Page:Old ninety-nine's cave.djvu/157

 and I am surprised that he is not here now," said Mr. De Vere.

Even as he spoke, that gentleman's portly figure appeared at the door and after a short greeting, he dropped into a chair, panting for breath, but managed to gasp, "Well, Doctor, we are fortunate in obtaining your service. Is our boy's condition precarious?"

"First get your breath," replied the doctor, "and then my diagnosis will be materially strengthened if you are able to correctly answer a few questions."

Like all who came within this magnetic man's influence, the two men before him, in dread expectancy, instinctively felt themselves in the presence of one who has conquered his most dangerous enemy, himself, and as a logical sequence, his trained intelligence would be rightly directed. Neither of them, though, appreciated the gentle tact by which their minds were being prepared for the shock awaiting them. After a short pause, Dr. Herschel asked—"Has your nephew ever passed any time out of the United States?"