or anxiously while they
sat in consultation, talking together in low tones. Now and then he
caught words, such as "peritoneum," "lesion," "perforation," etc., the
fatal meaning of which he more than half guessed.

They were still in consultation when a sudden cry broke from the lips
of Mrs. Ridley; and rising hastily, they went back to her chamber. Her
face was distorted and her body writhing with pain.

Doctor Hillhouse wrote a prescription hastily, saying to Mr. Ridley as
he gave it to him: "Opium, and get it as quickly as you can."

The sick woman had scarcely a moment's freedom from pain of a most
excruciating character during the ten minutes that elapsed before her
husband's return. The quantity of opium administered was large, and its
effects soon apparent in a gradual breaking down of the pains, which
had been almost spasmodic in their character.

When Doctor Hillhouse went away, leaving Doctor Ainsworth in charge of
his patient, she was sinking: into a quiet sleep. On arriving at his
office he found Mr. Wilmer Voss impatiently awaiting his return.

"Doctor," said this gentleman, starting up on seeing him and showing
considerable agitation, "you must come to my wife immediately."

Doctor Hillhouse felt stunned for an instant. He drew his hand tightly
against his forehead, that was heavy with its dull, half-stupefying
pain which, spite of what he could do, still held on. All his nerves
were unstrung.

"How is she?" he asked, with the manner of one who had received an
unwelcome message. His hand was still held against his forehead.

"She broke all down a little while ago, and now lies moaning and
shivering. Oh, doctor, come right away! You know how weak she is. This
dreadful suspense will kill her, I'm afraid."

"Have you no word of Archie yet?" asked Doctor Hillhouse as he dropped
the hand he had been holding against his forehead and temples.

"None! So far, we are without a sign."

"What are you doing?"

"Everything that can be thought of. More than twenty of our friends, in
concert with the police, are at work in all conceivable ways to get
trace of him, but from the moment he left Mr. Birtwell's he dropped out
of sight as completely as if the sea had gone over him. Up to this time
not the smallest clue to this dreadful mystery has been found. But
come, doctor. Every moment is precious."

Doctor Hillhouse drew out his watch. It was now nearly half-past ten
o'clock. His manner was nervous, verging