omewhat impatiently, and assuming a
manner at least as pompous as that of the fashionable physician, "of
letting Lord Radclyffe know anything about his nephew's position. I
don't. I have no such intention. But de Mountford's plight is a very
serious one. There are one or two points about his former life that
Lord Radclyffe could elucidate if he will. I want your permission to
ask him two or three questions. Hang it all, man, de Mountford's life
is in danger! I don't think you have the right to oppose me in this.
You take a most awful responsibility upon your shoulders."

"A medical man," said Doctor Newington vaguely, "has to take upon
himself certain grave responsibilities sometimes."

"Yes; but not such a grave one as this. You must at least give me the
chance of interrogating Lord Radclyffe. Supposing he knows something
that may throw light on this awful affair, something that may go to
prove de Mountford's innocence or guilt--either way--and suppose that
owing to your prohibitions, all knowledge of his nephew's fate is kept
from him until it is too late, until de Mountford is hanged--for he
risks hanging, doctor, let me tell you that!--suppose that you have
stood in the way, when some simple explanation from your patient might
have saved him! What then?"

"But the patient is too ill, I tell you. He wouldn't understand you,
probably. I am sure he couldn't answer your questions."

The doctor's original pompous manner had left him somewhat. He was now
more like an obstinate man, arguing, than like a medical man whose
pronouncements must be final. Sir Thomas Ryder--one of the keenest men
to note such subtle changes in another--saw that he had gained an
advantage. He was quick enough to press it home.

"Let me try at all events," he said. "The whole matter is of such
enormous importance! After all, doctor, it is a question of one human
life against the other. With regard to de Mountford, let me tell you
that unless we can get some very definite proof as to his innocence,
it is bound to go hard with him. Say that a few weeks hence Lord
Radclyffe, recovering from this severe illness, is confronted with the
news that his nephew is being tried for murder, or that he has been
condemned--I won't even mention the final awful possibility--do you
think that you or any one will save the old man's life then, or his
reason perhaps?"

Doctor Newington was silent for awhile. Clearly he was ready to give
way. Like most men who o