked to come up for fear of disturbing you at your work. You go