"Do, father!" implores Bessie, bending over him, too.
There is a look of utter bewilderment in the doctor's haggard face, but he says no word. For a moment he gazes from one to the other, then drops back upon the pillow, his eyes fixed on Abbot's face.
"A cavalry orderly makes his appearance at the door"
"I am all unstrung, weak as a child," he murmurs; "I cannot understand; but do as you will."
There are voices in the hall; the clink of spurs and sabre; and a cavalry orderly makes his appearance at the door.
"I was to give this to Major Abbot, instantly," he says, saluting and holding forth an envelope. Abbot takes and tears it open. The message is brief enough, but full of meaning:
"Your presence necessary here at once to explain the papers found on Doctor Warren. Looks like a case of mistaken identity."
It is signed by the young officer whom he met on the occasion of his last visit.
"I thought so, doctor!" he says, triumphantly. "They are shaky already, and send for me to come. Depend upon it I'll bring you glad tidings in less than no time, and have an end to these mysteries. Now try and rest."