sent in our card, the doctor, though closeted with the chief of the
detective service, was good enough to consent to receive us.

"All that I can tell you," he said, in reply to our questions, "is
that I was treated with the greatest consideration. My three
companions were the most charming people I have ever met,
exquisitely well-mannered and bright and witty talkers: a quality
not to be despised, in view of the length of the journey."

"How long did it take?"

"About four hours and as long returning."

"And what was the object of the journey?"

"I was taken to see a patient whose condition rendered an immediate
operation necessary."

"And was the operation successful?"

"Yes, but the consequences may be dangerous. I would answer for the
patient here. Down there--under his present conditions--"

"Bad conditions?"

"Execrable!--A room in an inn--and the practically absolute
impossibility of being attended to."

"Then what can save him?"