Thus, inside of an hour, the whole town was put in a fever of excitement. Soon the number of cases was reported as a score; rumor had it that every one had been exposed.
At the office of Milling & FitzMaurice, a hasty consultation was held between the partners. The conditions under which the ship, Sea Nymph, had come into port, and how Mr. Barclugh had inspected her and had arranged to buy her, were discussed. The cargo of the Sea Nymph was in their warehouse, and no one could foretell the consequences.
During this discussion of their own affairs, Milling & FitzMaurice did not think of Barclugh. The Doctor waited and waited for some one to come, but no one came to his relief. The accountant, Mr. Hopewell, had heard the news on his way to the office, then had gone home to consult with his wife.
At last the Doctor became worried, and leaving his patient alone, he went to the office of Milling & FitzMaurice.
As he entered the accounting room, he walked quietly up to Mr. Milling and said:
“Sir, I sent Mr. Barclugh’s servant to tell you that that gentleman had the peste, and that he must have nurses and attention for he is a very sick man.”
“Oh, the man did not ask us for nurses,” contended Mr. Milling. “He simply told us that Mr. Barclugh was sick with the peste, and we had no idea that our services were needed for a mission of that kind.”
“There is no time to talk, gentlemen. Mr. Barclugh lies unconscious with fever, and I do not know to whom he can appeal in his distress but your house. Good day, gentlemen, I must be with my patient.”
As soon as the Doctor had left, Mr. Milling looked at Robert FitzMaurice as he said:
“Robert, what shall we do about this? I can not tie myself up for three weeks and be exposed to this fever, and neither can you. Our affairs can spare neither you nor me. Is there not some poor devil whom we can get to nurse him? Barclugh has plenty of money with us.”