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Rh fellow, Thorne, but I ain't sure that you are the best doctor in all England.'

'You may be sure I am not; you may take me for the worst if you will. But while I am here as your medical adviser, I can only tell you the truth to the best of my thinking. Now the truth is this, that another bout of drinking will in all probability kill you; and any recourse to stimulus in your present condition may do so.'

'I'll send for Fillgrave'

'Well, send for Fillgrave, only do it at once. Believe me at any rate in this, that whatever you do, you should do at once. Oblige me in this; let Lady Scatcherd take away that brandy bottle till Dr. Fillgrave comes.'

'I'm d if I do. Do you think I can't have a bottle of brandy in my room without swigging?'

'I think you'll be less likely to swig it if you can't get at it.'

Sir Roger made another angry turn in his bed as well as his half-paralyzed limbs would let him; and then, after a few moments' peace, renewed his threats with increased violence.

'Yes; I'll have Fillgrave over here. If a man be ill, really ill, he should have the best advice he can get. I'll have Fillgrave, and I'll have that other fellow from Silverbridge to meet him. What's his name?—Century.'

The doctor turned his head away; for though the occasion was serious, he could not help smiling at the malicious vengeance with which his friend proposed to gratify himself.

'I will; and Rerechild too. What's the expense? I suppose five or six pound apiece will do it; eh, Thorne?'

'Oh, yes; that will be liberal I should say. But, Sir Roger, will you allow me to suggest what you ought to do? I don't know how far you may be joking—'

'Joking!' shouted the baronet; 'you tell a man he's dying and joking in the same breath. You'll find I'm not joking.'

'Well, I dare say not. But if you have not full confidence in me—'

'I have no confidence in you at all.'

'Then why not send to London? Expense is no object to you.'

'It is an object; a great object.'

'Nonsense! Send to London for Sir Omicron Pie: send for some man whom you will really trust when you see him.'

'There's not one of the lot I'd trust as soon as Fillgrave. I've known Fillgrave all my life, and I trust him. I'll send for Fillgrave and put my case in his hands. If any one can do anything for me, Fillgrave is the man.'

'Then in God's name send for Fillgrave,' said the doctor.