Page:The Death-Doctor.djvu/43

Rh "You're surely not going to implicate her as deeply as that Featherson?" I queried, dropping the prefix for the first time.

"Mr. Featherson, if you please," he interrupted sharply. "It is necessary that you keep on the same old terms with me; you might forget at the wrong moment. Yes; Ella must help on this occasion. I fear that detective might make another excuse to get me examined again, and I hardly think he will worry a lady a second time."

"All right," I said, giving in to him, and then I told Ella what was expected of her later on. I had a good deal of trouble. There were many tears to be kissed away, and many "nothings" to be spoken, before I could get her to see things from our point of view.

About ten o'clock—ah! how long the evening seemed—I strolled into the lounge.

"I guess you'll find your hands full up, sonny," said a voice which I now heard with aversion and some fear. "How's that darned ankle, anyway?"

It was Rowe.

"It's going on very well, thank you; and, as you say, I have a great deal to do just now," I answered coldly, as I walked away. I was not desirous of being questioned by the