d to let go his hold of the picture, and turn to
resist the infuriated attack that was now commenced upon himself.

For some moments it was doubtful who would be the victor; but the wind
and strength of the doctor were not enough to resist the powerful
adversary against whom he had to contend, and the heavy blows that were
showered down upon him.

At first he was enabled to bear up against this attack; and then he
returned many of the blows with interest; but the stunning effect of the
blows he received himself, was such that he could not help himself, and
felt his senses gradually failing, his strength becoming less and less.

In a short time, he received such a blow, that he was laid senseless on
the earth in an instant.

How long he remained thus he could not say; but it could not have been
long, for all around him seemed just as it was before he was attacked.

The moon had scarcely moved, and the shadows, such as they were, were
falling in the same direction as before.

"I have not been long here," he muttered, after a few moments'
reflection; "but--but--"

He stopped short; for, on looking around him, he saw the object of his
solicitude was gone. The picture was nowhere to be seen. It had been
carried off the instant he had been vanquished.

"Gone!" he said, in a low, disconsolate tone; "and after all I have
done!"

He wiped his hand across his brow, and finding it cut, he looked at the
back of his hand, and saw by the deep colour that it was blood, indeed,
he could now feel it trickle down his face.

What to do he hardly knew; he could stand, and after having got upon his
feet, he staggered hack against the wall, against which he leaned for
support, and afterwards he crept along with the aid of its support,
until he came to the door.

He was observed from the window, where Henry and Charles Holland, seeing
him come up with such an unsteady gait, rushed to the door to ascertain
what was the matter.

"What, doctor!" exclaimed Henry Bannerworth; "what is the matter?"

"I am almost dead, I think," said Chillingworth. "Lend me your arm,
Henry."

Henry and Charles Holland immediately stepped out, and took him between
them into the parlour, and placed him upon a couch.

"What on earth has happened, doctor?--have you got into disgrace with
the populace?"

"No, no; give me some drink--some water, I am very faint--very faint."

"Give him some wine, or, what's better, some grog," said the admiral.
"Why,